Best Easter Ever

GOOD NEWS, Lucas arrived on Easter Sunday! :)
Erik and I could not be more excited by and in love with him. It is an incredible feeling of emotions every time I look at his sweet face or hear his sweet noises. (He likes to squeak and wrinkle up his forehead- simply adorable!)

His birth story is simple, and one I will never forget.
On Easter morning I was awake early, as usual. I decided to make a bagel about 7:00am, and as I walked to the kitchen, I felt what turned out to be my "water breaking". I wasn't sure, so I continued to toast the bagel and cut up some fruit. I was a little excited with the possibility that "this was it!"... but did not want to get too eager, as it was still 9 days before the due date. As I made breakfast, the "water" kept coming, and I decided to wake up Erik. I was giddy at this point.... and called the doctor. He said to go on in to the hospital, and he would see me there. OMG. SO EXCITED!
We grabbed the bags and threw on some clothes and called our parents. We decided to let them know if it was "for real" before letting them head our way, though, by the time we arrived, it was VERY clear that this was no false alarm!!

They got us into a labor and delivery room, which was huge and wonderful... and hooked me up to pitocin. (I was only dialated 1 cm.) It was a fairly uneventful morning, just hanging out drinking juices and water. Our doctor showed up and told us it would most likely be a slow process- apparently getting to 4 cm is the slowest part.

At 2pm, I was only 2 cm and was DEFINTELY feeling the contractions. Seeing how I was not out to be a superhero, I asked for the epidural. At about 3:30, Erik and his mom went to grab a bite to eat and let our dog out, and I took a nap. At 6pm, I was 6cm dialated and I was getting excited! It appeared we would meet our little man about 10:00pm! :)

AT 7:15, the FANTASTIC nurse checked me again, and guess what??! I was 10 cm and ready to go. We just had to wait on the doctor..... I started practice pushing about 7:30, and from this point, it went really, really fast. Erik was right there and so involved. I did not expect him to be, as he always joked he would be holding my hand standing at my head... not the case! The doctor arrived a little before 8:00. I started pushing, and sweet Lucas arrived at 8:14pm that night! It truly was an easy delivery and I know how blessed I am to be able to say that!

The part I was most looking forward to was hearing his voice for the first time, it was magical and so surreal all at the same time. They weighed him and cleaned him while my sweet, supportive husband took pictures.

Lucas weighed 7lbs. 14oz. He was 21 inches long, and has blue eyes and brown hair. He is more perfect than I could ever have imagined. I love him with my whole heart and can spend hours just watching and listening to him. He already has us wrapped around his sweet little fingers!! Lucas has Erik's cleft chin and his toes. I think he has my mouth and my fingers. He has such a good disposition and is so patient with his new parents.

I am happy to say our Grace is wonderful with him, very sweet and gentle. It warms my heart to watch her with Lucas; almost as much as it does to see Erik sing and talk to his son, now that is the sweetest!!

My parents, brother, and sister in law made it down about 9:00 that night, and were instantly in love. David and Leah stayed until Tuesday morning and made an incredible DVD slide show with pictures of Lucas' birth. My parents stayed a week, a gift I can never properly thank them for. They were such a support and help, and I am so grateful.

I tell you what.... I don't know if it is the hormones or what, but I am SO VERY thankful and am feeling especially blessed these days. I have a great husband, fantastic parents, loving brother and sister in law, and now the sweetest son imaginable. What more can a girl ask for?