The First 56 Hours

The last two and a half days have been packed with unforgettable moments.  Leah and I appreciate all the text messages, blog comments, and Facebook notes.  So encouraging to hear from so many of you!  Most of all, thanks for your prayers!

Now for some random updates:

• Leah's water broke about 4.45 pm on Monday. Contractions started right away. Gabriella Faith Leach was born at 12.21 am on Tuesday.
• Most of our family was at the hospital. Nate and Ashley (Leah's sister and brother-in-law) drove the furthest- from Washington DC. They actually felt impressed to leave at about 3.00 pm Monday, even though Leah's labor hadn't actually started. They ended up driving into the hospital 20 minutes before Leah delivered.  Samantha was texting them in from the delivery room!
• Leah made both of her sisters happy by waiting twenty minutes into Tuesday to deliver. Ashley was able to be there, and Samantha won her office pool (she picked Tuesday:)
• Gabby's birth may have been the most overwhelming thing I've ever seen in my life. When her head emerged, followed by the rest of her little body, I immediately began to cry. A moment I'll never forget.
• Gabby knew my voice!
• Leah's mom was a huge help during the delivery process. She was able to add another level of comfort for Leah. My job was to rhythmically count to ten with each push! Felt like I was spotting someone at the gym without having to do any reps myself.
• My mom and sister were also in the delivery room. Betsy's doctor was on call and actually ended up doing the delivery.
• We declared the week before Gabby was born to be DTWWBATDFA (do things we won't be able to do for awhile). Most of our friends without kids told us to go out alot. Most of our friends with kids told us to sleep.
• Should have listened to our friends with kids:)
• I've been having alot of "conversations" with Gabby. I enjoy these conversations, since she listens well and seems to quietly agree with everything I say.
• So far we've talked about several things, including boys, theology, and sports.
• I started our sports conversations with basketball, for two reasons. First, it's my favorite sport to play, and the Pistons are my life-long favorite team. Second, it's the least controversial since Pittsburgh doesn't have an NBA team.
• I moved from basketball to baseball, since the Pirates aren't good and Leah has given up on them.
• I eased into hockey. I did inform Gabby that the Penguins just finished a good season and won the Stanley Cup. I want to be truthful with her and present a balanced view of things. I then informed her that the Red Wings have won more Stanley Cups, and that the best Penguins players eventually decide to play for the Red Wings for less money.
• I think it's too early still to bring up the Lions. She just looks so fragile and innocent.
• I do keeping reminding her that she's beautiful. I tell her that right now we want her to gain a little weight every week, but that some day she may not like the idea of gaining weight. Then I remind her that even if she does gain some, she will be beautiful because real beauty flows from the inside-out.
• My love for Leah climbs every hour! She was amazing in the delivery room--thanking the nurses and thinking of others in the midst of her own tremendous pain. She was so gracious, beautiful and strong.
• She's an incredible mom. No one has sacrificed more for our little girl. My inconviences don't even come close! Not a single person has asked her to do a single thing for Gabby. It all comes from within her. And she does it with so much joy. I love you baby!

I'm still searching for the words to describe how all of this is impacting my understanding of God. His love is coming alive to me. I've almost memorized every curve in Gabby's face, and when I look at her I can't imagine a single thing that could diminish my love for her. Makes this verse seem so real. The love of our Perfect Father really is wider, deeper, and higher than my imagination can go.

Comments

[Linda Jackson]

Brad, and Leah,

Ed and I are so very excited for you and the entire family! Your baby was born the morning after Aarons little Isabella Grace! Children are truly fearfully and wonderfully made! Gods best blessings to you and yours! Ed and Linda Jackson

[Jamie Sebastian]

Brad, loved the update. Tony and I laughed out loud and shared in the joy of your first moments, remembering ours as well. You will both be the best parents. Tony wanted me to add, that he agrees with your philosophy on the Lions.

[Raina Swaggerty]

Thank you for taking the time to write the first 52 hours...I am truly moved and laughed til I cried.

[Sarah Hunter]

In all this busyness and happiness you have been going through it's so nice of you to keep all of us that have been on the edge of our seats wondering AND praying too of course to hear some updates and we thank you for that:) Josh and I will keep on lifting you 3 up in our prayers:) And I have to say that this post was great. It was sweet and funny as well. And that picture of Leah and Gabriella is beautiful:) I can't wait to meet her and I can't wait for you and Leah to experience all that comes with the joy of having a daughter who will show so much love to her Mommy and Daddy every day:)!!!

[andrea huang]

Brad & Leah,

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jason and I have been traveling lots so we didn't hear of the news until now. =) so excited for the newest addition to the family. blessings to you both and may jesus multiply your hours of sleep!

much love ~ jason & andrea huang