Welcome Nathan Luke!!

I know most of you have seen pictures already, but I thought you might want to hear from me and see some of mine too! Thank you all so much for your prayers. They were definitely felt and appreciated.

Craig and I arrived at the hospital right around 6 a.m. We got checked in, did labs, and headed up to my room. They got prep started right away and before we knew it, my surgery nurse showed up to walk me back to the waiting area. As soon as the nurse (a male) walked in, he gave Craig a hearty OOH RAH and it took me a while to figure out how he knew he is a Marine. Of course, Craig was wearing his Marine lapel pin. (Should have known!) It turns out my nurse was a Navy Corpsman and has a fond place in his heart for Marines. They had plenty to talk about, which was a nice distraction (for Craig at least).

So then, off in the O.R. I managed to get my spinal done with less nervousness than I expected, though it is still always scary. The most difficult part of the whole ordeal was after the spinal and during the prep. I felt like I couldn't breathe, but the anesthesiologist kept assuring me that I was breathing fine. It was like having a huge weight on my chest. I know the pressure laying flat on my back with a big baby in there didn't help! Thankfully, that feeling wore off by the time Craig came in and things got started.

It seemed like it took quite a while before they finally got Nathan out, but when they did, it was very obvious to me because I could feel my rib cage lower by what seemed like a foot! Not really, but it was dramatic. I have been much more comfortable ever since!

Craig did great and was even able to hold Nathan while I saw him for the first time and then he carried him to the nursery. We soon got the report back in the O.R. that we had an 8 pound 5.5 ounce baby. I told the surgery staff, "I told you he'd be between 8 and 9 pounds!" (The Dr. had guessed 8 pounds after he delivered him.)

I'm getting around better than I did when I walked into the hospital. I even comfortably walked around in Wal-Mart on the way home (something that hasn't been comfortable to do for months.) By the way, I had to pick up my prescription and some other things which required both Craig and I to go in. Why else would I be insane enough to go to Wal-Mart just two days after having a baby? We made it fine though and don't worry...Nathan was never uncovered from his carseat carrier, so he didn't get any germs.

Joshua and Andrew were so glad to have us home and continue to be excited about their new baby brother. They are going to be such great big brothers. We are all doing well and getting settled in. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

Here are the stats and some pictures....I hope you enjoy!

Nathan Luke
Born: Sept. 25, 2008
Time: 8:38 a.m.
Weight: 8 pounds 5.5 ounces
Length: 19 inches

Final "Belly Shot" just before changing into hospital gown..


Big Brothers can't believe Nathan is FINALLY here!


Mom holding Nathan for the first time..


The "Biggest Brother" Joshua


The "Big Brother" Andrew


Daddy and Nathan


Would you stop with the flash already?


Sweet Baby Boy