I have permission to share that Bethany is at the hospital right now (as of Tuesday, November 30 at 9:45 a.m.). It looks like Samuel James (“SamJam”) is on the way. Prayers for mother and child (and daddy, too) are much appreciated.
You can send up a quick prayer for me, too, as I’m melting into a puddle of tears right now.
Thanks!
Early Afternoon Update:


Mid-Afternoon Update
Contractions every two minutes. Now discussing pain management. (3:53 p.m.)
Hospital COVID protocols have forced me to wait at home, so I’m just praying, texting, and “brutzing.” I’m told Bethany is still calm and has had no tears yet. Thank you, Lord.
She’s still able to smile and laugh periodically, but it’s about to get real. (4:42 p.m.)
Late Afternoon Update
Samuel’s head is in a good position. No cord issues. (4:42 p.m.) 🙌
Oh my word. Bethany just FaceTimed me to make sure I was o.k. How selfless is that? (She knows no father wants to see his little girl in pain.) She looks terrific and is in great spirits. (5:23 p.m.)
Evening Update
Pain meds slowed her down for a while, but she’s back to steady contractions and excellent vitals. I guess the little guy will come when he’s good and ready! (8:36 p.m.)
Breaking her water now. (10:09 p.m.)
And it just got real. Praying, dear one. (10:27 p.m.)
Epidural. (11:25 p.m.)
In the meantime…
Early Morning Update
The epidural is now done, and the small crew at the hospital is getting a nap. This adventure is a lot like my son’s birth. It’ll be a while before we get to pushing. (12:05 a.m.)
Translating a Latin text (Pseudo-Cyrpian) as I await the news. LOL. (12:53 a.m.)
9.5 cm. (1:27 a.m.)
Crowning. (4:05 a.m.)
Still pushing. She would like to be done. But she’s having all sorts of conversation between pushes. (6:14 a.m.)
This guy really wanted to be a December baby.
Welcome, dear child!
Just got the call of a lifetime!
Samuel arrived at around 7:41 a.m. (official time TBD).
I could hear him crying in the background. Loveliest thing I’ve ever heard.
I’m told he has hair, and Daddy cut the cord.
Physically and emotionally drained right now, but waves of joy are rolling in.
Signing off now for some badly needed sleep.
More details later.
💙