I want to keep sort of an ongoing post as to what’s happening. I will be changing and modifying the post as I need to, and it will be the same spot I do the “live blogging” of the birth. We weren’t going to, at first, but upon talking about it we figured we’d want a place where both us and our child could look back and see exactly what happened.
And so, here I go:
Aug 07, 10:30 AM
Since our OB (Dr. Rupe of the Women’s Group – hey, that rhymes really well!) is going out of town middle-of-next-week, we had originally scheduled an induction for Monday, August 11th. She wanted to be the one who delivered us, and we were willing to be flexible as to the induction (sooner rather than later due to her trip). So, we scheduled the induction for the 11th. Yesterday (Aug 6), the doctor calls us and tells us there’s been an opening (God only knows how it got there) for the OB, and we’re more than welcome to come in tonight (Aug 7th) for an induction on the 8th.
We had originally had our due date pinned down on the 8th, so this is super exciting, as it allows us to deliver on one of the coolest birthdays (08/08/08). It’s a once in a lifetype opportunity, and we plan on taking it.
Aug 07, 4:30 PM
We saw our OB for the last time before the baby comes. She told us to head straight to admitting. So, we went to the patient registration and got checked in.
Aug 07, 5:30 PM
We got taken up to Room 225 in Williamson County Medical Center. They are sort of surprised to see us, and no one really knows what’s going on. Joy.
Aug 07, 6:05 PM
The nurses came in and hooked holly up to all of the funny machinery. Believe me, she’s not happy about it.
And she wasn’t happy when they put the IV in either. To quote Holly it “hurt like Heck”.
But not as much as the Cervadil did. It’s (basically) a shoestring you put on your cervix. It softens it and helps it prepare for labor. And she said it hurts.
But she has it in and she’s on the IV meds, whatever they are. Her blood pressure cuff is huge – it’s almost the size of her forearm! Basically, she’s very unconfortable, but doing very well.
Aug 07, 7:20 PM
Watching “The Daily Show” on the hospital TV. We’re all just busying ourselves at the moment because we really can’t do anything until tomorrow morning. I’m going to go get her dinner later, but otherwise we’re just gonna chill here. Not much happening otherwise.
Holly's Resting
Aug 07, 9:10 PM
We had takeout Cracker Barrel – Holly’s last meal before she is cut off from any sustinance that could… well, actually sustain her. She’ll be on a strict diet of ice chips, water, and the occasional popcicle for good behavior (maybe) until the baby comes. And let me tell you – I never want to be hooked up to an IV while having to use the restroom. The good news: we can stretch an IV about 15 feet, but you run the risk of clotheslining a nurse. Basically, it’s a pain. All in all, however, she’s in good spirits, if not a little bored. But the end will be worth every means to get there.
Aug 07, 11:18 PM
Nurses came in and got Holly’s bed ready for the night. We found out we have an early start tomorrow. They’ll be in at 4 AM to take the Cervadil out of Holly and then again at 5 to start the Pitocin. That being said, i’m turning in – I want to be alert enough to help her out AND blog about it. I can sometimes barely chew gum and talk when i’m tired… so goodnight.
Aug 08, 5:04 AM
Got to get a bit of rest before all the fun started. At 4 the nurse came in and started unhooking IV’s and machinery from Holly so she could get a shower. I helped her in and out of the shower, got her re-dressed, then watched as she was hooked up to 1…2… 3 different IV’s. One has saline solution for hydration, one has glucose to keep her sustained while she’s in labor, and one is the Pitocin – the miracle medicine that keeps contractions strong, steady, and going. There will be a total of 4 IV’s (the 4th is an antibiotic), but they don’t seem to bother her at the moment.
Total dilation: a fingertip width (and that’s something considering we’ve been 0 for the past 5 weeks!)
Aug 08, 8:24 AM
Paperwork time! We had to answer about a million questions (some two or three times), mostly about the baby and the epidural. We got the morning nurse, so she wanted to know everything that was going on. Otherwise, she’s about ready to have her doctor break the water and get the show on the road.
