God has truly blessed us. At 2:14 and 2:16 Eastern time this afternoon (November 24, 2008) Kaden Josiah Tucker and Keegan Matthew Tucker became a part of our family. In reality they had been a part of our family for months, but now we get to enjoy all of the blessings that newborns bring.

The Day

This morning started early. Knowing that there was a chance Shannon might have a Cesarean today (because of the increased contractions and other symptoms) we awoke early for breakfast (so Shannon could get some protein before heading to the hospital. After this, we all went back to bed for a little bit. Finally, at around 8am, Shannon called Dr. Robinson’s office to explain the discomfort she was having

When we arrived at Labor and Delivery, they placed us in a room. The nurses took time to hook up each of the babies to fetal heart monitors (with some big straps that were wrapped tightly around Shannon’s belly). After many nurses came in and asked Shannon some questions, Dr. Robinson came for an initial check. He thought that Shannon was in early labor because of the contractions, and he stated that we might be taking the babies out this afternoon.

On Dr. Robinson’s second visit, that assumption was confirmed. He went ahead with scheduling the operation, and we passed time by watching Thanksgiving recipes from Paula Dean on the television. Next, the nurse assisting with the anesthesia came and asked Shannon some questions, and she informed her that she would be going to the OR in 20 minutes! We quickly made final preparations, and then they came to retrieve Shannon. After 20 minutes, they came and retrieved me.

The operating room was a flurry of activity. There were probably 12 nurses, doctors, and residents mulling around. Initially, this was a bit overwhelming for both Shannon and I. After the initial chaos, the operation was underway, and within a few minutes Kaden was crying and the nurses were holding him for us to see (I cannot emphasize how amazing this was – God’s blessings have never been more real than at this point). Just two minutes later, Keegan joined him.

After each of the babies were weighed, measured, and examined I walked them down to the newborn nursery. I quickly called Lauren, Brook, my Mom, and my Dad (who were all waiting in the waiting room). They got there just in time and got to see the boys before they were wheeled into the nursery for more examinations.

Shannon was soon placed in recovery, and I brought the babies and joined her there. We had a good time just talking about this amazing blessing that God had given to us. Finally, after Shannon had completed her time in recovery we moved into our room, and the rest of the family joined us.

Today has truly been a bit of blur, but it has certainly had some defined moments that neither of us will ever forget. It is wonderful to see how much our lives have changes in just one day!