Samuel's arrival was not the beautiful delivery that Heather was dreaming of. It was fairly ugly with a lot of ups and downs. We had trouble with the midwives who kept telling her she was not in labor. She didn't get to have a water birth, it was just the two of us and midwives who did not speak English (which isn't a problem for Heather but is for me). Despite the difficulties, it was still a miracle, and Heather went from "not in labor" to holding a baby in only 6 minutes. We were also blessed during that time that our friend "Uncle Peter" was able to watch Stanley, Holly and Stuart. He spend 36 hours with them which allowed me to be with Heather. Not a task for the faint at heart. Thank you Peter!
This is how we get to the hospital in Germany, by ambulance.
I can see why they would think she was not in labor. She looked great.
But the moral of the story, listen to the mama, she knows her body best.
Post delivery and she still looks great.
Uncle Peter holding Samuel (less than 12 hours old)
Brothers
Stanley, Holly and Stuart are great big brothers and sister. They love holding Samuel, except when he is "too loud." It is fun to watch their personalities develop as they take on new roles with our expanding family. However to answer the question that everyone asks, "we feel our family is now complete." Four kids definitely brings new challenges and noise levels. We fit snugly in our 78 square meter apartment (840 square feet). Side note: in Germany there is a minimum living space requirement. People over the age of 6 require 12 square meters, ages 2 to 6 require 10 square meters, and under the age of 2 there are no requirements. So as of Holly's 6th birthday coming up our family, by law, needs 58 square meters. Once Samuel is 6, we will require 72 square meters.
One of the nice things about living in Germany and having kids is we have great maternity/paternity leave. You can take up to a year for 66% of your income (unless you make over a certain amount which as a teacher I don't even get close to). So I am taking 2 months off to help Heather, shuttle kids, and be able to focus on my family rather than work. Unfortunately there have been a few things like writing report cards which I haven't been able to completely take off from, but it has been nice to not have lesson planning and grading to do in the evenings. Also, due to lack of sleep I wouldn't be able to focus and teach very well either.
Taking the kids to school.
While Samuel stays warm with "Ice Paw"
Speaking of that, Heather and I have been living in a fog the past month. Adding not enough sleep plus three other kids that require attention equals very tired parents. Samuel has not been a very good nurser, which makes feeding time that much longer. Nurse, pump, bottle feed. The process can take up to an hour, and when he wants to eat every 2 hours (from beginning to beginning of feeding) that doesn't leave much time in between, especially when those bottles and pump parts need to be washed. But he is gaining weight, growing, and is healthy so that is what we want. We have been blessed during this time by our church. We have different people from church bringing us meals 4-5 days a week. This is not a German thing to do, but Heather requested it from a friend and she spread the word to more people than we anticipated. We are looking forward to the time that we can bless other people when they need it. The fog will end and life will pick up some more.
Getting out for the first time.
Family game time. Our new favorite pastime.
Family outing.
Snow!
We went sledding on our way home from school.
This is how we roll.
Holly put on a performance for Uncle Peter and me.
Blessings
Music time.
Stuart loves looking at the Christmas cards we received.
My how they grow.
