March 2009

We welcomed Noah Matthew Ryman to the world on March 18th at 3:31 pm. He weighed 10 lbs 3 oz and was delivered via C-section (obviously, right?). He was 22 inches long and his chest measurement was 15 inches; the biggest the doctor had seen in 18 years of delivering babies (football player)!

Here's the story:

The due date (3/11) had come and gone and we went in for an ultrasound on the 12th to see how big our little guy was getting. The doctor said it appeared that he was 9 lbs 12 oz. We were shocked! Hana didn't believe it. I was kind of excited (shhh). After a few more days and no baby, our doctor called to get us booked at the hospital to be induced. Tuesday (3/17) we received a call and were instructed to be at the hospital at 4am on Wednesday the 18th.

We tried to get a little sleep that night, but we weren't very successful. At 2:53 Hana got up and started getting ready (our alarm was set for 3:00). I was awake too, so I got up and got going too. We got on the road on time and arrived at the hospital just before 4am. They checked us in and sent us up to the labor and delivery room. Our L&D nurse came in and began asking questions. Her name was Princess. Hana really liked her.

Around 5am they started the Pitocin (the drug that brings on contractions). They hooked up the monitor and Noah's heart rate was fine. Hana was having contractions but wasn't feeling them... at first. Eventually she began to feel the contractions. I raised my hand up (breathe in) and lowered it slowly (breathe out). Hana was doing great. After 9 hours of contractions but very little dilation, Noah's heart rate rose a bit. The nurses (one of which was Suzy, the wife of our pastor!!) did a few things in the hopes they would get Noah's heart rate back down to normal. They turned her, they put an oxygen mask on her, they turned off the pitocin... nothing worked.

The doctor came in and said everything was ok, but it was getting dangerous. He said we needed to have a C-section; we agreed and pretty soon they took Hana away from me so they could give her a spinal shot. The doctor promised he wouldn't begin the surgery until I was in the room. I sat on a chair in my yellow surgery gown and my blue cap and shoe covers. I prayed. I prayed a lot. I told God He was not allowed to take either one of them away from me (I repented for telling God what to do later).

Pretty soon Suzy came to get me and she led me back to an OR where Hana was lying on her back with only her head visible. They put up a screen to block the... well, the gross stuff. I sat in a chair and put my head by Hana's. The doctor said, "Matthew, it's your job to keep Hana's mind off of what 's going on on this side of the screen." We talked about how we couldn't believe we were having a son. We talked about how great God is. We cried a lot. I told her, "Any second now, we're going to hear him cry... any second now." Soon enough, everyone in the room began clapping. And then we heard Noah for the first time. Then we saw him. The doctor lifted him up over the screen and we saw him. All 10 lbs 3 oz of him. He was beautiful.

I could see him from across the room as they wiped him down and weighed him. They said I could go over to see him up close, but I wanted to say by Hana. Eventually Hana said, "Go see him, Matt." So I did. Then they sent me with Noah to the recovery room to wait for Hana. I sat with Noah in my arms. I couldn't believe it. He was so amazing. The nurse took him and tested his sugar, put goop in his eyes, and did a few other things. He cried loud, which was good because the more he did the more his color came in.

They brought Hana in eventually; I was so happy to see her. We prayed and thanked the Lord for his protection and for the child He had entrusted to us. Hana held Noah for the first time and I watched and was amazed at the sight of my wife, the love of my life, holding my son, the apple of my eye. I knew my life had changed forever, and I couldn't have been happier.

Eventually I went down to the lobby of the hospital where both sets of parents (grandparents!) were waiting, along with Hana's sister and brother. I told them the good news; that everyone was alright. I almost collapsed. I called my sisters and my Grandma. It had been a long day. Soon they moved Hana and Noah and I to a room where everyone could come visit us. Finally, everyone had gone. I leaned over and put my head on Hana's chest and wept. My beautiful wife was doing fine and my strong son was too. I was so thankful.

Well, that's the story; the first 18 hours (or so) of it anyway. A few days ago we took Noah to the doctor's office and she said everything looks great. Yesterday we went to Hana's doctor and he took out her staples. People from our church are bringing us meals every night and Hana's mom is here helping me take care of my family and get my work done at the same time.

The Bible says that The Lord knits us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). What a gift. What a tremendous gift life is. Not only to the baby, but to the adoring parents as well. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... being a dad is far better than I had ever imagined it would be; and I had high hopes. I love my wife and I love my son. I praise the Lord and thank Him for His continued love and kindness to me. Praise God from who all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)

God bless,

MjR