Yesterday was a good day. The Sabbath. We attended the missionary homecoming of our good friend's son, Benjamin B. We knew him when he was just a longed-for presence in his mommy's tummy. Now he is a tall and strapping valiant young man...a Saturday's Warrior, Returning With Honor with his scriptures in hand and a sincere testimony and a love for the people of Brazil. He is on a good path and will do good things with his life.
We made it back to our own ward with enough time to allow me to get the Young Women room ready for opening exercises and have a little chit chat with two of the most awesome women that I have the privilege to work with, Alicia T. and Shauna R. As we were talking, Steve came up to me in the hall and showed me a text from our brother-in-law, Treion: If Karen would like to be at the baby's birth, tell her to leave right now. We are heading for the hospital. (or something to that effect. I was too frazzled with excitement for Soni and Teion's baby at that point) This is where the awesomeness of Alicia and Shauna REALLY kicked in. I was supposed to teach today, but there was no way I was going to miss the chance to see Soni's baby being born. Without hesitation, both ladies stepped in to help me make this happen. Alicia already had her lesson for next week planned and ready to go, so she went home to get that put together, and Shauna took care of getting opening exercises going.
Steve and I jumped into the car and made a mad dash for Davis Hospital. I kept telling Steve to hurry, because I just knew that Soni would have this baby quickly...it's what she does. She has them natural, no drugs, and she waits until the last possible moment to head to the hospital. We later learned that she'd been in labor since 4 a.m., but still went to church....they only left when her contractions were just minutes apart.
When we walked into her room, this is the sight that greeted us:
Isn't she beautiful?
Soon, all of the other sisters arrived: Kim, Sheridan and Suzette, along with Bam and Dandad. Steve didn't think he was invited, so he left to get a diet Coke.
In between contractions we talked and laughed, during contractions we all tried to breathe for her and encourage her. It was like watching someone run a marathon or climb a mountain. Soni is so tough and focused, I was in awe of her strength. Treion was such a calming presence and her rock solid coach.
When the Doc arrived (straight from church, still in his suit---he's the bishop of his ward), he had enough time to change into scrubs and then he checked Soni, broke her water and literally within MINUTES we were all holding onto Soni and the head was out. She had that baby within an hour of arriving at the hospital!
Introducing Treion John, Jr. (TJ)
7lbs, 10 oz, born September 19, 2010 @1:48 p.m
After four girls, Treion got himself a boy! Welcome to the world, little (Sunday) Warrior!
