Special Delivery!!!

Once again, we were reminded that there is a greater force at work in our lives. We cannot be so arrogant to believe that any of it is really up to us, but rather we are allowed to do the things we do under the hand of a gracious father in Heaven. Tuesday started at as any other day, only Crystal and I were preparing ourselves for what was going to be a trip to the hospital on Wednesday night to begin the induction process. Little did we know at the time how that would change. We spent the day cleaning out the car, cleaning the house, running errands, and doing laundry. In fact, Crystal was doing laundry about ten minutes before having this baby. Crystal thought it was just a hard labor considering on Monday that doctors had said nothing had changed and she was still only 1cm dilated and 75% effaced. We put the kids to bed a round 6:30 and she was starting to have contractions that were hard to deal with. Prior to this Crystal said she was just feeling "crampy" most of the day. I just took here word for it and encouraged her ability to do it. Crystal folded some laundry to try and take her mind off of the contractions. We watched a show while she was doing that and I was making her laugh through this time. I figured that meant it wasn't too far along. Crystal soon began to time the contractions and found that they were about 3 minutes apart. I called the doctor's office and within about 20 minutes when I got a call back from the hospital the contractions were about 2 minutes apart. I went to see if my dad could listen for the kids until my mom got here and that we needed to go to the hospital. At that time we gave Crystal a blessing and for those few minutes there was calm, according to Crystal. As the blessing came to a close she had a really intense contraction and she felt the head drop. I knew none of this information mind you. She stood up and walked for a couple of minutes when all of the sudden her water broke. Not wanting to be in wet pants for our trip the hospital, she changed pants, with sheer will during another painful contraction. She then headed upstairs while I tried to gather some remaining items for the hospital(we hadn't gotten to that even though Lydia was 9 days late). My dad yelled down the steps; "You better get up here, you're not going to make it to the hospital"! I ran up the steps and Crystal had hid herself back the hall by the bathroom to avoid a crowd. She told me Lydia was coming. I called 911 and tried to get Crystal to lay down so this baby didn't just fall out. Somebody took the phone from me and I tended to Crystal. Her sister Sara was there and she got me some towels. I no sooner washed my hands, helped Crystal get her pants off, and tucked a towel under her when I saw Lydia crowning. Within a few seconds, without pushing, her head had come out (the contractions did all the work this time). I had Crystal do all she could to breath at that point to prevent Lydia from coming all the way out yet. I wanted some of the amniotic fluid and meconium off before she came all the way out and took her first breath. This all happened rather fast but once she was born I held her face down and got her to cry as we did not have a bulb syringe or anything. 911 told who they were talking to, to have us wipe her mouth out with a rag. Sara grabbed a rag and to my recollection not much came out. We wrapped our little miracle up in blankets and layed her with mommy to stay warm. The paramedics were there within about 5 minutes. The cord was clamped and I took the scalpel to make the standard father's cut. Crystal is my hero and I am so proud of her. It was all an amazing experience that cannot all be put into words. I hope I have not been too personal with the details. I must confess that I have always wanted to do this. I pictured it under different circumstances but I grateful for the opportunity(for more reasons than one). I cannot explain what this means to me and to Crystal after our loss nor will I try. I hope you can appreciate it for what it is; a miracle; a gift from God. Our first pictures began with an ambulance ride which, in and of itself is significant considering what I have just referenced. Our little Lydia was born at approximately 9:03 pm on January 20, 2009. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 22 in. long. I hope you enjoy the pictures and our special story.

These are the first few shots I was able to take. I had to get some for future evidence. The girl above is in training (what a great experience!).
The man above has been doing this for 20 years and has seen this about 10 times.
This guys is finishing up his second year of medical school. Maybe this will help him know what he wants to do; or doesn't want to do.
See, she's all smiles. It was the time of her life. Everyone loves a good ambulance ride.

Aiden is just thrilled to be a big brother. He wants to hold Lydia and touch her all the time. It is so sweet. Connor is excited too, but unfortunately he came down with a cold today it sounds like. Both boys are loving having both of their girls home.

That is one tired momma after a sleepless night. Below, I have never seen my dad have so much pride in one of these little ones. I think he is thrilled and even enjoyed cleaning that gunk out of the carpet from the sounds of it (sorry).

There I am holding my little princesa. She is so tiny for being 9 days late. I love it!
We are excited to have a little one that appears to be taking to that pacifier. Let's hope it sticks.
Here are my two girls. It is fun to have another one in the home. They are both so beautiful!
This is Lydia's first car seat experience. We could not wait to bring her home this morning. It has been wonderful so far. We will cherish every moment. With her entrance into this world, I'm sure she has something special in store!