In Case You Haven't Heard...

Canaan Tripp Tolle was born on Monday, May 4th at 12:56 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs, 7 oz., and was 20 inches long.

I had a Muppet Head for an anesthesiologist. First he tried a spinal block which only served to shoot stinging sharp pains down my left leg, to which I screamed and cried (bawled, actually) until they decided that it wasn't working and they decided to do an epidural (which I was much more comfortable with, since I've had three in my past). But the Muppet only was able to numb my right side this time. The doctor started to cut into me and I said "I can feel that!" and they told me that they were only through the second layer and so they would have to knock me completely out. They next thing I said was "can someone let my husband know..." and then I blacked out completely.

The next thing I remember is waking up (barely) and there is stone silence as I'm being rolled down the hall. I asked through my grogginess, "Do I have a baby?" but was so scared that something went wrong during the delivery. The nurse replied, "Yes, he's with his daddy" and I was so relieved that I blacked out again.

When I woke up in the recovery room, I was so loopy and out of it that I don't remember much, but I met my beautiful baby boy who sported a full head of brown hair, and resembled his brothers in many ways.

I must say that this has been my hardest recovery yet. Note: 3 cesarean sections in two and a half years is NOT recommended. I'm just now starting to be able to get out of bed without excruciating pain. But of course it's all worth it...

In case you are wondering about Canaan's name... "Canaan" was the Promised Land in the Bible, and literally means "Humble". "Tripp" means "the third" and is also the namesake of one of our favorite authors...we thought it appropriate since he is our third son.

Both boys are adjusting well to their new baby brother. Caleb is so curious about his baby and Corban is eager to try and help.

Nate's mom is here to help with the transition, which has been a blessing. I'm dreading next Monday when I am all on my own with this three active boys.

We've been sooooo blessed by our military family here and our church family in Lawton. My friends here threw me a shower where they showered us with tons of diapers and frozen meals (which was a GREAT idea!) and our church gave us a shower with sweet handmade gifts and a generous cash gift that helped us get some much needed outdoor toys that all the boys will enjoy. We were again humbled by how God has greatly provided us all of our needs and even some of our wants!

Thank you all for sharing in our joy. I am so blessed to be the mother of these sweet boys. I'm just sad it all goes so fast. Here is a little part of one of Nate and I's favorite poems:

"Settle down cobwebs, dust go to sleep,

I'm rocking my baby, 'cause babies don't keep"

Nate and I often remind each other that "Babies don't keep" as we truely try to enjoy each moment with our boys. I know that the next few years are going to be crazy, busy, and chaotic with three under three, but I don't want to wish this season away, I want to cherish each moment, because it goes too fast.

Well, I have a newborn who's crying, so I guess I better sign off...