Flashback to the Birth

Lydah Christine was born at 4:51 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2006. Courtney pulled through like a real champion. Because her amniotic fluid was low, the nurses decided to induce labor early (the due date had been the 19th). They actually administered petocin on Friday night, but because progress was slow, they decided to put her labor "on pause" and start again on Saturday with the pitocin. Courtney was truly amazing that day. She never screamed or cried out, but just closed her eyes and gripped the railing to her bed. Labor was most intense from about noon to 4:30 and then the pushing began. She only had to push for about 20 minutes all together since she had refused to have an epidural. After the delivery, the nurse who had 17 years of experience in her line of work, said, "That was the best I've ever seen a woman handle labor."

I actually got to catch Lydah as she came out of her mommy. Our midwife, Nancy, asked me if I wanted to do it and I immediately said, "No way!" But then she said, "Oh, c'mon. You can do it." So I said alright and held my hands out. I know it's cliche to call the birth a miracle, but there is no better way to describe it. Seeing that little body come out of my wife's womb is an experience I'll never forget. I also have a newfound respect for Courtney; I'm truly married to a superwoman.

Five Generations

When Lydah was born we named her after her 100-year old Great-great-grandmother, Lida Miller. Grandma Miller has always been an example to me of someone with a true heart for God. I could think of no one better to uplift as a model for my daughter. As we gathered for Thanksgiving last week, we took the opportunity to take a five-generation picture. Thank you, God, for my rich heritage.

Welcome to Lydahland!

Welcome to a blog in honor of Lydah Christine Coates who is at this moment 11 weeks old and weighs about 12 lbs. So we'll start the first entry with a list of Lydah's favorite things:

1) The Changing Table. She can't get enough of those clean pants. Whenever she's crying, we can just set her on her changing table and she brightens up.

2) Her Blue Star. Courtney decorated the nursery with colorful stars, but the blue one over (where else?) the changing table is her favorite. She often smiles at her blue star more than at Mommy and Daddy.

3) Her Tongue. Lydah came out of the womb licking everything in sight. She hasn't stopped. So when you meet her, don't be offended when she sticks her tongue out at you first thing.

4) Her Left Fist. Lydah's newest trick to to lift her left fist to her mouth and lick it. See favorite thing #3.