Thursday 21 February 2008

Unto us a child is born.


... and our little boy came into the world this afternoon at 12:48pm Sydney time, 21 February, weighing 3.7kg (8lb 5oz) and in the finest of health.

Things got a bit complicated for a while, but thanks to the the combination of first-world health care, lots of love and prayers from around the world, and indescribably hard work from his mother - who is unquestionably the bravest and most wonderful person I'll ever know - our little fellow came through fine.

This photo was taken when he was about 5 minutes old and nestling in his mum's arms. If I never take another picture in my life it won't matter now, becausing having captured this moment it feels like I've captured them all. Or at least all the ones worth remembering.

Our new Big Sister (aged almost 2) came to the hospital for a visit this evening, and was just as proud as the rest of us. She hasn't stopped talking about her new baby since; we're about to head off for bedtime stories and winding-down is going to take a while tonight: cuddle-time will undoubtedly take longer than usual, but that's fine with me and the dogs. In fact tonight there's probably nothing finer.

Special thanks to Midwife Debi Ilsley (who's originally from MadPriest/Doorman-Priest's part of the world: they must make 'em pretty good up there), obstetricians Dr. Wendy Hawke & Dr. Stephen Coogan, and anaethetist Dr. Clive Collier (here's the link I promised Clive: http://epidural.net.au/ ;-).
You're all the best.

And thanks to you for sharing our joy by reading this. God bless you.

42 comments:

BooCat said...

You are rightly proud and full of happines and joy at such a beautiful addition to your family. He is truly a blessing from God.

Aghaveagh said...

Oh, how wonderful!!! I am so happy for you and your (now larger) family.

Blessings on you, the new mama, newly minted big sister, and (of course) the dogs!

Brian R said...

Congratulations to Mum, Baby and Dad (and Big Sister). May God bless you all richly.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Dad & Mom & Baby Sister.

Jay Phillippi said...

Yeah, definitely a photo you could retire on.

Congrats!

Peter Carey said...

Congratulations!

I have a 15 day old baby at home as well, and share so many of your feelings...

Peace and Blessings,

Peter+

Paul said...

What joy! And what a perfect photo. I think you are quite right about it.
Caongrats and blessings to the whole family.

Erika Baker said...

What an amazing photo! And what an amazing story. God bless you all.

Episcopollyanna said...

Congratulations! And oh, that picture! What an amazing story. God bless you and your family.

klady said...

Congratulations. A miracle, indeed.

pj said...

What a little beauty! Abundant blessings and joy!!!

KJ said...

Whew! Five minutes old, and already better looking than his father. Dodged that genetic bullet! :-)


CONGRATULATIONS!

June Butler said...

Congratulations to all, Alcibiades! That is a great picture. He's beautiful - and sucking his thumb! Prayers of blessing and thanksgiving.

Lapinbizarre said...

Congratulations and best wishes to you all.

Jane R said...

Beautiful! Congratulations and blessings to all. What a joyful day this is. Amazing photo.

Janis Bland said...

Hooray! What a gorgeous photo. Five minutes and he's already found his thumb!

Congrats!!

Anonymous said...

wOOt!! It IS a miracle!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

:happydance:

Congrats!

Padre Mickey said...

¡Felicidades y bendiciones a todos!

Ellie Finlay said...

How very wonderful! I am so happy for you all.

Ann said...

What a beauty. Congrats.

Sonja Streuber, PMP(R), SSBB said...

What a beautiful baby boy! Congratulations!

susan s. said...

Lovely baby! He's been sucking that thumb since a while back! I love it when they pop that thumb right in almost immediately.
Congratulations to Mrs. Alcibiades, the new big sister, the dogs, and you!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Mate! He's a beauty, alright!

Many blessings to you, your wife, big sis and new little man!

Wormwood's Doxy said...

Blessings to all of you, Alcibiades. Tonight, when I do Evening Prayer and I get to the part where I ask God to "shield the joyous," it will be you and your family I think of.

Much love,
Doxy

Pericles said...

Well, that's enough to get me to comment at last. His timing reminds me of one described by Casey Stengel "...slow but fast".

I'm impressed by the number of comments this day's blogging brought: 22 as I write this. That's a new high score (for those who think in cricketing terms).

Love to all.

Missy said...

Oh! So gorgeous! God bless you all.

(pained)Man! I want to hold him! I'm just a sucker for babies.

Earthbound Spirit said...

He is absolutely gorgeous! Blessings to all...

Elizabeth Kaeton said...

Wonderful, wonderful news. Congratulations.

gerry said...

Congratulations, Grace and Blessings to One and All...

Always keep that photo to hand, I look at the one I took of our daughter when she was only slightly older every morning. you'll be amazed at how much they look the same even has they change.

Peace of Christ

johnieb said...

Beautiful picture: wonderful news!

In three months, I'll have another grandson, and news like this makes me not want to wait a minute longer.

Prayers for all you lovely Australians.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely child! Blessings on all of you.

zorra said...

Wonderful news! Congratulations!

JoanOfWork said...

I have NEVER seen a more beautiful new baby photo.

An angel, God bless you all.

Nina said...

I don't care if it's Lent!
ALLELUIA!
Congratulations to you all.

Allie said...

What an adorable child!
Congratulations, thanks for sharing, and Good luck!

Lisa Fox said...

Joy indeed. Enjoy this blessed time.

Revd. Neal Terry said...

Congratulations and every blessing for your new addition.

Doorman-Priest said...

Many Congratulations. Now the work really starts.

Anonymous said...

Welcome, little man!

And Mazel tov to the lovely parents and sibling!

Anonymous said...

I think this is the best post I've ever read... in my life... on all the internets... ever.

Thank you for sharing your joy!

Lindy

Fran said...

Congratulations and blessings in abundance for one and all!!

Welcome to the world little man!

Anonymous said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise him all babies here below
Praise him above as daddies boast
Praise God for mommies more than most!

Amen.