It's A Boy!

We are so happy to announce the birth of the newest little Johnston...Ross Andrew was born Monday, February 8th!

Last week at my 38 week doctor's appointment we went ahead and scheduled an induction. I was ready and my doctor had plans to be out of town for the week of my due date. I was induced with Bridget and it went great, so there was no hesitation to go ahead and do it the same way. We had a quiet weekend at home last weekend. We patiently waited for Monday morning to arrive...

and when it did, Bridget was dressed up in her 'Big Sister' shirt and all packed for her sleepover with Grandma and Papa.

My mom met us at the hospital at 7 a.m. to pick up Bridget. I gave her a big kiss goodbye and shed a few tears as they left. Todd and I then went straight into a delivery room to start our day. Labor started slowly, as the anesthesia team kept getting pulled into emergency c-sections. Once I finally did get my epidural around 11 a.m., they kicked up the pitocin and I comfortably relaxed the rest of the afternoon. Our parents were in and out and even Bridget hung out with us most of the afternoon. By about 3:30 we shooed everyone out so the nurse could check my progress one more time. I was more than 9 cm dilated, but not quite 10. She said I should begin to feel pressure soon and when I did to let her know-it would be time!

The pressure came and by 4:15 I was pushing. The nurse said that with most second babies it only takes 2 or 3 pushes. I knew better...it would take more than 2 or 3 pushes for me! And it did, but far less than with Bridget. On that last push, I knew that was it, so I shot straight up to look and see what we had. I saw those little boy parts right away! He came out crying and peeing on the doctor! Everyone in the room noticed that he was no little baby either-he was a big boy! 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 19 inches long. I never would have guessed that he was an 8 pound baby. Bridget was so small and I just assumed that all my babies would be small like her.

He is beautiful, healthy and loved by so many! We came home on Wednesday and things are going great. Bridget is still getting used to him. She doesn't mind him being here, but she hasn't exactly gotten attached to him yet. For some reason she thinks he stinks because she usually says, "Pee-yew" when she gets close to him! She's only wanted to hold him once and when he started to cry she looked at me to get him off! Ross, however, is already mesmerized by his big sister. He spends most of the day sleeping, but when he decides to wake up and open his little eyes, it's always for Bridget.

Thanks to everyone for all the phone calls and messages we've gotten. It's been a wonderful week and we're touched by everyone who is sharing in our happiness!