Joseph was born about three weeks after Jay's class duties ended. We still have a little more than two weeks left before classes begin again. Our days are filled with tending to our two little ones, and we are ever grateful for Grammy's presence and help. We are preparing for two difficult transitions, (1) having to get back into a routine fixed schedule with due duties and (2) Grammy's pending departure in early March.
It has increasingly seemed that God blessed us (again) by having Joseph be born during this lull in time on our extended vacation for Spring Festival. He also came just before everything closed down and the country went on vacation when the New Year arrived Jan. 26th. Had he been born during that time and had we needed medical services, it would have been much harder to find good care.
We went back to the hospital yesterday and picked up Joseph's birth certificate. We hope to be busier next week, probably making a trip to Shanghai to get Joseph's passport and citizenship papers started. We also have a good friend from our former days in Changsha coming up to visit her family in Hangzhou. We are very excited about Gao Li's visit, she was one of our best friends during our time in Hunan. Another good friend from our days in Changsha is going to be visiting our friends in Shanghai this next week from Guangdong province, in the extreme south of China. It will also be a joy to visit with her if we have the chance.
Spring Festival is a time to re-connect with family and friends. We sure are enjoying ours.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
a little bit of info
Everyone is doing fine here at our house...we won't have any exciting news to write about in a while now that Joseph is with us. A few thoughts and a brief mention of Jay's sister getting married is what this is about. We had our second group of visitations come last night when several Chinese friends (Frank, Julia, Smile, among others) called on us. Our first visitor was Victoria, who came Monday morning, the day after Joseph was born. We're expecting another American friend today and are just enjoying time with the new addition to our family while Jay is on extended vacation due to Chinese Spring Festival (New Year). He won't go back to work until c.a. Feb. 13th, which is another possible blessing from the Lord - that Joseph's timing came during Spring Festival allows us to have nearly a month home adjusting and enjoying our little one.
Jay's sister, Jael, was wed to her best friend Cole on January 17th. I just received a slideshow from their wedding should any of you care to take a gander and you haven't received the link directly.
Cole and Jael Hastings wedding
Joseph was born a day later than Jael and Cole, on the 18th, but due to the time difference between China and the U.S., he was actually born three hours prior to the start of their wedding. Go figure. So, while Joseph was not born on our anniversary, in a way, he will always share the day with Jael and Cole.
May God richly bless the life of my dear sister and her lover and friend.
Jay's sister, Jael, was wed to her best friend Cole on January 17th. I just received a slideshow from their wedding should any of you care to take a gander and you haven't received the link directly.
Cole and Jael Hastings wedding
Joseph was born a day later than Jael and Cole, on the 18th, but due to the time difference between China and the U.S., he was actually born three hours prior to the start of their wedding. Go figure. So, while Joseph was not born on our anniversary, in a way, he will always share the day with Jael and Cole.
May God richly bless the life of my dear sister and her lover and friend.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Joseph Micaiah
born c.a. 3:05 a.m., January 18th; weighing 7.9 lbs., 20.5" long
IN OUR HOME!!!
Wow...amazing. Although we had Audriana's birth at our home in Winchester, VA and though we are partial to home birth, we did not plan on having Joseph here at our home in China.
Vikki was in labor for all of one hour. Jay was too busy making sure our suitcase was ready to go, getting oranges and drinks for Vikki, and by the time all of that was nearing its completion Vikki had sensed Joseph's imminent arrival. Probably after about 30 minutes of labor, Vikki was thinking we should go ahead and get to the hospital. We had debated whether if Joseph started to come between the hours of 12am and 2am whether we would go to the hospital or wait until morning. We were pretty sure we were going to wait it out if he started to come closer to 3am or later. Vikki began her labor around 2am, and at first she was thinking we would just wait until about 5am to head to the hospital. Again, around 2:30, Vikki started to think we should go ahead and leave sooner than later. Jay couldn't believe that there was such a rush, but as we got closer to 3am, Vikki started to get more and more anxious. Jay had just about put the finishing touches on getting us ready to leave and asked whether Vikki wanted him to send an e-mail out to friends. She said she would, but that he would have to be quick. Jay didn't realize just how quick he'd have to be. Five minutes later, Joseph arrived. Vikki pushed through three contractions. Jay caught him as he came out (we were on our way from the bathroom to the bed - where Jay thought he'd leave his wife and then call a taxi). After some deliberation, we woke Grammy up so that she could help us get ready to complete the last and third stage of the delivery. We had to clamp the umbilical cord with a clothespin. Vikki and her mother were not too worried about that, though that was perhaps the most uncomfortable part of the birth for Jay - having to cut the cord. We had prepared some alcohol beforehand and sterilized some scissors before Grammy cut the cord. Audriana came in shortly after we were finished with the delivery and got to see her new baby brother. After toasting with juice and thanking God for his protection and assistance, everyone got some rest while Jay cleaned up some around the house. A few hours later we got up and got around to go to the hospital so that they could check mother and baby to make sure everything looked good. The doctors were all astounded. Later, an administrative assistant (whose English was much better than the doctors - though several of the doctors were able to communicate with us effectively in English) told us that the staff and physicians couldn't believe that the baby was just a day old and that Vikki had just delivered earlier that day as the baby and mother both looked so good, vibrant, and healthy.
Praise God!
