'Twas the night before Christmas . . .

'Twas the day before Christmas and this is no joke

Jack called us to say Jenn's water had broke

So I cooked and baked and wrapped things and such

Then off to the hospital we went in a rush

And what to our wondering eyes did appear

A beautiful baby so precious and dear

21-1/2" long from his foot to his head

At 8 lbs 8ozs he seems to be well fed

His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry

His perfect little face, his lips like a cherry

Big hands and big feet and a round little belly

It shook when he cried like a bowl full of jelly

He is chubby and pink - a right jolly new boy

You'll smile when you see him - this bundle of joy

He'll be known as "Duke" but his name is John Wayne

And after seeing him, we'll never be the same

Having him in our lives makes everything right

So Happy Christmas to all and to all a Good Night

Written by Mary Lu Horgan

Christmas Day at the hospital with our best Christmas present EVER!

Duke's first Christmas outfit.

Duke and Daddy just hanging out.

Our beautiful baby boy.

Duke at "0" months old.

First sponge bath

First trip out of the house to the Dr.'s.

The poem above pretty much explains it all. At 2:00 AM on Thursday, December 24th my water broke. I always wondered if I would know if I were in labor or not and I sure knew. I was so excited and so nervous all at the same time. I woke Jack up and called the Dr. and we were off to the hospital. It was such an exciting and crazy day. We got to the hospital at about 3:00 AM and got all checked in. I was only 1 cm dilated so that made me nervous but I knew my water had broke for sure so that they would admit me. Sure enough, we were moved to a labor and delivery room and after about4 hours of just waiting and having sporadic contractions, my Dr. came in and said they were going to speed things up a bit and make me a little more "uncomfortable"! They sure did. Things started happening at a faster rate now and I was getting more nervous and more excited. By 9:00 am I was getting my epidural and by 12:00 pm the Dr. said I was 10 cm dilated and ready to go! So for an hour I pushed with Jack at my side helping all the way. I thought he might pass out when I heard him holding his breath every time I had to push :-) After an hour, I was ready to just give up. I didn't think I had it in me for one more push but then there he was, the most beautiful baby boy I had ever seen. I didn't think I would stop crying, I was so happy and relieved. He looked wonderful and healthy. It was the most AMAZING experience of my life. I could cry every time I look at him, we really couldn't be any happier.

The stay at Abington Memorial Hospital was great for my recovery. They were very accommodating and friendly. I couldn't believe I was going to leave the hospital with a baby. We spent all of Christmas day in the hospital but that was just fine with us. We had the best present we could ever ask for. Aunt Peach and my mom brought us a tree for the room and mom-mom got him a first Christmas outfit just in case and good thing she did. He also got the cutest santa hat from Jack's Aunt Beth that we put on for some pictures.
So that is the story of how Duke arrived. I have tons more pictures to share but for now I need to go snuggle with my baby. Life is grand.