June 18th. My calendar has been marked for months. This day is highlighted, circled and there are plenty of exclamation marks — The Day We Meet Baby Luke!!!!!
Change of plans… instead, today we celebrate Luke’s ONE WEEK BIRTHDAY!
Last Tuesday, after I finished my post sharing Luke’s nursery, I took a quick shower and headed out to my 38 week appointment. Dave came along because we had a feeling Dr. D would want me to deliver sooner rather than later (but we weren’t thinking soon as in today).
I had been in (and back out of) the hospital with contractions and a “this is it” feeling four times at this point and had spent six hours being monitored the previous Sunday when I really, really thought this is it! {I had even showered and blow-dried my hair at 4 am in preparation. Anyone who knows me, knows that blow-drying my hair is serious business and only happens when absolutely necessary}.
After an NST and a quick check, Dr. D made the call and sent us straight to the hospital for me to be prepped for surgery. I had been having too many contractions and he didn’t feel like it was a good idea for me or baby to wait any longer. I had eaten lunch not long before my appointment, which meant we had to hold off on the c-section until 7:30 pm to ensure I had an empty stomach. {I honestly thought he would send us home to come back for an early morning delivery but he later confirmed that it was a very good thing we didn’t wait – Luke was ready to be born!}
I was READY to deliver and finally meet Luke, yet, it all happened so suddenly and I was a little bit overwhelmed and slightly fearful at the prospect of surgery again. I sent Dave home to pack my bag and pick up the kids as I settled in to the room and spent some time praying and listening to worship music. Several friends were praying with me and I literally felt their prayers. By the time we headed into the OR, I was feeling peaceful.
The kids were overwhelmed and scared since they had thought we had another week before Luke arrived and they were confused because I had just headed out to a routine check-up. My mother-in-law helped prepare them before Dave arrived to pick them up. Meanwhile, my mom was frantically booking a flight and found one that would arrive at 8am the next morning.
My sister in law and niece arrived with make-up and a curling iron and worked around the nurse putting in my IV to apply a little mascara and blush. It was hilarious and I’m sure the nurse thought we were crazy.
Once the kiddos arrived, we spent time together and prayed as a family before I headed to the OR to meet our new little man…
As they prepped me and administered my spinal tap, Dave waited (anxiously) in the hall. I HATE the feeling of my body going numb and started to feel pretty panicky until they finally let Dave come in and he did an amazing job helping me relax and breathe. He is always so steady and calm and I couldn’t begin to hope for a better partner in this life. I fell more in love with him that day; watching as he, once again, led our family and tenderly welcomed a new little life into the world.
At 7:52 pm, our lives changed for the better. Luke Robert Marrs entered the world and we welcomed him with tears of joy and so, so much gratitude for a healthy and perfect little guy!!!
When Dave was able to bring him over to me, Luke opened his eyes and looked right at me the instant he heard my voice. We locked eyes and everyone in the room remarked at the way he recognized my voice instantly. It was the most sacred moment that I will forever cherish. I ached to jump out of that bed and scoop him into my arms.
I could NOT wait for his siblings to meet him and I made sure Dave waited until I was back in the room before the big kids {they all seem SO giant now! I can’t handle it!!} arrived. They were each enamored and positively beaming. Such precious moments…
When it was time to go home on Thursday, we realized that the bag of extra stuff I had sent home with Dave earlier also had Luke’s going home outfit in it. So, in true 5th child fashion, he went home in a little Mercy hospital shirt, covered in a blanket we had to dig out of the dirty clothes bag. Bless his heart.
Also in true 5th child fashion, he was greeted by an excited cheering section. They stormed the vehicle ready to welcome their little brother HOME! After all these months, it still doesn’t feel real. He’s here! And, he’s the greatest, most unexpected little miracle blessing. As the proudest big sister in all the land, Charlotte, would say, “Cutie Patootie Luke-y Boy, we love, love, LOVE you!”
