Introducing James Robert Hinman

Our beautiful baby boy James joined our family June 2nd!

Here's the story of his birth:

Rob and the kids dropped me off at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning for a scheduled induction. I had gone into labor naturally with my other two but when the doctor mentioned that he was measuring large and didn't want me to go more than a week past my due date I felt that I should set up a date and I am sure glad I did!

Anyhow, Rob fed and clothed the children before dropping them off at a friend, Jen R's home, after which he joined me at the hospital. We had arranged in advance to have Jen watch the kids in the morning and another friend, McKell to watch the kiddos in the afternoon until my parents came in. Thank you so much Jen and McKell! I did not worry about the kids at all since I knew they were in capable hands.

By the time Rob arrived they had given me my first of several doses of medicine to prevent a strep b infection in James. I did not wait long to ask for an epidural this time. If you know you are going to want one, why wait needlessly? Also, I was exhausted before walking into the hospital because of two nights of constant contractions and just wanted to sleep. Experience had taught me that I would not be sleeping a whole lot after the baby was born either.

When I was awake I listened to Rob's jokes about grilling food out in the parking lot since he "wasn't doing anything". Rob was great and very supportive though, despite the grilling jokes. Occasionally I would feel the contractions still and Rob was right there, letting me almost squeeze his hand off as I whimpered in pain. 

Although the labor was long (9 hours) the actual delivery was quick. My nurse had been taking care of another patient and came back to check on me and asked me to let her know when I felt like pushing, almost as soon as she said that I felt a strong urge to push. They checked me and he was crowning.  After two hard pushes, at 4:18 in the afternoon our new son joined our family.

My first time holding and looking at James

Does he look long in this picture? Well, he was. He was 22 1/2 inches long.

Weight? 9 pounds 6.6 ouces. I'm so glad I set an induction date. This chunky monkey would have been even larger! He had a little trouble keeping his blood sugar levels up but the doctor says that was because he was so big.

All cleaned up

Asher and Jacqueline are loving their new brother. Asher keeps asking to hold him but is satisfied doing so for about 5 seconds.

Our three kiddos.

My parents started driving out to help the morning of James' birthday and I sent them text updates all day. Their timing was great because they ended up arriving only half an hour after James was born.

What did Rob and my Dad do while I recovered in the hospital? They tore up the loose concrete on our back porch using an electronic chipping hammer.

The day after I came home from the hospital Rob and my dad resurfaced our deck. It looks so much better now and we no longer hurt our feet walking on the porch outside. Thank you for helping dad!

My mom cooked, played with kids, replaced missing light bulbs and was an amazing helper as well! Thanks Mom!

Grandma on a walk with the kids

Grandpa Wilkerson holding his newest grandson

Enjoying time with their 6-day old brother

1 week old

The beautiful blanket he is swaddled in was made by Sister Otteman, a lovely missionary who served in our ward for over 6 months. She started making it when she started her mission and happened to finish it shortly after James was born.

A week after James's birth my in-laws were able to come out and help as well. They had just returned from a trip to South America so we are grateful they were willing to travel again so soon.

While they were here things went so well that we were up for a visit to the Air and Space Museum (I sat on a bench for a bit of the time) and we had my mother in law's cousin Stu Umbleby over for dinner. Asher loved telling him all about the toy airplanes he has.

Thank you Mom and Dad and Mom and Dad Hinman. You all life savers, again. Your example of continual service are an example to Rob and I.

Overall, the transition to three has been MUCH easier then the first or second children's births and babyhood. Experience is really a great teacher (and fortunately James does not have acid reflux).

We are now a family of 5!