Ty) arrived December 4, 2011 at 12:52am weighing 8lbs 7oz and 21 inches long.
It all started when I went in for a regular check-up on Friday, December 2 to my OB. Without going into too many details, she told me things were progressing and I might even go that weekend. I was blown away. And I really didn't believe her (I wasn't due until December 23rd). I started having contractions early Saturday morning and they continued all day Saturday. Jack says he knew we were in for it when I dropped an entire gallon of OJ on the floor and it cracked (the plastic split on impact, juice everywhere) at 6am when getting juice for Sam & Ty. I finally called the doctor around 4pm (Jack had gone into work and we had a Christmas party that evening so perhaps I was procrastinating a little) and shortly thereafter, the contractions became a little more intense. I still thought maybe we'd be sent home and we could go to our party ...but alas, we were admitted (total denial).
We got settled in to our room, we both took a nap, and then boom: water broke at midnight, Lucas arrived at 12:52 (the doctor barely made it). Because he came early, and because we were deadlocked, he was BabyBoy VanderPloeg for about 20 minutes while we decided on a name but now we are thrilled with "Lucas".
As he lays sleeping on my chest now, I can still hardly believe he is here. It's amazing how something so small fit in my belly only a few weeks ago. He is beautiful and healthy. He is sleepy and cuddly. He is simply perfect.
