Our Shining Star is Born

Nicholas Myers Searcy (a.k.a. Cole) was born on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 4:42 pm. He weighed 7 lbs and 7 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long. Cole is the most amazing gift we have ever been given and we cherish him so much. We keep saying that it is hard to remember what life was like before he came and honestly, I don't even want to.

Rhonald and I went to the hospital on Thursday night to begin our induction. We were so anxious to get things started that we actually showed up an hour early! We were so lucky to have one of my oldest friends (and co-workers), Rachel Grubb, take care of us that night. My water broke around 4:00 am which was the strangest feeling ever! I was so excited that it broke on it's own since everything else was so planned out. On Friday the waiting room was full of family and friends which was so nice and several of my co-workers would stop in and check on us throughout the day. We felt so blessed to be surrounded by loved ones and familiar faces. It made us much less nervous to know that we were being cared for so well. I owe a lot to my nurse, Jennifer. She was so patient and kind - we could never think of enough words to thank her. The day progressed quickly - once I started dilating I dilated quickly and by 3:15 pm I was ready to get the show on the road and see my sweet boy! I only pushed for about an hour and it really was not that bad. I got so excited when I saw Dr. Shenker come in the room because I knew it would not be long then! Rhonald was awesome - he coached me and encouraged me like a pro and I loved seeing how excited he was too.

Words cannot describe the feeling we had when we heard Cole cry and the dr placed him in my arms. It was love at first sight for all of us! Right after delivery I was able to feed him and Rhonald was able to hold him. It was so awesome to see that tiny face and know that he is ours forever and ever! As you can see he looks a lot like his daddy but with my skin tone (so far). He is truly the sweetest baby - he loves to cuddle and eat. When he opens up those big eyes and looks up at us our hearts simply melt! We thank God all of the time for him and the wonderful addition to our family that he is. He fits in perfectly and we love him dearly. We hope that all of you can meet him soon!!!!