Welcome Luca!

 On September 16th, 2013, after two days of frustrating pre-labor, our lives were forever changed with the arrival of our 5th child, and first son, Luca Merrill.  He weighed in at 8lbs5oz, and measured 21 inches long.  Labor and delivery went well, even though neither my doctor, nor the hospitalist made it.  My water broke when I was completely dilated and I told Kaylon I had to start pushing.  Our wonderful nurse quickly arrived with a resident, who had time to put on her gloves, but not break down the bed, before our little boy arrived.  There was some meconium in my fluid, so they could not give him right to me, which was fine, but no one was telling me if it was a boy or girl!  Finally I asked, and the doctor asked Kaylon if he wanted to make the announcement.  He hadn't even looked yet he was so wrapped up in seeing the baby!  He announced, "It's a game changer!  It's a boy!"

The girls were thrilled to hear that they finally had a baby brother- especially Moira who had been praying for that every night.  They happily made the drive after school to meet the new member of our family.

Overall things are going well.  Luca is sleeping as well as can be expected.  I have tons of help from Kaylon and his mom, as well as our four little mommas.  We'll see if I'm still this positive next week when all the help goes away, but for now, life is good, and I'm grateful to have this opportunity to raise a son- a whole new adventure.