Our Sweet Baby Luke!

As I sat at the Utah football game last Thursday night, I had a couple of contractions . I kept thinking how crazy it would be if I went into labor and we couldn't drive home fast enough to make it to the hospital. Well after three quarters of the game...I turned to Rich and said "I think we better go." I guess Rich took that as 'I better run to the car (which was 2 miles away!) and drive like a maniac cuz my wife's having a baby!' After going potty and warming up a bit in the car, I actually felt better and the contractions somewhat settled. As we were driving home we cheered so loud as the Utes won in the final minutes that I thought we were going to wreck! I was bummed that we couldn't see the end in person, but then again I was thankful to be close to home so that we could avoid the bumper to bumper traffic! :)

So an eventful Thursday night led into an eventful Friday morning.

I had never been induced before, so this was a first and I was a little nervous about it. I wanted to feel painful contractions so that I wouldn't be nervous about the epidural. If I was feeling 'fine' I didn't want any long needle going anywhere! Right? So we get to the hospital and I thought it was funny how the nurse didn't ask me any questions like..."how long are your contractions? how close are they to eachother? is this your first baby? were you dialated at your last drs appt?" All she did was greet us with a smile, asked me my name, showed us our room...told me to change clothes and to make myself comfortable. It was such a different feeling from having Avery and Hank! With both of them I waddled into the hospital, stopping every few steps to fight a contraction and try to answer the nurses questions (shown above!) Being induced was awesome! Well...after breaking my water, pitosin to get things started, the epidural (which is heaven sent), ephedrine for my low blood pressure, antibiotics for my fever, head monitor for the baby, waiting 4 hours to get from a 9+ to a 10, then finally pushing 6 times...we welcomed a darling baby boy into the world! It was such a joyful & surprising experience for all of us! Not only could I hardly wait to hold my baby, I was dying to find out if it was a boy or a girl. The suspense of it all was so fun! Luke was born at 4:22pm weighing 8 lbs 6 ounces and 20 inches long.

After two full days, Rich and I decided on the name Luke Stanley Vernon. Our little guy looks alot like Avery and Hank did when they were born...but with darker hair. He is such a joy to have in our home. Avery and Hank have been very soft and nice to Luke, so far! And we love to hear Hank say "ook" whenever you ask him "who's your little brother?"

Well I'm recovering well and still not feeling too sleep deprived, but I'm sure that will come weeks down the road. Rich took the week off and we've had a fun time together as a family. Now we're just trying to adjust to three...it's been kindof weird but I think we'll manage! If I don't blog again for a month, I think ya'll will know why! :)

Thanks to everyone for your phone calls, visits and meals! We are so lucky to have family close and great friends & neighbors who we love! Thanks again!