...and then, there were three!

(Eric)
On December 16th, at 10:46pm, we welcomed Cade Jeffrey Matthews into our family! He came out healthy and handsome at 6 lb 7 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. It was not without a little excitement either. Melissa started having contractions early in the morning on the 16th and by 3pm we were in the hospital monitoring mom and baby. It turned out that Cade didn't like the contractions as much as mommy didn't like them either. His heart rate would drop with each contraction. After trying a number of things to make mom and baby more comfortable we were faced with a possible c-section, which turned into reality around 9:30pm. A little over an hour later our baby boy entered the world. Melissa and I both cried as we heard his first little cry. Such an amazing moment to hear your child before you even lay eyes on him.

While Melissa was finishing up in the operating room, I went into the nursery with Cade to watch him get bathed and checked. Everything was normal, and so within about 15 minutes the 3 of us were reunited back in the original labor/delivery room we were given.

Dr. Mandleman took care of mom and baby :)

Our first outing since coming home was to Cade's first pediatrician appointment. He got a shot for Hepatitis B, which needless to say hurt Melissa and I more than Cade. He took it like a champ though, and we headed off. So far, so good! Our thanks are certainly first and foremost to the Great Creator who allowed us to enjoy the birth of our firstborn son. We are ever mindful that the Lord is first and foremost to be praised and worshipped, and He is certainly magnified during a time like this. I'd also like to take a minute to thank everyone who prayed for us during the pregnancy these past 9 months. God has answered faithfully with much kindness to us, and He acted upon the prompting of your prayer for us and for Cade. With much sincerity, thank you.