Presenting Michael Rory van Brackel

Our son Michael Rory was born this evening at 5:03 PM. He's 21.5 inches long, 8 lbs. 15 oz. and absolutely beautiful. But I'm biased of course so I'll let pictures speak louder than text.

Michael was Heather's father's name, and is her brother's name.  Rory is my (Jason) father's name.
Michael is of Hebrew origin and means "Who is like God?".  Rory is of Irish origin and means "Red King".

40 weeks tomorrow.....

We no longer have to wait and wonder when the baby is coming! I had my 40 week appointment today and my blood pressure was great (again!). The baby is still doing really well and put on quite a show for the nurse (moving around like crazy). The doctor said I am still not progressing on my own and therefore scheduled me for an induction. I am scheduled to go to the hospital tomorrow night at which point they will administer cervidil and wait until the morning to give me pitocin to induce labor. Hopefully everything progresses nicely, my blood pressure stays under control and we'll have a baby by the end of Wednesday. There are other possibilities too! Wednesday morning if things are not progressing and my blood pressure is ok they could send me home hoping labor will progress there. The other alternative is that if my blood pressure is high and things are going too slowly then I could have a c-section. We're praying for a smooth induction without being sent home and no c-section!! We are both really excited that we are really close to meeting our little baby!!!

Us!

Ok, this is the last picture for the day (I think)! I thought it was too cute to pass up! Can you tell we're excited?!

39 weeks

These pictures are from last night, marking 39 weeks for us! We are so close and can't wait to meet this little one. I will admit that I will miss feeling the baby moving inside of me though!

38 weeks

Although we have been much better at updating our blog, we haven't posted pictures in a while. The following pictures are from last week (38 weeks).

THE BELLY!

My view from the couch (the baby bump and my feet)!

My view of Jason from the couch!


Buddy enjoying bedrest!!

Jason's Birthday

Jason's birthday was 1/25, just before my full bedrest started! We celebrated that night by eating pizza (per Jason's request) and playing Guitar Hero (his birthday gift). I need to get pictures of him playing. Anyway, we had my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew over the next day for cake and ice cream. I made a dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate icing served with rocky road ice cream. You would think that I wanted all that chocolate since I'm pregnant. But, it was all Jason's request. Craziness! Not that I minded though!!!

39 weeks!!!

Good news!!! (No, the baby hasn't arrived yet...there would be a much bigger deal made about that). But, my blood pressure was great at my appt. this morning...woo hoo! The baby is still moving around like a crazy little person and is doing very well. As far as when he/she will make an appearance......your guess is as good as mine at this point. The doctor said nothing is happening (still). So, I could deliver in two weeks or I could deliver this week. Everyone is different! Don't you just love mysteries?! I am still in very good spirits and although I would love to meet the baby right now, I am thankful that everything is going well. Best quote from my doctor today "You can't put the baby back once he/she comes out"......in response to me wanting to have the baby NOW. Anyone else have parents that used the quote "I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it"?! The doctor's quote reminds me of that one!! Actually, my parents would use that with my siblings....I was a perfect child (ignore what my sisters and brother say) :-).