Welcoming Josiah Thomas Campbell - March 5, 2009

Sunday, February 22, my sister, Rachel, my mom, Kim, mother-in-law, Patsy, and my sister-in-law, Amber, hosted a family/church baby shower for me at Patsy's house. It was such a blessing as we were given many needed things in preparation for our new baby boy. Thank you to everyone who showered us with gifts and love!

This is me at 37 1/2 weeks- 1 1/2 weeks before Josiah was born.

Rachel's mother-in-law made the beautiful cake. The theme for the baby's nursery is a prince theme, so the cake topper was a chocolate crown. Thanks, Marilyn- it was delicious!

Patsy crocheted two baby blankets for Josiah. They will be very special keepsakes for him.

Julie enjoyed helping open the gifts..

Labor began Wednesday evening, March 4th, and we went on to the hospital. The next morning at 5:30 a.m. they started me on a pitocin drip to speed the labor up a bit, then broke my water at 10:00. He was here by 11:08 Thursday morning! After delivery I was praising God that it was over with. It was, by far, the hardest of my 3 labor and deliveries I've experienced. It wasn't like Alyson's delivery: walk in to the hospital dialated to 9 cm, ready to deliver in minutes!

My friend, Rachel Negley, was so kind to stay with our girls Wednesday night while we were at the hospital. She brought them up Thursday afternoon after naps. Thank you, Rachel, for all your help! And also to my mom for staying with them Thursday night. It was a blessing to have a peace of mind knowing the girls were taken care of and having fun.

Julie, especially, was excited. She couldn't get enough of Josiah. She kept kissing and touching his head and saying over and over, "He's so cute!" Alyson, on the other hand, wouldn't acknowledge him for quite some time, but by the end of their visit she was smiling at him and even tried to give him a chip! I was really concerned about how Alyson would do when we brought him home, but she has adjusted quite well. It helps her to see Julie's love and excitement towards him, so now she, as well, enjoys playing the role of a big sister. She enjoys getting diapers for me and watching him eat. I am thankful thus far for a good and easy transition with the girls. It is an answer to prayer!

The proud daddy of a baby boy!

Aunt Amber (Brandon's sister)

Poor Grandma Patsy was so excited about the birth of Josiah, but ended up not holding him after delivery because of being exposed to a stomach virus. She was afraid of the possibility of being a carrier of the virus, so she didn't want to take her chances of passing it to Josiah.

Brandon, Josiah, Grandpa Randy Campbell, and Great Grandpa Thomas Gray

Uncle Rusty and Aunt Rachel

Mimi and Papa

This is the first boy in the family for my dad (Papa). He had two girls, then two granddaughters, so he was all smiles and a proud Papa when Josiah arrived.

Josiah Thomas Campbell

8 lbs 20 1/2 " long

Two proud big sisters, Alyson and Julie!Patsy and Randy, when sure that they were not sick, came over to hold Josiah for the first time. They were thrilled and very proud grandparents!