My Max

 In no particular order here are a plethora of pictures of our newest addition.

Born December 2, 2012

8lbs 9 oz

21 inches long

The first couple of weeks with a new born are exhausting, but so special.  I have a new sense of how time really flies with this one, now that Josh is five.  I am trying to love every moment:)  However, my two oldest, while loving Max, have been a little whiny with me since we came home, requiring lots of patience.  But, at least today, I feel like even the required extra patience is a blessing as it will eventually make me a better person.... that's the goal at least :)  And it helps that it's just been me and Max for 3 hours while the others are at church...

 The birth story:  I had been dilated for weeks.  Which was awful. I had never dilated early before so I was hoping that he would come early.  We waited and waited.  One Saturday I had very strong contractions for a couple of hours, but then... nothing.  The Tuesday before I had Max I went to the Doctor's and was at a 4 and 100% effaced.  He stripped my membranes, and I was sure I would be having a baby in the next 24 hours.  However, Justin was sick and Anna had her first dance recital the next day, so I decided I was OK if he didn't come.... and he didn't.  Not even a twinge.  I was scheduled to be induced that Friday (5 days early) if he hadn't made an appearance.  Thursday night I was so excited I couldn't sleep, and was in agony all morning on Friday as I waited for the hospital to call.  They finally did (and I'm pretty sure the nurse heard me yell, "Yes! we get to go right now!" before I hung up).  We dropped the kids off at my parents house and headed to the hospital.  When the nurse asked us our goals for the day (which I thought was a little weird, umm I would like this baby out of my body and in my arms...) Justin jokingly said he wanted this done in 2 hours or less.  She laughed, then checked me and said, "uhh we might be able to accomplish that."   I was dilated to a 7.  Which I really didn't think was possible if you weren't having consistent strong contractions.  I got an epidural - I was tempted to not since I was so close - but decided I was a wuss and not mentally prepared for that.  The doctor broke my water and about 15 minutes later this beautiful boy was born.  I have recovered much faster this time, and feel really good physically.  Which is a great blessing.  I have been so grateful to have my parents around who have helped out with Josh and Anna so much.  I think it's really helped with their adjustment.  Although I think my parents were exhausted when they brought them home:)

 Mom ran over to meet him before we were even out of the delivery room/.

 Loving the mohawk.

 Josh has loved him from the first moment and constantly wants to babysit him while i get ready.  Justin refused to leave the hospital while we were there, he didn't want to miss a second, and has been amazing, taking the baby until midnight so that I can get 5ish hours of straight sleep:)

 Anna loves him but is more interested in other things, unless he cries, in which case she rushes to shove his binkie in his mouth.

I just feel so lucky:)