Thoughts From a New Mom

It has been 5 days and 12 hours since our precious Liam was born and I still can't seem to wrap my mind around it. I am sitting here in his very first nursery, full of machines and wires, strange lights and computer screens and the constant hum of the technologies that are keeping him alive.  But I am filled with an indescribable peace (if only for a moment) that God is in complete control and has a really great reason for all of this.

We had so much that we were going to accomplish in the last five weeks of my pregnancy!   We were going to set up the nursery, take a breast feeding class, touch up the paint in the living room, complete our registries and have everything we needed, get a pedicure, wash all of his little clothes and blankets and have them organized by size and age.  And that is not half of it!  I guess God knows that I am a little obsessive compulsive and He likes to change the plans a bit sometimes.  He has shown me that no amount of preparation, cleanliness and organization can compare with holding the little miracle that He has blessed us with the very moment He chose for us to hold him. Despite all of his tiny little wires and fragile little body, there is nothing in the world that can compare to holding my Liam, smelling him, watching him breathe. 

So far, we have only been able to hold him once or twice a day, but I got to put him to my breast while the nurse fed him through a tube for the very first time.  Hopefully he will be able to associate the fullness in his belly with me.  I thank God for every little moment like this one.  

God has also reminded me of the enormous gift He has given me in Edwin. Edwin has been my rock, and super hero.  I know that you might disagree but I think that he deserves to be named "World's Greatest Dad".  He is tender, gracious, strong, tireless, and unconditionally devoted and in love with both Liam and myself. He sits in on the doctor's rounds every day and has come to understand the meaning of every medical word, machine and physical condition associated with our son. Some of the staff have even asked him if he has medical training! 

I can't wait for you to meet our little bundle.  I can't wait to take him home.  I can't wait to hold him and snuggle him whenever I want to.  But I am certain, for this moment, that God has just the right time for all of that.  And I know that he will be strong and fully grown before I finish processing all of this!  So for now, I will savour every moment, hospital machinery and all.

Liam Thomas Martinez

Born: 8:04 a.m. September 23, 2008

6lbs 10 oz, 20' long

Liam is a gift from God who we have been praying for, for many years.  He was born almost 6 

weeks early in Bellingham, WA and his lungs are not fully developed.  So he took his first helicopter trip later the same day to Everett where he has 

the option for further care, should he need it.  So far he has done well and is stable, but needs to continue developing so he can begin feeding on his own and not an IV.

He is a beautiful boy and I'm speechless as I look at him wondering what he will be like.  Right now all I know is he likes it when I put my hand on his head as it often stops his crying.  And he has a pretty good grip when he wraps his little hand around my finger.

My beautiful wife had done an amazing job carrying him and delivering him.  I am so proud of how strong she is and am glad she is now with me in Everett with our son.  Nina will post more soon, but today was my boys second day of life and I had to post something so those of you who are further away can see a picture.

Oue New Nephew

Our new nephew, Alek Nicolas was born yesterday, 9/19/08, in Atlanta, Georgia to Edwin's cousin Pablo and his wife Mady! Congratulations you two! As you can see he is beautiful and came with a very full head of hair. He is completely healthy and much loved.

We have been so excited about this little one. Pablo and Mady were 6 weeks ahead of us and we can't wait for our boys to meet! Edwin and Pablo grew up together and are also 6 weeks apart. It has been fun to be a part of their pregnancy and to talk about the differences and similarities. I can't believe we will have similar pictures in just a few short weeks. I am expecting to see the same full head of black hair on our little one. Well soon see if I am right.

In the Beginning

We are starting a new blog in honor of our new family! If we are disciplined enough, hopefully it will give you a little peek into our lives, some pictures to look at, and some Martinez family antics to ponder, laugh about, cry about, pray about or all of the above!  It has been a long journey to get to where we are now, but looking back I am less and less willing to change any of it. We are right where we should be.

So, we have finally made it 32 weeks, or 7 months through the pregnancy, and as you can see I am showing each of those 32 weeks!  Two months to go and I can't imagine being any bigger.  The little one moves all of the time, but it seems he is running out of space, so instead of kicking he pushes and stretches in every direction.  We can't wait to meet him and are anxious for the many changes he will impose on our lives! Our God is a God of miracles and we are privileged to be along for the ride. SO LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN...