Xander arrives

Sunday was another long, hot day. We lounged about and spent the day praying to see Xander soon. We went to bed early, hoping the new week would bring a wonderful bundle of joy and love.

The phone rang at 2:30 am and I jumped at the sound. It was Jen,"My water just broke. Can you come pick me up?"

"Yes, let me find Scott and we'll be on our way." I jumped out of bed and ran out the door. Knocking on a door Scott tiredly asked what was going on. "That was Jenn, we need to go now." His voice perked up as he called out "Woohoo"

Linda drove us to Jenn's and we stopped long enough for her to hop in the car. Then we were off- headed toward the hospital in the wee hours of the morning. The streets were clear except for a lone raccoon and a few small deer. We pulled into the ER and unloaded the car.

Settled into the delivery room upstairs we began the long process to the much awaited and anticipated delivery of our son. At about 10:00 am Jenn was dilated to a 5.5 and we got excited and we eased her through the hills and valleys of labor. She got her first shot of drugs and was feeling a little bit better. She was ready to go home when she was dilated to an 8... Then the nurse turned Jenn on her side and forced her to stay there for 2 contractions until Xan dropped down to the birth canal. Jen kept saying she was done and wanted to go home. She didn't want to be on her side and she didn't want to push.

Then she was back on her back and ready to push. The commotion began about then. Dr. Watley checked Jenn and stated Xan was right there and ready then she was gone. In fact there were no more nurses or doctors in our room. We were told not to move. Grandma Sandy and I looked at each other in disbelief as we wondered what was going on and joked that we would have to deliver the little one ourselves. Dr. Watley ran back in and stripped out of her gown and replaced it with another without a word. I was told to grab Jenn's right leg and Grandma Sandy was told to grab her left leg and push back toward Jen. Then we encouraged her to push.

What a beautiful sight. He crowned and we all cheered her on. Jenn was having a tough time pushing since there was so much pain. We had to really encourage Jenn to push. Kate, the nurse, came in and got firm with Jenn so that she would push. After 4 big pushes Xander slid out- no shoulder pushing. Dr. Watley hurried and cleaned Xan and I was able to cut the cord. He was so beautiful.

The nurse took him to clean him up and weigh him. Then the room emptied again and we had the chance to spend time together. Grandma Linda and Scott came in and we shared the excitement with them as we fawned over our son. So much love in one room once seemed incredibly impossible~ but I felt it that day and it just keeps growing!

The long wait

We're here in Illinois awaiting the birth of our beautiful son. Things never work the way you want them to so we are stilling in waiting mode. We got here just in time to find out that the adoption agency (on Jennifer's side) decided to give Jennifer money without talking to us. This would have been an easy ting to discuss several months ago, but to hear it on the way out here was frustrating as we were already broke. Then, as we pulled into town the social worker here told us the lawyer would cost another chunk of money we didn't have. After crying and praying~ we resorted to family. It would seem that the social worker, out here, is the kind of person who likes to wait to the end and lacks communication and compassion.

The list goes on and on of things we thought would happen but didn't: however, I don't want to dwell in a negative place at this time of rejoicing. We are working hard, occupying our minds with manual labor instead of birthing labor. We console each other with the knowledge that he can't stay in there forever.

We have spent many good days with Jennifer and shared many tear-filled days with her as well as we all prepare for the biggest changes in our lives. After our sweetest Xander fills our arms, we are off to see the judge for the finale... Of course then we have to wait for the states to communicate with one another~ government!

We hope to be home with a few beautiful days to spend with our precious bundle before I have to go back to work. My goal is to get the business up and running so that I can stay home with our sweetest and newest addition to our family.

For now we strip decks and repaint them, repaint rooms, plant flowers, empty weed infested ponds and try to keep our minds and body's so busy that we fall mindlessly asleep at night.

Keep us in your prayers please. Pray that Xander will come soon.

The cars packed and ready to go. We just need out own clothes. We are ready for the possibility of leaving on a seconds notice. Jenn is experiencing pains. She is 4" and 60% effaced. That means something to a few people- not so much to me, but I get excited because everyone else gets excited when I tell them. It's so very close!

Today we purchased a stroller and a pack-n-play!! I am so excited! Can't wait to bring Xander home.

Got the pictures of the little man!!!!! He's so cute...

We are so excited!!!!!!!!!!!

The Dresser

I know it's been awhile. We've been busy! I just finished Xander's dresser and will attempt to upload the pictures. I have some clothes for our little guy and I can't believe he's going to fit into them- they are so tiny! More paperwork and things are moving forward. Scott and I are so giddy with anticipation! Can't wait!

We have the sex. We have the name. We have the colors. More paperwork for the agency and our physical exams are in. Today I paint and get some decor on the walls...