Introducing Brady James Wood!

I am weeping as I look through the pictures from Brady's birthday.  The Lord knew we needed this precious baby boy and it is such a blessing for him to join our big, crazy, wonderful family! I am in awe of the miracle of life and how our Wonderful Maker knit him together perfectly in my womb.
This is your birth story Brady:
Monday, April 9th 5:15 AM 
Mark and I knew that I would be induced at 39 and 1/2 weeks (and yes that 1/2 counts!!) if Brady did not come on his own before that.  When I was checked at 36 weeks I was already dilated to a three and 75% effaced so we honestly could not imagine how I would go another 4 weeks. But... I sure did, and he has been THE BEST baby so far, so I'm so thankful that he "cooked" longer than his brother or sister :).
The kids were out of school for Easter on Monday so the timing was perfect.  Ryan and Ally spent the night at Honey and GP's and Mark and I anxiously counted down the hours until we drove to the hospital.

This picture is for my sisters...I promised them I would take a pregnancy picture. Wowzers.  We are ready to go!

 We drove to the hospital in silence and I was praying for a smooth delivery. I specifically prayed that I would get my epidural, that Brady would be born into this world without complications, and that it would be fast.  :) All my prayers were answered with a YES!  We checked in at 5:45 AM at Hillcrest Hospital.  I was asked tons of questions, and in my gown and hooked up to my pitocin IV by 6:30.  The contractions started coming on a lot stronger and by 7:45 I was really starting to hurt.  Brady's heart rate wasn't responding as well as they like after each contraction so my Dr. ordered a fetal monitor placed in his scalp.  Ouchy Mommy that hurt! Then Dr. Koeritz came in and broke my water and checked me and I was still hanging at a 4.  He and the nurse took bets on when Brady would make his appearance and then he was off to his office.  This is when things really started to hurt and I immediately asked for my epidural.  At 8:15 I asked the nurse repeatedly where the anesthesiologist was and that I was feeling major pressure.  She checked me and lo and behold I was a 9!!  So I went from a 4 to a 9 in about 30 minutes and I was in some major heavy duty pain.  Screaming at one point, on oxygen for Brady-- his heat rate still not responding well-- and no epidural.

All the while these precious cuties have showed up in the waiting room :).

And Honey was waiting patiently with Caryn and Kacey right outside my room 

At 9:00, when I thought I thought I could not survive another contraction I saw the Dr. waiting to give me my epidural.  His name was Steve and I was VERY grateful.

Then at 9:37 AM, weighing 8 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches long 

Brady James Wood was born!!!!!

He was big baby and we were so thankful that he was Ok.  The cord was wrapped around his little neck which explained the low heart rate.  He was PERFECT and these two were anxious to meet their baby bubba.

Here they come...

He's HERE!!!

These next pictures are so very sweet to me.  Thank you Caryn for capturing this once in a lifetime moment for us.   I thought Ally might explode with happiness.  She is an AMAZING big sister and has already been a HUGE helper to me with her baby brother.  

This is one proud Daddy.

My three angels

This picture makes me cry.  I cannot believe my firstborn is so BIG and I love how he loves his brother.  He is SO sweet to him and checks on him first thing each morning and then right after school every day.  It has been a huge blessing to see the way Ryan adores him!

my boys 

Honey and GP

Honey loving on her ninth grandchild

GP doing the same.  

Grandma loving her 4th grandbaby

Aunt Cary and

Aunt Kacey beaming with love!

Some sweet cousins and uncles meeting Brady.  Here's Wyatt,

Stacey

Lila,

Uncle Stacey

Uncle Josh,

and the girls again.

This is just One of my favorites from the day.  Mark telling me I did a good job :)

Then it was off to our room.  Every single nurse, aid, and Doctor that came into our room commented on the Brady banner my sisters and dad put up.  It was a big hit and I'm so glad I saved it from my baby shower!

Our friend Steve hasn't ever missed a Wood baby birthday, and we're so thankful for the Weavers! 

Brady was a little cold when he was born so he had to be under a heat lamp in our room for a couple hours before he could get his bath.  He was happy as can be under that lamp, until the doctor started messing with him :).

He was not loving his first bath!

Our FANTASTIC pediatrician and friend Dr. Nesmith stopped by to meet Brady.  He loves to give us a hard time and we are VERY thankful for him and the care he gives all our children.

Of course we had favors at the hospital---every good birthday has favors right?!

Mrs. Erica came by to love on Brady boy

And then the kids came back to get some more hugs. Caroline kept saying, baby, baby, over and over it was precious.  She seems so big compared to Brady!

One PROUD big sister,

And one PROUD big brother.

Jenn came by for a visit too

And Honey was making sure he was comfy,

Aunt JoAnn and Grandma also came back for some more hugs.  

I finally got to hold my baby boy again after bath and I couldn't stop staring at him.  He looks exactly like my other two babies and I couldn't believe he was ours.  Brady you are such a gift from the Lord and I am incredibly thankful that God chose us to be your parents.  

My arms are FULL of love for this family.

Happy Birthday Brady! 

We already love you so much.