Zander Patrick Has Arrived!

Our newest little boy, Zander Patrick, entered this world on February 28th at 7:41pm.  He weighed 8 lbs 6oz and measured 21.25", making him our biggest baby!

I went into labor at 1:40am on Saturday and thought I would have another fast labor, as I did with Enzo, but this little guy was nowhere near fast.  As the hours went by and my contractions only grew stronger, but never closer together I thought he was never going to come.  Then at about 3pm, I could tell we were getting near, so Dana and I headed to the hospital while my mom stayed home to take care of Eva and Enzo.  I got checked in, was dialated to 6cm, then continued with my labor in our hospital room.  Within 2 hours, and right when I thought I just couldn't take the pain any longer, baby was ready and was born with my loving, supportive husband by my side and a room full of the most supportive nurses and midwife.

We waited until the next morning to name him, and decided Zander was just for him!  He shares his middle name, Patrick, with his daddy, which we decided from the start.  After getting the morning to bond with Zander and get pampered by all the nurses, it was time for Granny to bring the kids to finally meet the baby brother that they have been talking about for so long.  The excitement in their eyes when they walked through the door was so touching for me to see.  The second they spotted him, they wanted him in their arms.  They jumped into bed and sat nicely while he was placed in their arms.

They touched his tiny toes and fingers, looked him up from head to toe, they sang songs, taught him how to count, and just giggled at the sight of their new baby brother.  It was love at first sight.

Granny, too, fell in love with her 3rd grandbaby...

Later that evening, we were okayed by all the nurses and doctors to go home and join our family.  Once we got home, Eva just wanted to hold Zander all day long.  Her patience with him surprises me, for she really wants to be a part of his care.  She loves to hold him and soothe him and sing songs to him.  She helps pick out clothes, changes diapers, and pretty much anything that she knows she can handle.  She dreams about the days and transitions he will go through as a baby and has planned ahead to milestones like sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.  She plans to be with him every milestone along the way.

Enzo loves to watch Zander move.  He is very curious about his fingers, toes, hair, ears, and eyes.  He is excited to share this trucks, and teach him how all of his toys work.  He is excited about the day they can jump around together and be buddies.

Dana and I couldn't be more happy with our newest addition.  We are soaking in every moment and loving life as a family of 5.