Aug 08, 10:30 AM
Dr. Rupe came in and checked on Holly. She told us then that her water was about to be broken, so I sat next to her and held her hand while it happened. A quick gush of fluids later and we were in the no-turning-back zone! The contractions are getting stronger and sharper, but that happens when you get your water broken.
Total dilation: …unsure. More than the last time we checked, obviously!
PS: We also got our first happy baby day gift! This huge mylar balloon stork:
Huge freakin' stork!
Aug 08, 1:53 PM
Wow, it’s been a busy morning. Around 11:30 Dr. Rupe came into the room to check Holly. She had been dialating a bit more and was now ready to have her water broken. Holly had heard the horror stories, and wasn’t looking foward to this part, but before she realized it, it was already done – mostly painless. About a half an hour later the contractions started getting worse and Holly knew it was time for Epidural.
She called in a nurse, but since there are other babies being born (it IS 08/08/08 after all) they had to call an OR nurse in to administer the Epidural. About 15 minutes in, the Epidural was inserted and Holly could immediately feel a difference. She had been struggling for a half hour prior because the water breaking had made the contractions a lot worse.
We’ve really not been able to do much since she’s bedridden with the Epidural. Lots of games of Uno and checking the comments below to see what people are saying. I was even a little aprehensive to continue the post once I’d started it, but seeing everyone’s comments really makes Holly feel better and smile a bit, so she’s encouraged me to keep on.
It’s now 1:56 and Holly is asleep with an oxygen mask on. It’s a little creepy to see her lying in bed with all manner of tubes, IV’s, and masks on, but I know it’s for the baby’s benefit, so it’s a bit easier to stand.
They’ve given us an expected time of 7:30 tonight. If all goes well, we’ll have the baby then.
Aug 08, 4:50 PM
Slight problem. Lucas apparently doesn’t like the stronger contractions necessary in order to deliver. We’ve been put on and taken off the Pitocin a few times now, and every time the medicine gets in her system and starts to do its job, after every contraction Lucas’ heart-rate drops. Since it’s a continual thing, it’s something to do with the contractions. Also, she’s been stuck at 3cm for about 3 hours with no progress.
Basically, we’ve decided to give it one more try (the Pitocin) and then we suit up for a C-section.
There’s nothing really to worry about risk-wise to the baby at the moment. If the heart-rate drops and stays down we’ll be rushed to the OR to operate, but we’ll get to schedule it if it looks like it’s dropping the same as it has been.
It’ll be an in and out procedure, and the only downside will be a higher time of recovery for Holly.
Pray, think, send us good juju – whatever it is you think or believe, we’ll appreciate any positive energy you send us.
Aug 08, 5:10 PM
Doctor came back in. It’s C-section time. We’re heading back now. Pray for us.
Aug 08, 6:55 PM
The C-section was a complete success. Lucas Cole Canter was born at 5:45 PM on 08/08/08, 7lbs 7oz, and 20.5 inches long. Holly is in the room doing fantastic (if not a little nauseated from the anesthesia). I’ll be putting pictures up a bit later, but I wanted to let you guys know what was going on so you could stop worrying. Everything is fantastic.
Aug 08, 8:57 PM
Baby Lucas
Baby Lucas
Baby Lucas
Aug 09, 8:36 AM
Baby Lucas and Mitch
More pictures can be found at my Flickr page.
Special Twitter Love
Thanks to everyone who sent encouraging messages to my twitter account. Just for you, here is a compilation of those tweets!
