Welcome to the World, Sam Nolan!

On January 17th, 2012 the most precious gift was given to our family. Sam Nolan Roberts was born at 1:18 in the afternoon. He weighed 8lbs 8oz. and was 22 inches long. The nurses and staff were impressed with his size and said that another week (which is what could have happened) would have put him into the 9lb zone. Whew!! This is the story of what happened that morning...I had an appointment at 8:15 to see Dr. H., who happened to also be on call. He was running late, and another woman came into the room to check me out. She told me I was still holding strong at 3 1/2 cm dilated, and that since he had told me I would be induced on the 22nd then he would probably not budge. This all came after me telling her of EVERY reason why I should be induced today, tomorrow, or any day this week. I just knew I couldn't wait much longer. My poor ankles, hands, and body couldn't take it any more. She told me to hold on and talk to him when he came in, and that maybe he could explain to me the reasons he had for waiting. When he finally came in, the look on his face told me he wanted to wait. It was a look of I have to let you down, don't be mad. In fact, those exact words came out of his mouth. He told me he would have to go before a committee and explain why he had induced me before I was ready, and for me to please understand. Yeah right. I couldn't hold my tears back! I mustered the words, "I understand." And he gave me a tissue and kept saying, "You just have to understand." He told the other lady to put me down for induction at 5 am on next Monday. Oh no. I told him that it was hard for me to walk, and that I wasn't going to be able to drive to work this week knowing it could be any second. I was so miserable and felt that he was going to be a HUGE baby if I waited. Delaney was five weeks early and weighed 7lbs! Dr. H. then gave a sigh, and told the lady to come back in the room. He asked me if I would let him break my water. I quickly said yes. Then he told me he really wanted to go home at a decent hour that night. I guess this was his way of letting me know he wanted to get the show on the road. Boy, was he right!! I was sent down to level 3 (labor and delivery). As soon as I entered the room, I put on the gown, was hooked up with the IV, asked a series of questions, and told that Dr. H. would be down in a few minutes to break my water. This was at about 9:45. He broke my water at about 10:00. This was not fun at all, but I knew my baby would be here soon which made it seem so easy. My contractions started to come. I had told the nurses that I wanted NO PAIN, and they were great about giving me the epidural as soon as it became unbearable. I was fully dilated at around 12:45, and the nurse said I was ready to push. It wouldn't take long at all! After 10 contractions/pushes later, Dr. H. came in to deliver Sam Nolan. He came right on out and was definitely ready to greet the world! :)

This is the exact place we will read and rock during those late nights...

 Delaney and I were ready the weekend before...

 Fly on out, Sam Nolan!!!

 Sooo ready for him to be here!!

 Daddy's little man...

 But already a mommy's boy...

 God's blessing to us...

 Proud big sister feeding her baby brother... (She did not feel well at all, but she was such a trooper)

 All the nurses and staff loved his onesie (Thanks, Jennifer!)...

 I love those sweet, wrinkled fingers. They are very kissable.

 Just for a comparison, this is Sam Nolan's relaxed face...

This was Delaney's...

 They both have those cheeks that I must kiss atleast 20 times a day. I think Delaney thinks the same thing.

 We're finally at home and couldn't be more happy.

 We are ready...

 Set...

 And going to have some fun!

 And maybe sleep a little, too...

Our plans for the next week: I will be taking as many pictures as possible to post on the blog! We are enjoying every minute with our babies, and with the second one comes less time to get the camera out at those moments you need one. We really want to live in the moment as much as possible. Even more this time since we know how quickly it goes by. Sam Nolan has been such a good baby, and I can already tell he is more laid back than Miss Priss. He lets her sing, dance, and be loud around him without getting upset. Updates to come!