Jude Alexander David

Our lives improved immensely a week ago today. Jude Alexander David joined our family and made us complete.

Scott and I went to the hospital early on Monday morning, August 3rd. We were admitted into the labour and delivery ward at Clarion North Hospital and were settled into our triage room by 5:45 a.m. We were excited, but felt a little strange knowing that in just a few short hours we would finally meet our little baby for the first time. Such a difference from our high-maintenance 38 hours of labour, 2 hours of pushing and an emergency c-section with Liam! Everything was smooth and easy this time around.

Momma Zen

Leading up to the delivery, we filled out paperwork, the nurse put my IV in (after 2 failed attempts and a lovely vagal response--picture Momma Zen almost blacking out after being poked and prodded three separate times for one of her bursting, dehydrated veins...funtimes), and Scott got all dressed up in his soon-to-be-a-daddy duds, I got my spinal meds and we got started.

At 7:53 AM Jude was born.

Dr. Raney and Jude

And we cried tears of joy! Our son was born! What a rush! Not knowing if our baby was a boy or a girl was absolutely thrilling. Especially since both Scott and I were certain it was a girl. And because of this, it was even MORE of a surprise when Jude was born!! When we saw Jude, he was the one. He couldn't have been any other than who he is and our hearts immediately divided in two to welcome our newest child. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.

Love

Dr. Raney, Jude, Scott and Becky, post-delivery

Mommy and Jude bonding on the way to the recovery room

Jude's first bath at the hospital

Daddy and Jude bonding

There are those "textbook perfect" lips that the ultrasound technician was so focused on!

Best brothers meet for the first time

My three handsome boys

Brotherly love

Surrounded by love

Nana and Poppa meet their grandson

Jude and Paulie

Family, complete

Mommy's silly monkey

On our way home

Welcoming our newest family member home

Sweet dreams little one

As he did with Liam, Scott went to pick out Jude's first outfit. In the store, he had about 20 different choices that he liked and it was this beautiful one that won out. (The little shoes are my favourite part! They are just so wee!) Jude also has a blanket that I made out of half of my wedding shawl (Liam has the other half as part of his blanket) and his very own first bear named Paulie. Liam has Puppy which has been his 'grow-with-me' stuffed animal and Liam quickly towered over him. I think Jude will have a tougher time outgrowing Paulie since this bear is massive!

This past week has been wonderful, challenging, and exciting. Liam is in love with Jude, yet still understands that he is sharing Mommy now and that can sometimes be hard. I am so thankful that Mom and Dad are here to help out, especially with Scott gone a lot this month, as it gives me time to spend with both of my boys without having to worry about one not being cared for when the other needs 100% Mommy time, and also about eating, cleaning and all of those other things that would have been pushed aside this past week. They are both a Godsend and I really enjoy sharing this time with them.

Off to continue our adventures!

love,

b