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EdenSpodek @studionashvegas I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow and Friday. My little one was born 090998. Not quite as cool as 080808. |
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CoryHolder @studionashvegas I had this exact statement last week! Nice! |
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sleepydad @studionashvegas ditto @c_johnson ’s remark. Get a gooood night’s sleep.then. Again, you know the oldest induction method? |
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tbeckett @studionashvegas Hope y’all have a safe natural childbirth – right on your due date! |
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tbeckett @studionashvegas We had a wonderful dinner out the night before our first was born. We didn’t know that at the time. Have a great dinner. |
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c_johnson @studionashvegas congrats! May I recommend going to bed early too? |
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thePuck @studionashvegas congrats (I hope!) |
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sobbee @studionashvegas yay you’re getting your triple 8 baby  |
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maryyesterday @studionashvegas Oh Yah! That’s very exciting and such a cool birthday to have! |
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LMDeaton @studionashvegas Congratulations! And, what a great birthday!! |
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ZenOfJazz @studionashvegas Good luck on that upcoming “product launch”… |
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msholin @studionashvegas What a fantastic birth date! Down side…will be a LEO…fasten your seat belts as my mother and family would tell you |
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Kateva @studionashvegas awesome…. easy to remember birthday! |
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pixelchic @studionashvegas Good luck to you and your wife! |
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dzinerchic @studionashvegas I am so excited for you and nashvogue! |
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thefilmtalk @studionashvegas Best of luck to you and yours! |
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goggans @studionashvegas congrats on the new house, man! |
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btwilkins @studionashvegas Good luck Mitch! I’ll say a prayer for you guys! |
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eileen53 @studionashvegas good luck! |
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BLG @StudioNashVegas – Good luck and have *fun* |
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Kateva @studionashvegas won’t be long now… keep us posted. |
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RandomChick  @studionashvegas Yay! it shouldn’t be too long now! |
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ZenOfJazz @studionashvegas Congrats. Drop everything and help her with that project she’s about to launch! |
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RickCaffeinated @studionashvegas – good luck, Godspeed, and be sure to NOT twitter too much if your wife says, “stop”. |
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RandallFoster @studionashvegas “PUSH!!!… ” |
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nicholaswyoung @studionashvegas hope everything works out well for you and @nashvogue |
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goggans @studionashvegas good luck with everything you guys are in our prayers! |
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BradBlackman @studionashvegas wishing you guys the best of luck bringing that kiddo into the world! |
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tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas Awesome |
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MatthewsChick @studionashvegas its going great miss you this time… |
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tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas thats awesome!!!!! |
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tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas and your wife isn’t going to kill you? lol |
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tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas OMG Congrats and good luck!!!! I will mention you!!! |
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RandomChick @studionashvegas so excited for you both! just keep thinking “epidural” and it’ll be cake! |
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jwd2a @studionashvegas saw a coupon for $5 off diapers in this week’s publix ad and thought of you – make sure to check it out! |
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cjsorg @studionashvegas Hope you come out of there with an extra person this time! |
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musicbizwiz @studionashvegas: good luck! |
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webboy @studionashvegas good luck man! |
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spxds @studionashvegas Good luck!!!!! |
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acnatta @studionashvegas best wishes! |
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cjsorg @studionashvegas born on 8-8-8, that’s just great. |
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cjsorg @studionashvegas Whoo-hoo! Three’s a crowd! |
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sawagner30 @studionashvegas Congrats |
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Christyxcore @studionashvegas congrats! |
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thefilmtalk @studionashvegas Mitch Jr.???? |
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webboy @studionashvegas that’s great! Congrats! |
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brandice @studionashvegas Congrats on the baby boy!! And on 08/08/08 too! |
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capstinence @studionashvegas: Congrats, man! That’s awesome! |
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doctoranonymous @studionashvegas Congrats! |
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TupeloRob @studionashvegas CONGRATULATIONS PAPA! |
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stevegrossman @studionashvegas Definitely praying |
