Sophie James

I left this off of the last post because it deserves a special post all to itself. While we were visiting Aunt Sonja and Uncle John in Savannah, Sophie J decided that we were having too much fun and wanted to come out and play. Saturday morning 2-19-11 (Ryker's 10 month birthday) Sonja came into the guest room where I was sleeping and said that she was heading to the ER because her water might have broke. She told me to go back to sleep (yeah right)! So, I got up and waited on news. Sonja called me a little while later and said "Guess whose in labor?" in that very Sonja way.

I was already planning on being in the delivery room for the birth of baby Sophie however this plan was to take place in four weeks. It was very convenient that I was already in Savannah except that I had Ryker there with me. Ryan met me half way between Augusta and Savannah to pick him up so that I could get back. On my way back, I called Sonja to check on progress. She said that she had already had her epidural and was just waiting. She told me not to rush because it would probably be a while (I was super anxious so I didn't listen). When I pulled up into the parking lot of the hospital, Sonja was calling. She asked where I was and told me that she was almost ready to push! OMG!

John had been picking some things up so he arrived at the hospital at the exact time I did. When we got there, they began setting up for the delivery. I think we were all in shock. I know I was.

Sonja pushed three times and the doctor said "Next time you push, you'll have a baby!" The look on her face was priceless. One push later, Sophie James Schleusner came into this world. She weighed 6lbs 13oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. The only word to describe Sophie was and is perfection.

She came out and immediately made her mark on three people in that room. I can't say how John or Sonja felt in that moment. I have some idea about Sonja because I have gone through labor and met my own perfect baby but I don't know how it feels for a daddy to meet his little girl for the first time. All I know for sure is the way that I felt, not only meeting Sophie but witnessing the emotion in the room and seeing Sonja and John's faces. I will forever be grateful to both of them for allowing me to be a part of such a momentous day.

Sophie is a such a special little girl and I am excited to see her grow and learn about the world around her. She has amazing parents to learn from and help her with all of life's uncertainties. My hope is that she will also know just how much she means to me. No matter where life takes us, Sophie will always have a piece of my heart.