Threat Level Midnight: May 2010

Actually, baby Lucas has been here for about two weeks now. It's just taken me a while to get the blog updated. For some reason having two kids is a lot of work. Who knew?

Lucas's birth story isn't quite as dramatic as Levi's (for a refresher course, you can read Levi's story here). Courtney was due on May 15th. Levi was born 4 days early so we were expecting Lucas to arrive early as well. But May 15th came and went, and still no Lucas. Courtney had a doctor appointment in the afternoon on May 17th. After the appointment (around 4:30) she started having contractions. Her mom came over after the appointment and they went for a walk around the block. I arrived home late from work and no one was home. After they got back Carla left and we started eating dinner. By this time Courtney was really starting to feel the contractions so she decided to go and lay down. We didn't want to go to the hospital if this wasn't the real thing, so we waited it out for a little while. But when I saw the look of anguish on Courtney's face when the contractions came, I had a sneaking suspicion that this was the real thing. So we called Courtney's parents and they arrived faster than Winston Wolfe* to get Levi. We packed up and headed for the hospital, where we arrived around 8:30.

* This Pulp Fiction reference would be even better if Terry had said to us on the phone, "Your house is 30 minutes away? We'll be there in 10.".

We waited in triage for a while before I had to finally go and get a nurse. The nurse checked Courtney and she was dilated to 8. This was the real thing. We moved to a delivery room. Courtney "labored" for a little while, her water broke a little after 10, and Lucas was born at 10:29. So from start to finish the labor/delivery took a little under 6 hours. He weighed in at 7 pounds (just like Levi) and was 20.5 inches long.

Welcome, Baby Lucas.

That whole story seemed a lot more exciting and interesting when it was actually happening. But now it just seems pretty blah. I wish I had something more exciting for you, I really do.

Since the story is a little boring, here is GOB to spice things up a bit.

Seriously, even though the story isn't all that exciting we're very thankful that little Lucas arrived safely and without any complications.

The last two weeks we have been adjusting to life with two kids. Lucas has been an incredible baby so far so he is making life a lot easier for us. He eats great, sleeps great, and doesn't cry a whole lot. He does poop all the time though, so him and I have something in common (I know, that was gross, sorry). We're still trying to figure out who Lucas looks like. He doesn't look like Levi did when he was born, or me, or Courtney.

Lucas is pondering what long-lost relative he might resemble.

So far Levi is loving being a big brother. He wants to shower Lucas with hugs and kisses all the time. We do have to remind him to be gentle as he can be a bit smothering. We were actually able to get Levi to come inside without crying today by telling him he'll be able to see his brother Lucas. And trust me, there is nothing* that gets this kid inside without crying. It was a minor miracle.

*The other day after dinner we asked Levi if he wanted dessert, and he said "No, outside.". We offered him popsicles, ice cream, cookies...and for each one he said "No, outside". That is the first time he's ever refused dessert. The kid really loves being outside.

Our two boys.

I've been home for the last couple of weeks but I'm heading back to work on Wednesday. I've thoroughly enjoyed being home and spending quality time with Courtney, Levi, and Lucas. It'll be an adjustment for everyone when I head back, but we'll make it work. I am very blessed to have a wonderful family. Hard to believe we're parents of two now!!

Here are some pictures from the last couple weeks for you. Thanks for reading!

Papa Freed with his new grandson.

Grandma Carla.

Grandma Chapin and Aunt Mindy.

You have two grandsons now Dad, looks like its time to build that baseball diamond.

The new and improved Chapin family.

Getting ready to head home from the hospital.

Levi getting ready to spray Prince.

My favorite part about having a newborn? Lots of naps.

Levi doing his best Matt Scott impersonation*.
*Matt Scott is one of my best friends from college who is infamous for, among other things, having 1 sock on and 1 sock off.