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cjsorg @studionashvegas viva studionashvegas! Hope the family is 1 soon and safely! |
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RandomChick @studionashvegas sending thoughts and prayers your way. |
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lewishowes @studionashvegas your family is in my prayers |
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musicbizwiz @studionashvegas : hang in there. |
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sleepydad @studionashvegas keeping you all in our thoughts |
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ikepigott @studionashvegas – Good luck man… you’re in our prayers. |
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tehduh @studionashvegas, @maryyesterday and I are pulling for you guys. |
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kristent @studionashvegas Congrats in advance! The blog update is a wonderful idea. |
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dotrage @studionashvegas good luck to your you and especially your wife! |
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goggans @studionashvegas congrats to you two… being a parents rocks!!! |
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lalunablanca @studionashvegas Wow Yay! Congrats and cheers to you all and Lucas. (did this pregnancy last years?) |
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DCmusicfusion @studionashvegas how do you like this template & design @disruptology ? http://disruptology.com/ |
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Mandy52 @studionashvegas So this means you got your wish and he was born on 8/8/08?? I thought about you guys all day long! |
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RandomChick @studionashvegas he is absolutely beautiful! so glad he and mom are well. |
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stevegrossman @studionashvegas Congrats to you all |
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allenfuller @studionashvegas Congratulations!!! Melanie and I are so happy for you and Holly. Can’t wait to meet Lucas, Mr. 08/08/08! |
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stevematthews @studionashvegas congrats Mitch… And welcome to little Lucas! Great name… like it a lot. |
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danielerossi @studionashvegas congratulations! |
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conniecrosby @studionashvegas Congrats, Mitch and Holly. What a beautiful baby. I love the photos http://www.studionashvegas…. |
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gregschwartz @studionashvegas Congrats. Welcome to the world, Lucas! |
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imnico @studionashvegas oooh he’s here! I haven’t checked your blog since this morning. Congrats!!  |
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tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas Congrats! |
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Argon52 @studionashvegas congrats! |
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guitarlifestyle @studionashvegas Congratulations! |
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sleepydad @studionashvegas congratulations! |
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musicbizwiz @studionashvegas : mazel tov! |
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jimreams @studionashvegas Welcome to Dadhood. It’s the best thing ever. |
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nicholaswyoung @studionashvegas congrats. just left goodness on the blog. |
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kateo @studionashvegas Congrats! |
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Holy Cow! There are 46 Comments!
Trackbacks
- Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy « Newscoma
- PodCamp Ohio » Blog Archive » Online Meetup this Thursday
- PodCamp Ohio » Blog Archive » Podcamp Ohio Meetup Wrapup
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
by: Daniel Johnson, Jr.
Yay! I'm so excited for you guys.
by: Andy Helsby
hang on in there, 8-8-8 will be a cool birth date!
by: tw3nty3ight
Sounds like your off to a great start lol
by: Dave Delaney
08-08-08 that's like tomorrow!
Best of luck guys, your life is about to be better than ever.
Enjoy it!
by: musicbizwiz
08.08.08 is just around the corner….
by: Eden Spodek
I've been thinking about you today. Hope Holly has a comfortable night and who knows, maybe we'll wake up to some exciting news in the morning. Here's to hoping the delivery is relatively quick and comfortable.
by: Grandmom
Blessings on your day! Sounds like you're off to a great start. Don't forget to pray together in the quiet for quick and safe delivery. We are praying here, and are so excited. This IS a SPECIAL day. Love and hugs from Granddad and Grandmom
ok, I'm not blog literate, am I suppose to check the verify box below?
by: Robyn Rainwater
Yay! How's it going? Hang in there Holly!
by: Greg Schwartz
First of all, awesome. So excited for you. Second, my wife said that the IV insertion was the worst part of the birthing process. And she's done it twice, so she knows.
by: nicholasyoung
Looks like you've got a crowd of people behind you, offering prayers and well wishes. @DeathByChocolat and I are certainly in that category as well. Blessings on you two (and soon to be) three!
by: conniecrosby
I'm checking in, seeing how things are going. I'm thinking about you guys!!
by: Robyn Rainwater
So glad to hear that she can sleep! When I went thru this, I couldn't sleep and I got soooo tired. Many good thoughts and prayers to you, Holly and Lucas. Glad that you are posting. Such a special day for your family. Thank you for letting us be a part …. pretty much strangers and all!
by: studionashvegas
Robyn:
That's what social media is for – to be able to not only save the memories but to allow people to see those slices of life that would normally be invisible to people you weren't directly connected to. This is our special day, but we want to share the joy we have with everyone else.
by: Grandmom
Is it time to speak to Lucas and tell him it's time to come out? We are waiting for him with great expectations!
(I guess I should have blogged in as great grandmom. Getting so excited puts the brains in a muddle.)
by: Megan
If the baby is born at 8:08 tonight, you need to go to Vegas. Or play the lotto.
