He's Here!!

Our New Arrival: Andrew Jonathan Hines 10:22 pm May 13, 2008

Andrew means "brave" (named for the disciple who was best known in his life for bringing others to Christ and in his death, being more concerned with preaching the gospel than his own suffering)

Jonathan means "gift of God" (and he is, especially after our two losses)

We arrived at the hospital at about 7:45 pm and twiddled our thumbs until 9:20 when Margie, my amazing midwife, broke my water. Let's just say the next 50 minutes were fast and furious and Andrew was born (in a 3rd unmedicated birth!) at 10:22pm Tuesday night and was 8lbs, 4oz, and 21.5" long. Margie did a fantastic job getting us through the birth. The recovery so far has been much easier than with Caleb, but more difficult than after Joshua.

We were blessed with several visitors at the hospital yesterday, including Philip's parents and Grandma. The boys hadn't seen "Grandma GiGi" (who lives in Washington state) since Nov 2005, so it was very special for her to be able to be here during this special time. The boys will be going to Philip's parents house for the week next week to spend time with them and give us a break. We also got to play "visitor" to our good friends Kelly and MJ and their new daughter Maddie, who were hanging out just down the hall! Kelly and I were both due on the 16th, and we managed to deliver on the 13th! How fun. :)

We took the "24 hour minimum stay" hospital rule seriously and were discharged at 11:00 last night. It was a bit of a rough night, but I was so happy to be home. We are off to a good start this morning. Today is Joshua's actual birthday and he is very excited. But, he is more excited about the baby. First thing this morning he wanted to hold Andrew, and then after breakfast was jumping around in front of him saying "I love you baby!" So cute!

We have chosen as Andrew's life verse(s)

Col. 1:9-14 :

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,^[b] the forgiveness of sins.

Here are some pictures to enjoy!

35 minutes old

His first bath

Mom and baby the next morning (Andrew bearing a VERY strong resemblance to Joshua here!)

Our family!