And now there are 4

August 1, 2010 Joshua David Landis made his way into this world at 3:29pm.  Weighing in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 20" long. 

We arrived at the hospital about 5:30am on Sunday the 1st; hard labor didn't really start until about 10am, by 1:30pm I was ready to start pushing.  It took us a little longer to push him out because Joshua's heart rate kept dropping, he wasn't handling the pushing very well, so I was only able to push every 4th contraction until about the last 30 mins, then I was able to push every other.  After two hours of pushing he arrived!  The cord had been wrapped around his neck- so God had already showed himself strong in this little boys life! 

My wonderful husband, my mom and my sister were with me in the labor and delivery room.  My sister probably worked the hardest, besides me of course :-) She was my massage therapist!  She went above and beyond by even standing in the whirlpool tub to put counter pressure on my back!! It was so nice to have them all there with me, supporting me and cheering me on!

My nurse for the day was wonderful and really knows her stuff!! She has been working OB for 30 years!  On top of that a strong christian woman and she attends my church! Thanks Ann for all the support, she always knew exactly what to say and do during my contractions to get me through them.  She even made sure we had the largest labor room, as I had a few extra people!  After Joshua arrived we must of had 10 people in the room plus the hospital staff!  What a treat.

Kaitlyn was able to come and see her baby brother within the hour of his birth!  Below are some pictures of her greeting and meeting him, I think they speak for themselves!  She loves her babies!  She loves holding him and kissing him.

We feel so blessed and honored to have been given this son to raise up in the ways of the Lord.  He is melting our hearts and making his place within our little family of 4.  The moments I have him all to myself and he is lying on my chest, I marvel at his tiny and precious features.  The way his left ear has a 'nick' out of it, where his right ear is smooth.  The way his fingers and toes appear to be so long right now.  The way the fuzz on his face feels against my cheek and the smell of his little body brings such warm and loving feelings to me.  The way his dark blue eyes are searching all the time as they respond to his mommy's voice.  The way his belly will rise and fall as he is sleeping in my arms.  All of it is a-m-a-z-i-n-g and over whelming at times, such precious moments we are in right now. 

I have to note that when we left the hospital he weighed 6lbs 13 oz; and on day 5 he weighed 6lbs 12 oz.  He also has a tint of red in his hair, we'll have to wait a while and see how that turns out!

Thank you Jesus for such a precious life!