Nathan Daniel

Proudly we announce Nathan Daniel's birth!  He was born yesterday morning bright and early at 8 lbs 1.6 oz and 20 inches.  All aspects of the c-section went as well as they could go.  He came out screaming and very pink.  My pain was minimal and I even slept the night before!  God was so gracious to us and provided for all of our needs.
 
The name Nathan means, "God Has Given".  When we found out we were having another boy, we rejoiced and said, "God has given us another son to add to our many!"  So that is the main reason we chose that name.  God has also blessed us with many things we did not expect this year so Nathan was fitting for this time in our lives and family.  Daniel means "God is my Judge".  Along with many blessings this year, there were also many difficulties.  We often found ourselves wading through these times knowing that God is our Judge and that we seek to please Him, not others.  So that's where his middle name came from.

Now back to the story...

When we showed up, we saw Ginger, who was Caleb's labor and delivery nurse.  I've never forgotten her and the kindness she showed while I was in labor with him.  She was really special.  I didn't see her with Joshua's birth.  However, when Elliana was born, she had remembered me and came specifically to prep me for her surgery.  This time, she made sure to show up and chat with us for awhile as another nurse prepped me.  Seeing her smile immediately relaxed me.

There was also an anesthesiologist that I met during my VBAC consult with Josh.  He was super funny, warm and kind.  I remembered him and I always hoped I'd get him to do my spinal.  The spinal is the scariest part of the whole thing for me for some reason.  It's also the only time in the process that I have to be on my own.  Steve isn't allowed into the operating room until that part is over.

In the past, I've had anesthesiologists who struggled with gentleness.  So I always pray that whoever shows up will at least make me feel comfortable since it's my least favorite part.  After mentioning to our nurse that I really hoped that doctor would do my spinal, she said it was unlikely since there are 15 of them who rotate in and out.  However, a few minutes later, he walked through the door with a bowtie on, grinning from ear to ear.  After talking with him for a bit, we discovered he is a Christian.  I felt so comfortable with him doing the spinal and it went off without a hitch.  As an added bonus, he busted out the classic, old school Newsboys, once Nathan was born.  It was hilarious.

I didn't get to hold Nathan right away.  But while they were sewing me up, I started getting a pretty bad headache so the thought of holding him was pretty far from my mind.  I got uncomfortable quick!  They gave me some medicine in my IV and within a few minutes I was doing much better.  A couple of minutes after that, I was headed back to the postpartum room, Nathan was on his way from getting cleaned up and I was able to nurse him within twenty minutes of being born!  I think that's the fastest I've ever gotten any of our c-section babies latched on.  I was really, really thankful!

All in all, God has really blessed us here with wonderful family and friends coming in and out.  We've been spoiled with watching the Olympics, yummy treats and rest.  Both grandparents have been amazing and our kids did really well meeting their new brother.  Steve and I have been soaking up the time we're getting with just each other and Nathan.  It's been wonderful.  And on Sunday, Steve and Isaac's birthday, we'll be going home.

We're thankful.  God has given us another son and we are so grateful.  Thanks for praying for us.  I'm sure the transition to five kids, along with school starting, will be a bit crazy.  So keep praying...I'm sure we'll need it!