Introducing Oliver Gray Gifford; Immeasurably More Than All I Could Imagine

One month ago, my heart exploded the moment I met Oliver Gray.  I knew I’d love this little boy long before he was born, but the second the doctor placed him on my chest, I realized God had given me immeasurably more than all I could ever imagine.

Ephesians 3:20 says,

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

This has been the year of immeasurably more for our family.  After two stressful pregnancies, our oldest coming 6 weeks early (spending his first weeks of life in the NICU), and our middle child diagnosed with a lung malformation in utero that led to weekly high risk pregnancy visits and a 50% survival rate, our family prayed hard for a smooth pregnancy.  Not only did this pregnancy go smoothly, but I was able to CrossFit until the day I went into labor– immeasurably more than anything I could have imagined.

On April 21st, I headed to my bimonthly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting.  I love MOPS.  I have met some of my dearest friends there and learned so much in the last 5 years.  I can also be REAL and tell these women exactly what’s on my mind.  That night, I sat down for dinner and just as I was talking about how it felt like this baby was NEVER going to come, my water broke.  The timing could not have been more perfect.

Not only did my water break while sitting at a table with my favorite gals, but it happened right before my husband’s three-day weekend; even my mom happened to be off of work- immeasurably more than anything I could have imagined.

I drove myself to the hospital where my husband and mom met me.  Together we waited in the waiting room for a room to come available.  There really was a full moon that night and lots of women were in labor.  Forty-five minutes later I had a room and a fabulous nurse.

My contractions were irregular, so my doctor ordered Pitocin.  I got my epidural, and a few hours later baby Oliver had arrived.

 

While in the beginning I (not so secretly) longed for shopping trips in the GIRLS section of target, I always prayed that God would fulfill His will for our family.  When we found out we were expecting baby boy number three, I prayed that I wouldn’t feel anything but peace when I met this little guy.  The very second I laid eyes on Ollie not only did I feel peace, but immeasurably more love than anything I could have imagined.

Meet Oliver Gray Gifford, immeasurably more than anything our family could have imagined.

 He was born Friday, April 22 at 1:48AM.  7 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches of pure sweetness.