And now we are Four

If you're looking for the short version of the story, then here are the details, and enjoy the pictures:

Date of Birth:
- November 20, 2008 at 12:35pm
- 6 lbs 11 oz
- 18.5 inches

For a more elaborate story...you can continue to read...otherwise, just call if you're looking to visit. We should be here until Sunday.

Susie and the new baby have battled pre-term labor for several weeks. The first 2 times they gave her a shot of terbutylene to calm the muscle contraction. The third time they figured something stronger, like Morphine. The 4th time it was Vicadin. Our doctor said that the next time they would throw in the towel and deliver the baby.

Thursday morning (Nov 20th) Susie had contractions for 2 hours that morning, but again, upon getting strapped into the hospital bed, all the contractions stopped. The doctor again was hesitant to continue because the contractions had stopped. The delivery was already scheduled to be on the following Monday. We felt like we wanted to move forward, but didn't want to be so shaky on the decision. We prayed together and asked for a polarizing event; something that would definitively tell us "wait" or "deliver." After a couple of minutes of no additional contractions, the doctor came in to check on Susie and she pointed out that her previous C-section scar was in a lot of pain. The doctor said that was the magic symptom; for fear of tearing thru the old incision, we should deliver the baby. It was the perfect answer to prayer.

This is the beautiful Susie shortly after birth. Her lower half was still not moving...but seriously, she looks amazing.

Here is the new addition with the proud parents. Seriously everything went so smoothly.

We are not joking when we say...the baby looks just like a mini-Simon. He's 2 weeks early, so a little bit lighter, but can you not see the resemblance?

Our first visitor was also Simon's babysitter for the last couple of days. Cary's had a crash course in tending to a toddler. He was relieved when Kelvin came in to help put Simon down to sleep.

We are all super-excited to have him finally in our family. He is such a sweet child. We were caught a little bit off-guard so we're struggling thru our list to get a name for him before we leave. Susie has been blessed with a speedy recovery and we all look forward for a very appropriate Thanksgiving next week. We appreciate all the prayers and support and look forward for visits.