Vikki was in labor for all of one hour. Jay was too busy making sure our suitcase was ready to go, getting oranges and drinks for Vikki, and by the time all of that was nearing its completion Vikki had sensed Joseph's imminent arrival. Probably after about 30 minutes of labor, Vikki was thinking we should go ahead and get to the hospital. We had debated whether if Joseph started to come between the hours of 12am and 2am whether we would go to the hospital or wait until morning. We were pretty sure we were going to wait it out if he started to come closer to 3am or later. Vikki began her labor around 2am, and at first she was thinking we would just wait until about 5am to head to the hospital. Again, around 2:30, Vikki started to think we should go ahead and leave sooner than later. Jay couldn't believe that there was such a rush, but as we got closer to 3am, Vikki started to get more and more anxious. Jay had just about put the finishing touches on getting us ready to leave and asked whether Vikki wanted him to send an e-mail out to friends. She said she would, but that he would have to be quick. Jay didn't realize just how quick he'd have to be. Five minutes later, Joseph arrived. Vikki pushed through three contractions. Jay caught him as he came out (we were on our way from the bathroom to the bed - where Jay thought he'd leave his wife and then call a taxi). After some deliberation, we woke Grammy up so that she could help us get ready to complete the last and third stage of the delivery. We had to clamp the umbilical cord with a clothespin. Vikki and her mother were not too worried about that, though that was perhaps the most uncomfortable part of the birth for Jay - having to cut the cord. We had prepared some alcohol beforehand and sterilized some scissors before Grammy cut the cord. Audriana came in shortly after we were finished with the delivery and got to see her new baby brother. After toasting with juice and thanking God for his protection and assistance, everyone got some rest while Jay cleaned up some around the house. A few hours later we got up and got around to go to the hospital so that they could check mother and baby to make sure everything looked good. The doctors were all astounded. Later, an administrative assistant (whose English was much better than the doctors - though several of the doctors were able to communicate with us effectively in English) told us that the staff and physicians couldn't believe that the baby was just a day old and that Vikki had just delivered earlier that day as the baby and mother both looked so good, vibrant, and healthy.
Praise God!
baby is coming
Vikki started labor at 2 a.m. and we'll let you know more later. We're off to the hospital!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
An update
...still no baby! Vikki hasn't had any further signs of the baby approaching, no other contractions. She just has a lot of pressure from time to time with the baby sitting so low. She is not able to get around very much either. We'll try to let you know as soon as Joseph arrives about all the details.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Early contractions
Saturday night Vikki had some early contractions and the baby moved even further down in preparation to be born. Since Saturday night, she has not had any other contractions, but is much more uncomfortable with the baby's new position. =)
We went to see the doctor yesterday morning and she informed us that the baby could come tomorrow or two weeks from now. She has been very inspiring with her information.
Last night we celebrated seven years of marriage. Simple, yet wonderful. Vikki wanted to go out with Jay, but he convinced her to stay home as walking has become more of a chore. It was a good thing she stayed as the small dessert place Jay had found sometime ago was not open as advertised. We shared some 'cheesecake' and a candlelit time of talk while Grammy watched a movie with Audriana. We thought we will have to hire a regular babysitter for next academic school year! It was precious to spend that time together without interruption - something we are not really used to anymore.
Joseph spared us a lifetime of sharing his birthday with our anniversary. How much longer will he wait?
Love to all.
We went to see the doctor yesterday morning and she informed us that the baby could come tomorrow or two weeks from now. She has been very inspiring with her information.
Last night we celebrated seven years of marriage. Simple, yet wonderful. Vikki wanted to go out with Jay, but he convinced her to stay home as walking has become more of a chore. It was a good thing she stayed as the small dessert place Jay had found sometime ago was not open as advertised. We shared some 'cheesecake' and a candlelit time of talk while Grammy watched a movie with Audriana. We thought we will have to hire a regular babysitter for next academic school year! It was precious to spend that time together without interruption - something we are not really used to anymore.
Joseph spared us a lifetime of sharing his birthday with our anniversary. How much longer will he wait?
Love to all.
Friday, January 2, 2009
New pics out!
Vikki did it! Well, we haven't had the baby yet - but she did manage to put some pictures out on Shutterfly. If you're not already on our automatic update list for Vikki's pictures at Shutterfly and you'd like to be, e-mail us or post a comment on this blog.
This from Vikki's Shutterfly 'blog':
"My mom is here!
We are really glad to have my mom here. She has been adjusting really well - she just thinks it is too cold. :) We had a wonderful Christmas - my mom brought tons of stuff for Audriana and baby Joseph! Audriana was having a blast opening presents and playing with them. She got a bunch of new clothes for herself AND for her babydoll, which she was especially excited about. :) We got a new DVD camcorder from my parents and Jay's parents, so we should be able to get some great footage of the new baby when he arrives. Only 10 more days until his due date! We will see when he decides to come! :) We still have a few more things to buy before we can bring him home to our cold house, but we are mostly ready and waiting. I packed a suitcase today and got my mom a copy of the hospital address and our address to show cab drivers. :)
The other day Audriana looked at my belly and said, "Didi, come out!" so it must be getting close to time. :)
Blessings to you all. We will be giving you an update soon!"
This from Vikki's Shutterfly 'blog':
"My mom is here!
We are really glad to have my mom here. She has been adjusting really well - she just thinks it is too cold. :) We had a wonderful Christmas - my mom brought tons of stuff for Audriana and baby Joseph! Audriana was having a blast opening presents and playing with them. She got a bunch of new clothes for herself AND for her babydoll, which she was especially excited about. :) We got a new DVD camcorder from my parents and Jay's parents, so we should be able to get some great footage of the new baby when he arrives. Only 10 more days until his due date! We will see when he decides to come! :) We still have a few more things to buy before we can bring him home to our cold house, but we are mostly ready and waiting. I packed a suitcase today and got my mom a copy of the hospital address and our address to show cab drivers. :)
The other day Audriana looked at my belly and said, "Didi, come out!" so it must be getting close to time. :)
Blessings to you all. We will be giving you an update soon!"
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