Yes, he is here. Our little nugget of handsomeness took his first breath at 2:48pm on Thursday, December 13th.
Here is how it went....
Pregnancy was hard this time. It came with a slew of health problems for me, a monstrous load of fear, and 8 long weeks on bedrest. I was determined to soak up as many moments as I could, relishing in the fact that God was creating new life through me, and cherishing each new change that brought this little one closer to resting in our arms. I took a boatload of "belly" pictures. I completely missed out on that last time because Ellianna arrived so early, so I was determined to have proof of being pregnant this time.
I was elated that my doctors had agreed I could have a natural delivery this time, instead of a c-section like the previous two. I was scheduled for induction of labor one day after I was 34 weeks along because of the risk of infection due to my water having already broken. Craziest feeling waking up that morning knowing I would meet my son that day. Funny thing is, when you think you know how it's gonna go...
My 7 year old daughter, Baylie, had asked early in the pregnancy if she could be there for the birth. Although it was something we were open to, we told her it wouldn't be possible because I needed her daddy all to myself and there would be no one to watch out for her. However, through an amazing orchestry of timing, my sister was able to be in town, which meant Baylie was able to be present for the birth, with my sister as her guardian for the day.
Medications were started early in the morning to start labor, and time ground by at a grueling pace. Things were moving very slowly, and myself, as well as my doctor and nurses and NICU team all assumed there would be plenty of time to get into position. Well, our little guy must have heard how we had things planned out, because he decided to burst onto the scene when everyone was least expecting it. He is apparently amused by the element of surprise. A disbelieving nurse wound up wearing the catcher's mitt because no one else got there in time, and once I heard his cries, I was looking frantically to see if Baylie had missed the whole thing in all the chaos! Fortunately, she was standing close by, soaking in every miraculous moment of her baby brother's big debut.
Watching Baylie was incredible. As she saw this strong, mighty miracle of a life blooming before her eyes, you could see some healing take place in her little heart. She got to witness the other side of the story. The side where there is health, and strength, and hope. The heartbreak and questions and pain she has been wrestling since losing her little sister were able to stand aside for a moment for a beam of joyful expectation. And that was priceless.
In honor of his big sister in Heaven, Ellianna Grace, we named this little guy Colby Grayson, to always remind him, and us of the grace that has touched our lives. He will always know her story, and he will always be a symbol of the healing that we are promised.
COLBY GRAYSON MITCHELL
12-13-12
4 lbs 15 oz
18 inches long
Perfect.
What an amazing gift he is. We are in love. Blessed, thankful, and hopeful. Our God is faithful.
Please leave me a comment; it lets me know you're listening!
Hannah, I like your blog. More detail than FB. You write beautifully. I was introduced to you and Ellianna through Linda Stubbs, as you know. But I fell in love with your sweet girl from her picture and story. Love your Colby, too. You have blessed my life with your strength and courage. Thank you.
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