He's Here!!!!

We are pleased to announce that, 2 weeks earlier than expected, our newest addition to our family has arrived!! Ethan Andrew Dye was born November 15th, 2008 at 6:45am. He is 19 inches long and weighs 7.5 lbs!

What started out as slightly more uncomfortable contractions at 10:45 on November the 14th, led to 20 hours of labor! Cameron called Andrew at work on Friday to let him know that she was experiencing slightly uncomfortable contractions. Andrew was excited, but did not really expect her to really be in labor. He asked her to call the doctor's office to explain what was going on and see if there was any reason to be concerned. By divine appointment, we had an appointment with one of the midwives that day at 3:40. Andrew had already planned to get off a little early, so was able to attend the meeting with Cameron.

The midwife put Cameron on a monitor for about 20 minutes to see what was going on. Our midwife told us that it appeared that we were going into early labor and that we should go home for a few hours until the contractions got more uncomfortable and then go to the hospital. After about 2 or so hours at home, we decided to go to the hospital.

Though we expected that we would have Ethan out in no time at all, he decided to make us wait for an additional 12 hours. Cameron was in labor for a total of 20 hours!!! 2 of those hours were Cameron using up what little energy she had pushing! Andrew is so proud of Cameron and has a new found respect for women who have to go through labor. Andrew was, of course, a big baby and couldn't stop crying when Ethan came out. Andrew kept saying what a handsome young man Ethan was and how perfect he is. Cameron was so exhausted that a lot of her celebrating Ethan's birth came later when she could process it. The honor and responsibility of having a son is overwhelming!

We are now home after staying another night in the hospital. Cameron really enjoyed the "room service" (cafeteria food), but Andrew was anxious to go home and sleep in a real bed. Cameron covets any nap that she can get, but loves just holding Ethan and cuddling him. We have included some pics, so that you can enjoy him as well! We will continue to post entries on Ethan's progress and news in our lives. Thanks for praying for us and cheering us on! May the Lord bless you for that!

Dad with son minutes after birth

Nanna (Cam's mom) with grandson

Grandpa Rudy with yawning Ethan

Grandmother and Grandpa Dye with Ethan

The proud new parents with son

Ethan Andrew Dye Looking around

We Moved!

Praise the Lord! A lot has been going on since we last updated you all and we are excited to fill you in:)

First: We have moved and have officially cut the cord with our apartment! Moving Day was super smooth with the help of so many family and friends. Thanks to each of you that helped- what a blessing. Moving started at about 8:30am and we were done by noon with about 12 people moving along with several trucks, a trailer and dollies. We have never moved so quickly. It has now been about two and a half weeks since we have been in the new home and we are still trying to empty all the boxes. We know this is to be expected, but we are eager to get them all cleared out and to feel a "moved in."

Second: A room for the baby has started to take shape!:) With only about three and a half weeks left till the Due Date this has been a topic that made us feel a little anxious every time it was brought up - until now:) Not only is there enough space for the baby to have his own room in this house, but he also has a brand new crib to sleep in as of yesterday! Cameron's Dad had insisted on purchasing the crib and mattress every since he heard we were expecting and frequently reminded us that the offer was still there. We searched and searched and eventually settled on one from Babies R Us in El Paso, TX. It is super cute and took about 30 miutes to put together. We decided where the other furniture would go last night, rearranged some things and then Cameron put more work into it today. It really is a sweet and calming atmosphere and we think that Ethan will enjoy it. It is not finished yet, but it is gettting there! We hope that the baby will go till the Due Date not only for his health but also to give us more time to get things ready!

Cameron continues to grow and has started working part time this week (two 12 hour shifts instead of three, per week). She will stop working all togther starting November 14th (two weeks prior to the Due Date) and is looking forward to the time to rest. She has started taking iron suplements due to an iron defficient anemia that was found during her last blood test and is feeling a little more energized. The midwife suggested just increasing the amount of iron being consumed in her diet, but Cameron wanted a supplement just to make sure. So far the side effects have been minimal;)