They're here!

I already love them. My boys, Caleb, Levi and James. John and I are sitting in our room at St. Vincent hospital right now during Portland's "Winter Blast 2014." Next to us are our three sleeping boys, so precious, so perfectly made.

 I feel like I'm floating around in some kind of dream still; everything seems so surreal. On Thursday, Feb. 6, a rare blast of snow slammed into Portland creating panic and treacherous driving conditions. I sat on our couch most of the day, extremely pregnant and anxiously awaiting the next day. My wonderful husband prepared for the worst. He braved the whipping snow and freezing temperatures to put chains on our car wheels and dig out a pathway so we wouldn't be delayed going to the hospital early the next morning (and yes, for those that know him, he did wear shorts while doing it...) His preparations paid off though because at 6:00 am the next morning, while it was still dark, we packed our car and drove off in the early silence, ready to have babies.

We entered the labor and delivery unit and were greeted by doctors and nurses who were excited about our arrival. Right away the operating preparations began: I changed into a stylish gown, got my IVs and tracked  the babies' heartbeats.

My doctor came into the room and greeted me as well as my regular OB/Gyn, who braved the weather on her day off  to help with the delivery. Finally, 8:30 arrived and I walked with the doctors and with my IV into the cold operating room.

I was shaking, not only because it was cold, but with excitement, fear and the anticipation of everything that was to come. The room was filled with nurses, each in charge of a warming/washing station in which to welcome the babies. Next came the worst part, the spinal needle that would inject me with the numbing medication. Suddenly, everything below my waist was hot and before I knew it, I couldn't feel or move anything below my waist.

Things happened quickly then. I was laid on my back, hooked up to machines and a curtain drawn across my chest. Then entered John, clothed in a white space suit and mask.
The procedure began. Before I knew it, we heard crying...and then another cry...and then a third cry. Caleb, the lowest one, was lifted out first at 9:17 am. Levi apparently didn't want to be left behind and hung on to his leg, so essentially they were born together. James was lifted out of me a minute later at 9:18.

Doctors waited anxiously to whisk them away if they had any troubles, but they didn't have to. Caleb was 5 lbs, 17.5 in long; Levi weighed 5.4 lbs, 18 in.; and James weighed 5 lbs, 17 3/4 in.  They were perfect.

We wanted our boys' middle names to be honoring to family; hence Caleb Ron (after John's father), James Gregory (after my dad) and Levi Robert (after John's brother).

It's been almost 2 days and we are sleep deprived of course, but I'm personally running on adrenaline. They have all been in our room with us, so we are enjoying getting to know their little personalities and unique physical features. They truly are 3 separate beautiful boys. They are doing so well too. In fact they will get to come home with us on Tuesday. John and I just feel so blessed beyond measure. We know that all this has nothing to do with us, but due to all the prayers on our behalf over the past 8 months. It's so obvious that their health and the ease of my pregnancy and c-section had divine blessing.

Oh, and did I mention how AMAZING it is not to be carrying around 15 lbs of baby anymore?!! Even though I have a LONG way to go to get myself back to where I was, it's wonderful being able to sleep, breath and eat a little more normally. :) Everything is a slow process, and in my mind I've decided that I'm going to take everything day by day.

Thanks to everyone for your loving thoughts and prayers. We are excited for you to meet our sons...once the snow melts :)