Joshua Has Arrived!

We are so pleased to announce the arrival of our son, 

Joshua Scott Westover

 He made his debut at 

5:48 a.m. on April 2nd, 2014, 

weighing 6 lbs 4 oz.

and measuring 19 inches. 

 As if I didn't already know, the Lord's fingerprints are all over this child and his birth.  Joshua came at the PERFECT time (after multiple schedules for inductions were delayed, he just came all on his own!), allowing us to deliver in the EXACT room that Emily was delivered in, by my ACTUAL o.b. (finally!  3rd time was the charm!), and allowed us the get the extra large birthday suite for the 3rd time!  God protected Joshua during a crazy long tonic contraction that didn't stop until an emergency shot was given and protected him during all of my regular contractions too.  It turns out that Joshua came out holding his umbilical cord.  The little stinker was squeezing it, causing his heart rate to drop every time I had a contraction!  But, the true miracle came while my doctor was delivering the placenta. He barely touched the umbilical cord and it COMPLETELY feel off the placenta, something that is definitely NOT supposed to happen and can not be detected early (even with an ultrasound). Had this occurred in-utero or during delivery....well, let's just say that there would be been a much different outcome. 

Joshua means "Yahweh/Jehovah is salvation," which of course is rooted in biblical times when Joshua took over Moses' position as leader of the Israelites. My precious son will always be a reminder of this. The Lord IS my SALVATION, in HIM shall I trust!  Praise his holy name for another miraculous birth and this precious child!!!

Here we are...FINALLY...a COMPLETE family of 5!  We couldn't feel more blessed!

My sleeping angel in his new pajamas.

Joshua is already wrapped around Laura's finger.  The sister-brother bond is so precious already!

Yep- he's wrapped around Majo's finger too!

Happy in Mommy's arms.

A volunteer hand-made this gorgeous blanket and hat, which he received after his first bath. What a treasure from a sweet stranger!  

Here's the girls meeting Joshua for the first time.  Look at those faces...it's pure excitement and joy!

Laura can't stop saying "He's such a cutie!"

 Majo meets Joshua for the first time.

 Laura Jo is smitten with her little brother.

Mommy's heart is so happy.

Joshua also surprised the girls with gifts.

Laura is thrilled with the "Frozen" DVD and Emily holds up her jelly beans in delight.  Yep- Joshua wins "little brother-of-the-year" already!

Joshua is all strapped in and ready to go home!

Good bye hospital...hello home!  (Note: Joshua is waving too!)

We can't wait for our life as a family-of-five to begin!  Looking forward to the adventure ahead of us!