Well, we made it to the tournament! We were up very early yesterday morning, loaded the van and hit the road. We drove for much of the day and made 1-2 potty stops per hour, but eventually we made it!
The boys weighed in, picked out tournament t-shirts, and we ate dinner at a giant buffet. We even talked with Santa and watched a fabulous laser/water show. The kids went to bed easily, though Jacob kept loudly whispering, “Mom, it’s dark.”
Now it’s 2:45 am. I haven’t slept well tonight. Wrestling Mom nerves, I guess. 
Lying quietly in our dark hotel room, I’ve been thinking a lot about little Drew. He is ONE today!!! (though technically he wasn’t born until around three in the afternoon so I think I’ll drag out his “baby” status for as long as I can today.)
I’ll never forget the decision we made to have this sweet boy. We’d discussed a larger space between babies, but suddenly felt very strongly that it was already time for another. We got pregnant right away and I knew we’d have another son.
What a precious gift he is!! I am so thankful for promptings from Heavenly Father and plans that deviate to much better things!
So one year ago… I’d just come off of bedrest. For three weeks, we’d worked (I say “we” because bedrest was truly a family effort!) to keep our new little baby from arriving too soon. When I came off of bedrest, we simply assumed that our then nameless baby would arrive immediately. Instead, I walked around 5 cm dilated with no sign on labor.
As December 18th approached, we began to get nervous. There was a national wrestling tournament 6 hours away that we’d planned to attend. Joshua had already paid his registration using his lawn mowing money and we didn’t want to pull him out. But when we had agreed to take him, we thought our unborn baby would arrive weeks before the tournament. With no new baby, our decision was complicated.
Should we pull Joshua out of the tournament at the last minute? Should Rick take him and leave me home alone when I was ready to deliver at any time? It was an agonizing decision to make. We prayed, we talked, we weren’t sure what to do so we tried to have faith in Heavenly Father’s perfect timing.
In the end, the timing really was perfect! I went into labor early Friday morning, the day Rick and Josh were scheduled to leave. We dropped Joshua off with our friends (and teammates). They drove him to weigh ins 6 hours away and then dropped him off for his first solo night with his grandparents. Meanwhile, our other kids went to a friend’s house for the day.
Drew was born in the afternoon, after my shortest labor so far. Rick held him, agreed that his name should be Drew, and then immediately picked up our other kids and followed Josh up to the tournament.
Rick and Joshua attended the tournament on Saturday (Rick with his coach’s band on one wrist and his hospital bracelet on the other). Joshua took second place that day. The other kids played at Nammy and Papa’s house. Drew and I snuggled for two days straight (in the hospital). We were all reunited at home on Sunday night, a new family of 9.
Now it’s been a year. My little Drew Michael is wiggly, giggly, curious, playful, dimpled, and very sweet! He is so cute with his bald, blond head and his round blue eyes, and the dimple in his cheek. He’s a social guy with an infectious smile. He’s playful and always happy. Drew is so even-tempered. He’s not one to cry or fuss, not even when he gets hurt. He is just such a fun, easy, good, happy baby!
Drew is constantly on the move. He’s always ready to play. He loves to eat. He has six teeth (more than any of the other kids had at this age). He stands alone, but hasn’t taken any steps by himself yet.
Drew is a joy in our home, adored by us all! I am so thankful for this precious boy!
Drew’s first birthday will be spent at a national wrestling tournament, which is fitting I suppose. This tournament is in a different location than last year, replacing the tournament Josh went to a year ago. This year, Joshua and Braden are both going to wrestle and the whole family is here to cheer them on.
After the tournament, we’ll celebrate Drew’s birthday together with a yummy dinner, cake, swimming in the hotel pool, and a few presents for our new one-year-old.
Happy first birthday, Drew!!! We love you!!!
Monday, December 19, 2011 at 8:24 |
God bless you! I was on bed rest too with our youngest son. It IS a family effort. He was born a little early, but our little Henry was healthy and well and able to come home with us after just four days at the hospital. I remember praying to our heavenly Father for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. HE is always with us and His plan is always perfect. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family. I really enjoy reading your blog.