Meet Caleb Walker Brooks

 After days of wondering . . . is it labor, no it's not, yes it's labor, no it's not! . . . this sweet little munchkin decided it was time to make his debut on February 17th (5 days early).  I woke up that morning, realized I was in labor, and immediately called Jonathan home from his morning basketball game (he plays basketball 4 days a week at 5 a.m.--bluk!).  I contacted my dear friend Kristen (who arrived promptly), kissed the girls good-bye, and we were on our way.  I arrived at the hospital 7 cm dilated-- typical for me. I was uncomfortable, but feeling good and managing my pain.   So, I knew in a very short matter of time, baby boy would arrive on the scene.  NOPE!  I found out that I had strep B with this pregnancy (only my second time, I also had it with Madeline) and would have to have antibiotics.  No biggie, but once I had arrived with my "water" in tact, my doctor and midwife highly recommended I get an epidural to slow things down and try to get as much of the meds in my system as possible.  Well, that must have been some epidural, because they managed to slow my labor down for more than 7 hours!!!  I got my entire round of antibiotics; but, I was bored to tears.  I literally played Words With Friends, Scramble, and texted while in labor. Oh and I did NOT feel a thing (seriously could not feel my legs for 3 hours after delivery-- was getting a little scared!).  


Alas, Caleb Walker Brooks arrived at 3:11 pm on February 17th-- exactly on time, not my time, but the time God had appointed for him.  And, we were thrilled to meet him!!!  A son!  My first boy!  He was pink and healthy and screamed on cue.  Caleb weighed in at 8 pounds 10.7 ounces (one of my more petite babies) and was the standard 20 1/2 inches long ( I am convinced all babies receive the same length measurements at birth).


It was, of course, love at first sight.  Jonathan and I had chosen the name Caleb Walker before we even conceived Hannah 7 years ago.  Three girls later . . .we did go back to the drawing board; but, nothing suited us as well as our original boy name.  Yes, he is named for the Caleb of the Bible.  After hearing a sermon by Det Bowers (our Pastor during the late college years) on Numbers 13, we were overwhelmed by Caleb's faith.  The spies return from Caanan (the Promised Land) discouraged and report to Moses and the people of Israel that the people are strong and the cities fortified.  Caleb, however, stands up and says,“Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”  I pray that God will bless our sweet Caleb with an overwhelming faith in Him and His promises!  Jonathan's father (and Caleb's grandfather) passed away when Jonathan was a sophomore in high school.  Bill's full name was William Walker.  So it is our honor and privilege to give our son his grandfather's middle name.  His grandfather was another man with great faith in his Savior.

Mommy and Daddy spent the remainder of the day bonding with sweet Caleb on our own, as it was too late for the girls to make their way to the hospital.  Thankfully, the girls were sufficiently distracted.  Miss Kristen's shift ended after lunch, at which time Miss Jeanna and her gang arrived.  Jeanna was then relieved by my friend Tess and her kids at dinner time.  My sister Katie arrived around bedtime with uncle Jimmy and cousins in tow.  I have heard it rumored that my kids played like crazy with their friends, watched a few movies, and somewhere around dinner time, Hannah said, "Best Day EVER!!!"  I am so thankful to all my friends and family who cared for my girls in our absence. We are blessed.

Caleb has settled nicely into the Brooks family and he is currently enjoying life-- well maybe not the part where he's forced to where humiliating hats and pose for pictures.  He may find this emasculating!  If so, he hasn't told me-- haha.  He eats and sleeps well, and he was up to about 9 pounds and 2 ounces at his 2 week appointment.  He is doted on and loved by 3 adoring sisters all day long.  I am blessed to have such amazing helpers in my older girls.  They are my extra arms and hands for sure!


I will post pictures of the girls meeting Caleb, his home coming, and some milestones that we have missed (3 birthdays, a spelling bee, etc.) here on Mommy Thoughts in the coming days.  Thank you for checking in on us and for praying for us through my pregnancy and delivery!