Big J Arrives!

So right in the middle of our 'New Soil' training.... I turn my (had to be turned off or else) phone on during a break and there are 6 messages there - one including Mandy in a Hospital bed hooked up to an IV.  I PANIC - run OUT of the MEETING, and stand out on the front steps of the church crying my eyes out. Mandy is in LABOR.... and no one could get  a hold of me!  Painfully - we had to stay another hour - and Luckily I was able to talk to Mandy and make sure she was 1) with Ryan at the hospital 2) she was not in pain - but was actually in numb lower body mode, and 3) Ashley (angel of the world) and Ryan (lucky uncle), and the Merrimans were either there or on their way.  Del and I drove down like a bat out of... ok .... now I actually have to use the word 'heck' now, to ge there.  Mandy was so uncomfortable, and her sweet hubby Ryan had been up all night with the stomach flu!!!!!  Poor guy - bless his heart.  The hospital probably didn't know who to treat first!  There was a little nervousness as she had been dilalated to a 6 for a long time, and the baby's heartrate was dropping.  They said if nothing happened soon they would have to do a c-section.  Not a thing they wanted to have.  My brave son in law Ryan and my sweet missionary son Ryan gave her a blessing right on the spot - the spirit was so sweet and strong - Ryan did not hesitate to say that she would deliver a happy, healthy baby the way they had planned.  We all left the room and gave them time alone together.  We were waiting in the waiting room casting lots on the time she would deliver.  Within a 1/2 hours time from that blessing - Mandy was at a 9.5 - ok -folks - that's a pretty powerful blessing.  There was a lot of pacing, watching interesting food shows, and updates on Japan and all - but we could have cared less..... just wanted everyone to be ok.  At 3:48 PM, the heavens opened and 9lb 1oz, 20.5 inches long, blonde baby Jacob Lincoln Merriman - arrived -- with every body part just where it should be.  When we all came into the room - there sat Mandy, holding her baby son, and equally smiling was Ryan.  Both exhausted - both emotional, and happy.  I'll just let the pictures tell the stories - and add that - How very blessed we are as a family to have each other, to have yet another miracle in our lives.  3 beautiful grandchildren.  My prayers tonight were tearful, grateful, and oh so very happy.  Lucky Lucky me.

ya - matt you'll have to rotate me.

Oh Happy Day