greeting the world (part two)

On June 13, Hodge and I greeted Hodge's mom as she arrived after a long journey from the states. Little did we know, we would be greeting somebody else the very next day.

I started going into labor that Friday night. Never having gone through full blown labor, I questioned the pains. Is this it? As the pains started getting closer together, I knew something was up. So, I woke Hodge at 5 am. He then instructed me to call the doctor. I called and the only words I got out of my mouth were, "I have pains..." before my doctor said, "It is time." I was curious how she really knew after only saying those three words. Perhaps, she heard something in my voice. But even on our way to the hospital, I was still questioning the legitimacy of it. I'd heard about false labor. What if this isn't really it? Or maybe, I just wasn't ready for the reality of it.

But it was real alright. We had woken up Hodge's mom, grabbed our bags, gave Leeloo kisses, and headed to a hospital located 30 minutes away. Before leaving, my doctor also instructed me to call the nurse that she works with. So, I did. It was a bit strange talking to this woman for the first time and then, consequently, trusting her and leaning (quite literally at times) on her to get me through this moment in my life. I'm just grateful my language didn't fail, and that was probably only by God's power.

I'm also grateful that when we arrived and were taken to a room, we learned that the nurse, like our doctor, was incredibly sweet, encouraging, and made us feel very comfortable. She also made sure to speak clearly and slowly so that I would have a better chance of understanding her. After she helped me settle in, we played the waiting game. Eventually, our doctor arrived with a big smile and open arms as she entered the room. I cannot stress enough how thankful I am to the Lord for this woman. Well, she quickly got down to business checking on my progression. Not very far along. More waiting. When she came back maybe 30 minutes later, she announced that the dilation was speeding up. Another 30 minutes later, I was almost there. The final 30 minutes, and it was time.

As she announced the news, giving the nurse instructions to have me wheeled down to the delivery room, it became very surreal. I know I don't have to tell any woman who has ever given birth what that feeling is like. As I thought to myself of the significance of this moment, both nervous and excited all at the same time, the doctor was there telling me to push as Hodge was on one side of me and the nurse on the other. And as that little baby made his arrival, I bawled like, well.... a baby! And then, I look over to see Hodge doing the same. One of the most emotional and best experiences in my entire life.

That day replays in my head as I look at the photographs. It makes me stop and marvel at the miracle of it all. And, I cannot help but thank God for this little baby almost every time I look at him. And the whole experience just leaves me thankful for God's provisions.

When, Hodge and I were considering names, we honestly didn't put much thought into. I wasn't one of those girls who grew up naming her kids years before they even existed, and Hodge already had some names he wanted to pass along. So, when we came across the name Zeke, we initially liked it because it is different. But when I looked up the meaning coming from the name Ezekiel, it means "God is my strength." Now, that is just... perfect. My prayer is that one day this little baby will proclaim that God is his strength, too.

His middle name, Eric, comes from Hodge's older brother who died almost 10 years ago. It's a way to remember him and pass on his legacy, and a way for Zeke to feel connected to an uncle he didn't have the chance to meet.

So, there you have it. Zeke Eric Hodge.