Franklin Family: Gatlin Robert Henbest

I feel like a proud mom announcing the birth of her newest child. However, what can be closer to my next child then my first nephew from my only sister?

After very much anticipation and actual disbelief that my baby sis (and best friend) was going to be a mom I became elated to hear that she was being induced early. On January 25th! Her due date being February 9th. Baby G was not gaining weight due to my sister's small placenta (which they whisked off for scientific research after Baby G came), so in order to keep him from losing any weight they decided to bring him to meet us sooner than expected!

It was an exciting day! Katie called me at school and I remember hearing the seven dwarfs serenade me while I was teaching (forgot to turn my phone off) and realized that it was my sister. I quickly silenced my phone and texted her that I was still teaching. She texted back that baby G was coming the next day so I quickly occupied my 2nd graders and called her back right away.

The next morning I skipped school ( :O) and ventured to the hospital with my mom at 8:30 in the morning. And thus begun a day of waiting, waiting, waiting. I think of myself as a fairly patient person but when it comes to babies apparently my philosophy is "get em out!". My two children came as soon as the doctor gave them the green light. They came sliding out, happy as clams givin the doctor high fives on the way. (just kidding! - I count my blessings that my labor and delivery was A to the mazing).

Sooooo.......I played on the computer, I talked to sis, I took pictures, I watched the monitor, I sat in the waiting room, I walked the halls with my mom and sis, I ran to Baby's R Us to get some premie outfits, I went back to Starbucks for more coffee, laughed as my sister was a little loopy due to the medication, wheeled around on the doctors chair (very fun by the way), hugged my hubby and kiddos who came for the grand finale only to be sent home with the news that baby G may not be here until the middle of the night.

I nestled myself into a chair and thought about another run to Starbucks when the nurse came in to check Katie. She had been stuck dilated to a 3 for, well - since she arrived at the hospital. We were all getting concerned that she might have to endure a C-section. As the nurse checked her we were just crossing our fingers that she would say that Katie had progressed to a 4 or maybe if we were lucky a 5. I remember she asked Katie, "what number do you want it to be?". Katie replied, "a 4!" The nurse said, "you are dilated to a 10!!!!" What??????

I jumped up to tell the others in the waiting room. It was around 9:00pm.

The rest was a blur!!! I don't remember being so excited for my own births - perhaps because I was the one pushing them out and fear drowned out my excitement. But now, all I had to do was sit back and bask in the miracle of birth. Tears currently run down my cheeks as words can't express how grateful I am to have been able to witness the miracle of my nephew's birth. I stood transfixed and amazed! I think everyone should be able to witness that at some point in their life - it was amazing!!!

Then, at 9:35pm, January 25th he introduced himself to us with a loud cry and a bright crop of strawberry blonde hair. What? For such a little one he sure did have a great set of lungs. He was immediately given to his momma and I quickly switched from videographer to photographer to capture these first few precious moments. I cried!

He was finally here! Gatlin Robert Henbest you have this auntie tied around your finger precious boy! I love you soooo much and can't wait to see what God has in store for your life!

Thank you Katie and Derek for letting me be a part of this special day!!! I will remember it fondly forever! You both will be amazing parents!

Pictures from the first two days (Disclaimer: Katie - get over it - you look cute!)