the knotted needle: Easton Gregory Chandler

On September 3, Easton made his way into the world and our hearts at 8:44 PM!

8lbs. 3oz. -- 19.5 inches

Easton's "birth story" is, thankfully, a fairly uneventful one. After learning that I had high blood pressure at our 38 week appointment, I was put on bed rest. The following Wednesday we went back in for our 39 week appointment and were met with the phrase, "what are you guys doing tonight--are you ready to have a baby?" My blood pressure was still high and was beginning to become a danger to the baby. It was determined that the best option at this point was to induce labor. Zach and I were excited, nervous, scared, and relieved all rolled together. We left the clinic, made a very important pit stop for some Chick-fil-a, made phone calls to our family and friends, and headed back to the hospital. Wednesday night we relaxed in the hospital room while they started medicine to "get things going". Needless to say, not a lot of sleep happened that night!

Thursday morning we were greeted bright and early by the flipping on of lights by the anesthesiologist to give me my epidural. Shortly after, I was given pitocin to start the laboring process. From then on it was just a waiting game. All day we had a parade of friends and family coming in and out to see us. Thankfully, I wasn't in much pain and was able to interact with them throughout the day.

At 7:00 we were told that it was time to start pushing. Zach prayed over us and we spent a few minutes realizing that that would be the last time that our family would be just us. At 8:44, Zach and I got to hear the first raspy cry of our sweet little boy! What an incredibly beautiful sound! We got to spend the next couple of hours soaking up our new addition and the fact that we were now a family of 3. Soon after, our families were let into the room so that they could love on him as well.

We stayed in the hospital Thursday night and were able to come home late Friday night.