Written on instagram, copied to my blog

“After weeks of waiting, baby Jacob James arrived yesterday morning (11/8/2020) around 8:30am.

His middle name is after my oldest brother Marty’s middle name who died on January 3rd of cancer. It’s been a tough year all around, but seeing God’s goodness through this new life has continued to bring such joy and peace that he has all things under control and that he is the perfect author of our stories – through life and death, sorrow and joy, pain and healing.

Contractions started and woke me up at 2:30am, I texted my midwife, Tessa, that “today is the day!!!” around 5:30, they got too intense to continue in bed around 6:00, she arrived at 6:30, my kids left with grandma around 7:00, I got in the tub and labored for another 1.5hrs, pushed a few times, and he arrived.

My husband noted how this labor was unlike any other. At a certain point in my past births, I scream out “I can’t do it!” But I remember throughout the contractions and between them praying for strength and praying the Lord would protect me and help me. It truly was so beautiful, and I’m grateful even in these things, God provides!

He weighed 8.2lbs, 20 3/4in, 14cm head circumference, and covered in vernix like his sister Nellie. He’s the sweetest little addition and the kids are obsessed. I can’t wait to share more photos and videos of all the beautiful and fun interactions in the last 24 hours. 💗”