Good luck! Keep the updates coming!
by: Daniel Johnson, Jr.
I have a feeling that your respect and admiration for you wife is about to increase a thousandfold. I am truly amazed at what women are able to do in giving birth. Thanks again for sharing your journey with everyone!
by: Kristen Teffeteller
Just caught up on the updates since this morning…sending my thoughts to you both! Happy b-day to little Lucas and everything will be wonderful.
by: tehduh
Mitch and Holly, Beth and I are thinking of you guys. This is going to be an amazing thing to have to look back on.
by: CeeElCee
Good luck, Mitch! You know what they say about C-Section babies: They're totally like all other kids except for a proclivity to want to leave buildings by crawling through the window.
by: mandyvan
Do you have a middle name picked out for Lucas?
I remember not liking them counting to 10 so slow during pushing
by: Eden Spodek
I've been thinking and sending positive thoughts your way. When I had my first baby, he was born by c-section. The delivery was planned, the c wasn't but it was a likely possibility. Everything turned out fine and the recovery wasn't as bad as I'd expected.
by: jettloe
Good luck!
by: Mary Wehrle
Mitch,
I am so happy that Holly is doing well and little Lucas was safely delivered. My sister had the same issue and came through just fine.
Holly, you did a great job there! My best wishes to all three of you.
by: Robyn Rainwater
Wow. Congrats! Can't wait to meet him!
by: tmgstudio
Congrats Man!!! Can't wait to see the pics!
by: mandyvan
Wow, so 7lbs. 7oz. on 08/8/08, that's cool!
Between my two kids, there are lots of “twos” differences, like the second one was born 2 hours quicker, 2 ounces heavier, 2 inches longer, que Twilight Zone music.
by: nicholasyoung
Congratulations, sir. Sounds like it was a rocky journey. Our prayers are with you three.
by: Ginger
Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you both!
by: Stacy
CONGRATS Holly and Mitch! I am SO happy for both of you and so glad everyone is safe and healthy! He is beautiful! So precious! God Bless you all!
by: studionashvegas
Lucas Cole Canter is his name
by: conniecrosby
Congrats, guys!! What a beautiful baby boy. What terrific photos. Thank you for sharing.
by: ceeelcee
Hi Lucas! You're a darned good-looking young dude. (Excellent C-section side effect BTW.) I hope your family is recovering well and welcome to Nashvegas!
by: cjsorg
So glad you shared this. Reminds me of when my boy was born 7 years ago. Best day ever. It's all downhill from there. Kidding of course. Could I interest you in a half-pound Scotch tape sculpture? You'll have one of your own soon enough.
by: tehduh
Boy he's got a great head of hair on him doesn't he?
The picture of Luke and Holly is priceless. Congrats from Beth and I.
by: Eden Spodek
Congratulations! Baby Lucas is beautiful. Glad he and Holly are doing well. Wishing the three of you a lifetime of good health and happiness. Enjoy every minute – it's goes by so quickly. Thanks for sharing.
by: chrisbrown
Congratulations! What a wonderful, beautiful baby boy!!
Chris
by: brandice
Congrats! So adorable and it's awesome that you shared the whole experience with us.
by: Grandmom
Beautiful, fantastic, wonderful! You are soooo blessed! We love you so much and are so proud of all three of you. We are rejoicing with you as we continue to pray for a speedy recovery for you Holly. I love the pics. Wish I could snuggle our little Lucas, and hugs for all!
by: Kay
So precious! Your life will never be the same.
Congrats guys! I love ya'll!!!!!
by: Kay
Oh, and after checking out the pics…
I have the Evenflo carseat that you have pictured. Slightly big, but overall…LOVE IT!
Do u have an infant carrier? If not, I have one that you can have….
loves!
by: tw3nty3ight
Congrat's on being a proud poppa!!
by: Anna
Congratulations guys. He is precious and you both look so happy to have him here. Congrats!! Enjoy baby Lucus!!!
by: New Method
That was a lovely story! Belated congratulations and I wish you both much joys in parenthood!