Thursday, July 21, 2011

Welcome, Noah Reagan McCleskey



It is understood that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of any storm. When a rainbow appears, it does not mean that the storm never happened or that we are not still dealing with its aftermath. It means that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover, but the rainbow provides a counter balance of color, energy, and HOPE. (unknown)

Welcome to our little rainbow, Noah Reagan McCleskey.


On Monday, July 18th we went for our weekly OB appointment.  Noah wasn't moving much on the ultrasound, and hadn't been very active all weekend.  Because he was breech the doctors were concerned that he may have been squishing his cord between his booty & the birth canal.  He was cramped and so we were sent to the hospital to be monitored and she told us that we would either have the baby that evening, or this upcoming Friday.  Either would have been a little earlier than we were expecting.  We were resigned to wait until July 29th (39 weeks) for a c-section.  But our God had another plan.


We arrived at the hospital at 4 p.m. on the 18th.  I was hooked to the monitor, and Noah was moving but nothing like his norm.  I was put on an IV to receive some fluids because they weren't sure how long they would be monitoring.  Well, at 5 p.m. two nurses came into our little room in triage and announced that within the next 2 hours we were going to have a baby.  I was so overwhelmed, but all I could say was, "but we don't even have our toothbrushes!"  So, Matt rushed home to get our bags and I started calling some out of town family....still in a state of total disbelief that this was happening! 

Then, at 8:27 p.m. on July 18, 2011, I heard my son scream and wail.  It was and still is the most beautiful, amazing, miraculous sound I have ever heard.  The c-section was quick, and totally intense...but also quite a beautiful experience.  A holy experience.  I just cried and cried as I listened to my boy belt out cries of life....  Matt rushed off to see him, make some videos and cut the cord.  I just cried.  It was, and still is, quite surreal. 

I was kept in the hospital until earlier today.  It was stressful, loud and tiring.  I am so glad to be home.  It's intense...us being here with Noah...alone...  I'm half staring at him, half typing this out...still in awe that this is my life.  I just told someone yesterday that having him is incredible and makes me feel so close to Rowan & Levi as well.  It's such a sweet love that I have for this boy.  We have so many pictures that I want to share...but my pain meds are starting to kick in and I'm having to re-type more than I am typing...  But, here is something to hold you over!



our first kiss...i am forever ruined for this little one

 Yes, he is this adorable all the time...except when he's getting even more adorable!

1st car ride - NAILED it!!  Winning!

27 comments:

MrsH said...

Congratulations! He is so cute... adorable.

Jennifer Kay said...

I am so happy for you and Noah is ADORABLE!!! It will be the hardest but most rewarding job of your life.

Ladybug said...

I am just bawling reading this post. I remember seeing Ollie and holding him. I think I just stared at him for 3 months. Those days of just not wanting to let him sleep in a bed because I wanted to hold him and memorize his face and pray over him and be the first thing he saw when he woke up.

Treasure it.

Shasta Looper said...

Congratulations!!! I know you have waited for this day in great anticipation. I hope that it was all that you had imagined and more! Cuddle your little man and love him every chance you get!! He is beautiful!!

Angela said...

Congratulations, he's gorgeous! Welcome to the world, baby boy.

Becky said...

Oh my gosh he is so adorable!!!
Congratulations you guys!

Ausmerican Housewife - Creating with Kara Davies said...

:D

crystal theresa said...

Congratulations and welcome to Rowan and Levi's baby brother!!!! He is so beautiful ♥

Amanda said...

Congratulations! He is adorable!!

Harlowe said...

Oh, he is beautiful! Congrats!

kathy said...

My daughter-in-law is Heather, who owns Everyday Lettering. Ever since you entered her giveaway last year and she told me about you, I have been reading your blog. Hope you don't mind! Anyway, I felt it was time to speak up and tell you how impressed I am by you, and the way you live your life. I am so incredibly happy for you, your husband, and Noah, and have no doubt that your other boys are incredibly happy for you, too. Enjoy and savor every minute! Congratulations! (PS- Heather is pregnant with her second, and we couldn't be happier!)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! He is beautiful. Take care of your self :)

The Anglin Family said...

He's gorgeous. Congrats on such a perfect little boy:)

Michelle said...

cograts, he is adorable!

Michelle said...

congrats, he is adorable!

Matushka Anna said...

I couldn't believe it when I opened your blog just now!!! I was hoping for another weekly update and WOW!!!

Congratulations! I'm so, so, so happy for you! He is just beautiful. *sniff*

Matushka Anna said...

I love his "Little Brother" shirt in the picture on the side bar!

Molly King said...

So happy for you and your handsome little fella!

Bernadette said...

Congratulations!! He's beautiful! What a blessing :)

Lisa (Coe) Mueller said...

Amanda and Matt -

Sooooo happy to read about the arrival of Noah! :-) He is absolutely precious and I cannot wait to see him in person (even though it may have to be in December when Ian and I will both get our next breaks). I can already see a little bit of both of you coming out in him. **Sniff** **Sniff** Such an answer to so many prayers that I have lifted up for you guys over these past few years!

Love y'all so much and CONGRATULATIONS to you both!

In Christ,

Lisa

P.S. Can't wait to see more photos!!! He really is a knock-out!

Mom in Limbo said...

Oh, I've been anxiously waiting to hear the good news. A million congrats to your whole family and Noah's big brothers.

Carol said...

I am so very happy for you. I could do the Happy Dance!!! Thank you Jesus.

Julie said...

Congrats! He is a beautiful little boy!

jhjonze said...

I am so happy for you! I have been checking my blog feed obsessively waiting for this post. I just cried looking at all the beautiful pictures of your little man. CONGRATULATIONS! I couldn't be happier for you!

Nicole said...

PRAISE GOD!!! He is SO beautiful, Amanda. I am so happy for you and tears of thanksgiving are streaming down my face right now for you.

Rachel said...

I can't even tell you how happy i am. Congrats! What a beautiful blessing.

Rachel said...

I can't even tell you how happy I am. Congrats! What an amazing blessing!