Elyas Jake has arrived!

The day finally arrived!!! After going to the hospital at 10 pm on Thursday, 8/21, with mild contractions and being told to go home if I truly wanted to do it naturally, I followed orders and endured the pain for several hours in the comfort of our home. I slept for a few hours then awoke at 2:30 am on Friday morning truly understanding what a real, painful contraction felt like. It was horrible! I was a trooper though--I labored at home until 8:00 am and then went in to find out I was dilated 6 cm. Whew...just when I almost gave in to some pain medication, I had a heart to heart w/ my labor nurse, Kim (who was the absolute best--I couldn't have done it "naturally" without her), who helped me realize I could do this. Needless to say, the pain continued and only got more intense. Jason stayed by my side, although he was asked to remain silent--no talking, no eating, no texting--not even words of encouragement were allowed! Who knows but this method worked for me. I didn't want lights, I didn't want discussion, I only wanted my dear nurse, Kim, to guide me through each contraction. My midwife, Emma, was also wonderful. The ending result (13 hours later--born August 22nd @ 3:22 pm) was this beautiful baby boy. So much for the 4 appointments during the previous month in which I was told he was going to weigh around 6 & 1/2 pounds. He surprised us all weighing 8 pounds and 7.5 ounces (and 20 inches). Here is a shot of the proud mother and father :)

His cousins, Madeline, Mea, and Jalen visited. His cousin, Ella visited too but I didn't get a pic of her w/ baby Elyas :(

A shot of the proud PaPa.

And of course, his "aunts" Steph, Karen, and Bobbi...

I need to get some shots w/ his aunts, uncle, and Nana too (sorry Laura, Shannon, Jon, and Mom--I promise to take some next time we see you!)

We want to thank all of you who brought us food and visited us over the last few weeks. Kandice, the lasagna was fabulous. Kelly, your gourmet pizza rocked and Leslie, the roast was yummy. Mom, helping me clean the house and cooking us a nice, southern dinner was the best treat we could have asked for. Bobbi, the black bean enchiladas were wonderful. And Amy, your pasta and chocolate cheesecake brownies were absolutely scrumptious!

A few more of my favorite shots from the first week home: I love the one with a little smile on his face--and I love the one of Jason kissing him. He is a wonderful dad! I couldn't ask for a better Sherpa (as dad has been referring to himself). Jason took off work for the past 3 weeks and it has been wonderful. Of course, he has gotten his bicycle riding in almost daily, but I can't complain b/c he has been great with cooking breakfast, taking care of Elyas, going to the grocery, keeping mom calm and helping her not to worry about EVERYTHING, but most of all just being around and keeping us company!

Jason's mom visited us and loved having time w/ her first grandson!

And a few more (1 week old)...

Sleeping beauty at 2 weeks old...

My first real bath did not make me happy!!!! The second time was much better (I didn't cry at all but mom had to post this picture instead)!