Cole Halas Jackson

I'm writing this as Brad reads to Cole from Hank Haney's book.  Apparently our boy is going to be a golfer!

I started having contractions on Monday.  Brad and I went to the hospital Monday evening, and were sent home as I was only in very early labor.  

Contractions continued on Tuesday, Brad and I went back to the hospital, and this time they kept us.  

I labored for about 11 hours, and when it finally came time to push our little one out, he got stuck.  The doctors tried the vacuum to help get him out, but baby just wasn't budging.  Baby's heartrate was dropping, so the doctor recommended a c-section. 

I was completely heartbroken that the baby's birth would not go as I had hoped, exhausted, and scared.  At that point, I could not hold back my emotions, and while I was being prepped for surgery and Brad was getting changed into scrubs, I was comforted by our anesthesiologist, Lenny. He dried my tears, explained everything that would happen during the surgery, stayed right with me until Brad was able to come into the room, and talked me through everything during the c-section.   I am extremely thankful that he was part of the team, and am looking forward to giving him a huge thanks before we leave the hospital. 

I had expected Cole to be a small baby.  He was quite the mover and swimmer into the last weeks of my pregnancy, so I just assumed that given how much he could twist and turn, that he was going to be a little guy... I guessed around 6 pounds.  

Cole Halas Jackson was born at 6:33 am on June 24th, and much to my surprise he weighed in at 8 pounds.  He's got a big noggin, his dad's broad shoulders, and big feet.  He's a sleepy and healthy baby, and Brad and I couldn't be more proud and thankful. 

For those wondering about Cole's middle name, it's after George "Papa Bear" Halas, the founder of the Chicago Bears.  Yes, this baby's football team loyalty has already been decided. 

Brad was a wonderful coach throughout the whole process, with lots of encouraging words, and sacrificing blood flow in his hands through many of the contractions. We're all doing well with the exception of being exhausted.  We'll be in the hospital until Saturday most likely, and will then head home to introduce Cole to his new home and dog-sister, Ralphie. 

We're not sure just yet who he looks like. We think he's maybe got his mom's cheeks and nose, and Brad also thinks he might have some red hair.  We'll see!

I'm hoping not...