A Short Story of Baby Ben

Here we are welcoming into the world our 3rd little BOY. As you all knew we did yet another surprise. I can honestly say that I was thinking for Alayna's sake we would give her a sister. But BOY were we wrong. Instead she is going to get all the "girly" attention while her brothers play and wrestle all day long.

The Dr. asked Jared how involved he would like to be in the delivery and Jared replied, "As involved as I can be." So with that in mind, he put on the gloves and literally delivered our little Benjamin Jack.

Benjamin Jack 6lbs 3 oz. 19" long born at 2:44 pm.

This labor was a dream. Besides the epidural being the worst experience ever, and not to mention it made me totally loopy, shaky and slow in the brain. This kid wanted to make an appearance quickly. I was dilated to a 5 when I came to the hospital, then after sitting for four hours getting the meds (not even pitocin) I was a 6. Then they gave me pitocin and broke my water. I went from a 6 to a 8 instantly, then he was born with in the hour they broke my water. This time around pushing wasn't even an option, he just slipped out. Honestly, it was so fast I'm just glad I ended up going in that day. I was really against being induced, but after I found out I had to be on an IV for 4 hours getting meds for being strep B positive, I decided since I was a 5 and effaced I should do what is best for the baby. Once my 4 hours were up, my water broke, I was there ready to deliver! I couldn't imagine having waited till my water broke at home, AH just thinking about it scares me. The pain was so instant and he came so quickly. I'm just beyond thankful his labor unraveled the way it did, because if not I'm sure we would have been referred to as the "drive and drop" labors. Our nurse explained those are the people who wait too long to come into the hospital and end up driving up and dropping out their babies. :) Thankfully, I listened to my dr and decided to do what was best for this little baby.

Proud Grandparents...well proud that they have another grand-baby but my mom was totally wishing and pulling for yet a baby girl! Apparently we can only produce little boys. Ben is the 10th baby boy born in our family.

Grandpa Randy, proud to have yet another little boy to pass on the family name.

Oh, me just pleased as can be that he's here, healthy and a little boy. I must admit I really LOVE my boys.

Proud dad, we can't believe we really have three boys!

Finally, we had picked a name so he wasn't referred to as the "no name" baby. Jared and I have had the hardest time throughout the pregnancy deciding on a name. We have prayed many many times to know if we had a little boy what his name would be. After months of deciding we decided to not really talk about it until we knew the gender of the baby. So after meeting this sweet little guy and looking at his sweet little face I knew between the three names we had picked he was our little Benjamin. Way back 7 years ago when we were expecting Alayna our boy name of choice was Benjamin. It never seemed to fit the other two boys, but this time around our little Benjamin arrived. Middle names are important to me. I love them to have meaning. Each child has been named after someone special. This little Benjamin was no exception. He was named after Jared's mother Jacqui, who passed away. Since we didn't end up having a little girl and being able to use her name completely, we decided and felt strongly to name him Jack. The funny thing is we never came up with the combination of the two names, not one time during our pregnancy. But isn't it amazing how prayers are answered and we know he has a special name and it feels perfect for him.

Just as sweet as can be.

I love baby feet.

Sweet little guy getting ready to head home.

And really, the tiniest little person in a big car seat. This little guy is really so special. It's amazing how during hard pregnancies I forget the end prize. This amazing love and connection to this new special baby. My heart couldn't be more full with love and gratitude to our loving Heavenly Father who truly blesses us so completely. Our little family is so thankful to have our special Benjamin in our home. There really are no words to adequately describe the love we have for him, other than we are so glad to finally have you here!