Introducing: Abram Hampton Lackey

On October 29th around 4pm I had my weekly check up with the baby doctor. He assured me I was probably going to make it to the due date, despite some pretty uncomfortable and consistent (*but not exactly 'regular'*) contractions.

His final advice was: "Just enjoy this last week of pregnancy! Go have a nice meal."

On the drive home I embraced his advice and realized one more week of pregnancy (although the hardest thing I have ever done so far with two children) might not be so bad compared to having a newborn + 2 children!

I fixed a huge plate of spaghetti and tried to relax. When I was wiping down the kitchen table I felt a slight discomfort...bent down to pick up a rogue noodle...and when I stood up, I realized my water had definitely broken!! There I stood in labor...only 2 hours shy from being told I would probably make it another week! How sneaky.

Both of the kids were in the tub and Van came out cheering us on. He was so excited!! To the hospital we dashed!

When the doctor arrived, she mentioned we may have to wait a while before the c-section to allow my food to digest. Once the anesthesiologist arrived he confirmed it would be SIX hours in triage before we could do the surgery.

We both had little colds so we sat in triage with coughs and sniffles trying to pretend to read while we waited until midnight. Meanwhile...the contractions progressed...and I got scared thinking about the inevitable surgery.

 

After a brief discomfort with the spinal block--the surgery was quickly underway. Those doctors and nurses can move fast! This surgery was much more pleasant than the previous two. They let me listen to music and were so entertained by the fact we had no idea of the baby's gender. 

When the baby was out, I heard those amazing first cries--then heard the doctors commenting on "THE HAIR!! Is it RED?...YES! It is red! Look dad!"

Meanwhile I am trying to ask: "BOY or GIRL!??"

Evans looked at me with so much joy in his eyes and said "ITS A BOY EM!! AND HE HAS RED HAIR!!"

Abram Hampton Lackey

 

 

 

Born October 30, 2013

6.5 pounds; 20 inches

 

I have to confess, this was not the big reveal I was expecting! :) But nonetheless my eyes were full of tears and we were very glad to deliver a healthy baby boy.

...A cute one!

A photographer stopped by to capture some priceless photos of our new family.

The following day just happened to be Halloween.  I was overjoyed to receive a visit from my little rockstar and Bo Peep!

The next day we were released from the hospital and ready to take Abe home.

 

 Auntie Snags and fam had already planned to visit the following week. Having everyone nearby to welcome baby Abe was so special.

 These past two weeks have been an eye-opening experience.  You only get one life and I am more than happy to spend mine raising this wonderful family. (Even if it takes every ounce of my being!)

No matter how many 'bumps' you encounter in pregnancy, the tiny human being who arrives into your life makes the pregnancy seem completely insignificant.

And yes--I have my hands full.

We love you Abe!