sweet baby Declan

So our new little babe has finally arrived! Declan James McHale was born on 11.20.09 ...weighing 7lbs 3 ounces.

We went to the hospital Thursday afternoon after contractions technically starting Wednesday night. Ed took me on many walks, to the mall, to get dinner in our neighborhood, etc. to keep things going as we were determined to avoid having a c-section and to attempt having a natural birth. So we finally gave in once the contractions were getting close and headed to St. Joe's Thursday around noon. The majority of the day was spent in triage, until the evening...something to do with no rooms ready or low staffing.

Once we got into our room we were blessed with the sweetest most wonderful nurse in the world; she was a mom Ed knew from the swim school and came into work just to be our nurse. Jennifer was her name and I can not thank her enough for being simply amazing and getting us through what felt so endless.

So with her and Ed at my side helping me to somehow breathe through it all, it happened and we experienced the true miracle of life...seeing your little boy come into the world when you were sure it would never happen or that there was no possible way you could continue....I might just die right here and now...so many thoughts going through your head.

But then, oh, to hold him and see the smiles of joy on everyones faces...to not be so drugged out from surgery that you get to actually hold and nurse your baby and kiss his face. What a true blessing and so worth it all. On top of that to be surrounded by such love, a simply wonderful husband who gets me through so much, and the greatest most loving parents and family and friends who came to visit and congratulate. I do feel overwhelmed with blessings right now.

And yes, Ruby is adjusting. She definitely needs a lot of attention and wants her mama a lot but she is behaving pretty normally i guess. I just love when she giggles at his noises or points to his nose, mouth, etc in awe of this little guy; oh and the kisses are pretty darn cute too. I could go on and on but baby calls.

Thank you to all of those who have been so good to us lately as we welcome our new babe into the world. Thank you for visiting, bringing delicious meals, and sharing your sweet gifts...so thoughtful and so appreciated. We could not be more thankful to have you in our lives.