I know I haven't been keeping my blogging goals (shame!), and I'd really like to backtrack to fill in the gaps, but the importance of this post necessitates that I skip the rest. WE HAVE A PRECIOUS BABY BOY!!!
He officially entered the world at 12:17 in the afternoon on Tuesday, January the 3rd. He weighs a hearty 8 lbs. 7 oz. (almost two pounds bigger than his sister was!) and is a lengthy 22 inches long. We named him Orion Ted Jones. "Orion" (or "Rion" for short) means "son of light," Ted is after his grandpa and means "gift of God," and Jones of course is the family name we share. His features remind me of his daddy or Grandpa Bird, though he also has many Ellie-ish facial expression that make me smile. He is going to be one cute little brother! 
Orion's birth was the greatest physical challenge of my life. I'd been anxiously awaiting his arrival since the middle of December (considering Ellie's 3-week early showing) but he was determined to stay in his cozy quarters. Finally contractions woke me around 5:00 Tuesday morning. We took our time getting things ready, dropped off Ellie, and got to the hospital around 8:00. The next four hours were spent mostly on hands and knees with my sweet husband applying counter pressure ("Work those biceps, Honey!") or in the jetted tub. Still, progress was slow. When I had about had it, my midwife broke my water, and in 20 minutes my boy was out. It was very hard, and yet SO GOOD to hold our son in my arms. 
And look at the proud Daddy! He worked very hard, at my side the whole way, comforting and encouraging. I don't think I could have made it without him. What a lucky wife I am!
Here is Orion in his first bath. He is such a calm little infant! Eric says he didn't fuss at all through all his washings/tests/assessments, nor did he at birth.
His eyes are always roaming, as if soaking in colors and light. I wonder what he thinks of this new world.
Our very first foursome family photo! Happy birthday, sweet Orion!
Here's Ellie, zonked out on the hospital bed after a couple of days of craziness. Ellie has had to adapt to hospital surroundings. Her energy and curiosity are a bit much for one small room, but she loves to see "the baby." She keeps trying to give him hugs and touch all of his tiny facial features. I don't think she realizes that he will be staying with us permanently, but I'm sure she will be a loving and helpful big sister. 
We're so excited for our little Orion Ted Jones to be a part of our family! We know he will make a wonderful addition to our home.
