A Cayden Story

I posted on Tuesday that we have a new grandson, Cayden John Stewart. It was a blessing for us to be with David and Shylah, and meet Cayden on the day of his birth. As you might guess, I have a few more photos of the special day. :)

Jim and I went to Dayton on Monday night since David and Shylah were to check in at the hospital at 10:00 p.m. David was in the middle of a fantasy football draft, so he gave instructions on making the last 2 picks to Jim. I think he managed to select a kicker and a defense without a problem. :)

David and Shylah on their last day as a family of 2. So exciting!

David kept us updated throughout the night, and I headed to the hospital around 11 a.m. on a beautiful September day to meet my new grandson.

As is often the case with babies, it was a long day of waiting. As is always the case, it was well worth it!

The board in the room already said, "Welcome Cayden!"

Shylah does the hard work.

David encourages.

Marilee, the labor and delivery nurse, was awesome. (Even if she was a fan of the Hoosiers and the Buckeyes.)

All ready for a baby!

Soon it was time for the hard work of pushing. David came out to update us a few times as the men consulted their devices. I paced. And occasionally listened at walked past the door. :)

After 2+ hours of pushing, the doctor decided it would be best to do a c-section. Mom and baby were both fine, but it appeared that he would need an alternate exit strategy. :)

David got all suited up to accompany Shylah to the OR. Or paint a house. One or the other.

On the way to the OR. Not an emergency, just ready to have a baby!

David waited a few minutes outside while they got Shylah situated.

There was actually one small emergency when they got in the OR and David's phone died. Nurse Marilee came running down the hallway to get a replacement phone for photos. Thankfully, Jim's was charged and available. Crisis averted.

Marilee was sweet to take lots of great photos for them (and us!). Here they are, ready to get started.

Dr. Park is in the center of the photo. These days, it is hard to tell which one is the doctor when everyone is wearing scrubs! She did a great job, and was calm and efficient.

Here he is!

Hello Cayden!

A little leaf to cover his, um, parts, and if you look closely, you can see his weight on the scale: 8 pounds, 13.8 ounces!

Getting him all checked out. Length: 22.5 inches.

Daddy got to hold him first, while the doctor got Mommy put back together.

Sweet Baby Cayden. It's a bright world out here!

After a long wait during shift change and paperwork, Cayden was finally brought in to meet his adoring family.

Proud Grandpa Don with his first grandchild.

Grandpa Jim, who was not leaving until he had a chance to hold Cayden.

Granny love.

And our sweet, proud family. God is so good.

And it was morning, and it was evening, a good day. Welcome to the world, Cayden John. God bless you. We love you. Amen.