Our Boy

I thought we had 10 more days at least to prepare. I still needed to wash newborn cloths, vacuum and clean the house, clean the ceiling fan lights, buy a few needed items for our new addition...plus John-Mark and I were going to go to the movies, Gabriella was going to spend Friday night with Grandma and Grandpa....blah blah blah. God had other plans and taught me a valuable lesson...that I am not in control and that He is always in control. All this to say...yes, our baby boy, our SON came 10 days early in God's perfect time and we wouldn't have had it any other way.

So here's my 9 1/2 month picture....didn't quite get the belly shot but I think he's a lot cuter :)

Introducing

our

new little love

Jude Elliot Warkentin

July 21st 2009

9:48pm

7lbs 9 ounces

18 1/2 inches (at birth)

19 3/4 inches (2 days later!!hmmm)

My due date July 31st ish....He came 1 day before Gabriella's 3rd Birthday

I had another dream birth. I loved every minute of it and was so thankful for the opportunity to have a water birth. John-Mark and I "caught" our son. It was miraculous. Sorry...no decent pics for y'all to see. :) Above is a picture of me at 8 centimeters dilated. I felt great and was happy. Gabriella was with us at the birth center for a while. During that time she decorated me with stickers. I never took them off, even in the tub (surprisingly they stayed on!). Something to remember my girl by.

"Hey Jude"

With Mama not quite an hour old

My midwife BJ Snell and 2 birth assistants

Gabriella and her baby brother the next morning

She knew it was going to be a boy!

I have lots of video of JM and Jude and the birth but not many photos of my 2 boys together. JM is in heaven with his son! In fact, the first time Jude was placed in JM's arms he said "Hello SON!" He kept saying Son! He likes the sound of that. Me too.

Our doula Cyndi

She was a phenomenal doula and gave me so much support, comfort and confidence. She also was one of my doula instructors. She really taught me so much as I was in labor. I truly received a hands on training experience! What a way to learn. We love her!

Praise be to God that our boy is here safe and sound. You can pray for him as we are trying to get his weight up. He lost a little over a pound but is gaining now. Nursing is going better but was and is still a challenge at times. God is good to us and has blesses yet again with another child. Doesn't get much better than this.