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