Our Son Is Here!

Joseph Terrence Ferrara is here!

Born 1:46am

7 pounds 12 ounces

21.5 inches long

Joseph made his entrance into this world a little early but at the perfect time...at the tail end of Hurricane Irene.

When I heard there was going to be a hurricane hitting us I knew that is when Joseph was going to be born. The hurricane hit on a Sunday. On Thursday at my appointment I asked my doctor what the chances were for me to go into labor during the storm and he said, "not likely."

He was wrong!

I woke up feeling a little off. By 8 o'clock it was clear to me that Joseph would be here in the next few days. Since I knew that at anytime my water could break due to the polyhydramnios I called the doctor to let them know what was going on. My doctor was not on call which made me a little nervous but I knew he filled this doctor in on what my status was with this pregnancy. At this time the rain was so heavy I couldn't see out my windows and parts of the road we take to the hospital was flooded. Since I was not dilated at my last appointment, had no contractions the doctor had me stay home and in bed in hopes we could get through the worst of the storm and I could be seen 8:00am the next day by my doctor.

The plan worked well until 10:0pm when Sophia woke me up to get her some water and I thought I was feeling contractions but wasn't sure. So I put Sophia back to bed and went to bed myself. An hour later I woke to contractions and a slow leak. I called the doctor and was told to get in as quick as I could. Luckily I packed and put everyone's clothes on the table days before knowing this would be when I would have the baby. At this point the rain had stopped but the wind was insane!

I got dressed , woke Mike who was shocked that is was really happening and called my mom to meet us at the hospital. We made the 45 min. ride to the hospital in 15 min. with Sophia in the back asking questions...timing it perfectly for me to respond during the contractions. Between the contractions, Mike's driving, the wind blowing the car around and Sophia's questions it made for an interesting ride down 495 at 11:45pm.

When we got to the hospital my mom was waiting for us and Don was on his way to get Sophia. Sophia came into Labor and Delivery with us and saw the room we would be in before leaving with my mom to wait for Don in the waiting room. I remember looking at her and the excitement in her eyes knowing that our lives were about to change forever. When Don got there she went home with him and my mom waited to meet her new grandson.

Laying there waiting for my c-section was the first time I was able to absorb the whole experience. Luckily, I didn't have time to get nervous about my because of all the excitement.

Daddy ready for showtime!

"Cheese!"

He's here! There were 3 things I wanted this pregnancy. One of them was to hear my baby cry when he was born. He cried....boy did he cry!

First picture of Joseph with Mommy and Daddy.

My handsome lil' man.

I was so happy when Mike brought Joey to me once I was back in my room. It was early morning at that point but I was so excited to hold my baby I didn't even realize the time.

Proud Daddy!

Nana Deb couldn't wait to get her hands on her new grandson.

Happy Birthday Joseph!