Welcome Baby Lydia!

Blessings abound!  Tim and I are thrilled to announce the birth of Lydia Alyse Decker.  Lydia was born on October 10, 2010 at Wilford Hall in Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.  She weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs, 6 oz, which made for a really easy delivery and an even easier recovery. 

We entered the hospital on the evening of 9 October, after a three-day delay in getting to the hospital for an induction.  Everything went really smoothly and she arrived in a little over twelve hours.  Tim was able to make it from Kansas to be there for the birth, so we were all-around really pleased with the way everything worked out.  Since everyone was so healthy and Lackland was experiencing somewhat of a "bed situation" at the Labor and Delivery Unit, we were able to go home on the early discharge program.  We were thrilled to get out of the hospital as quickly as possible and start enjoying our family time together at home.

This week has been fairly hectic.  Tim and I have been taking turns staying up with Lydia, who has not quite gotten adjusted to U.S. time (we think she is operating on a schedule somewhere in the Middle East).  Meanwhile, I have been trying to keep up with my schoolwork in between feedings.  I had two quizzes and a midterm this week, which I somehow managed to take without the benefit of my usual cup of coffee (no caffeine for the baby).  Despite being a little tired, everything has worked out really well this week thanks to the help of my three heroes...Tim, Mom and Cansu.  Mom and Cansu have done most of the cooking, cleaning and taking care of Timmy.  Tim has helped with Lydia and has given me the opportunity to study and keep up with my schoolwork.  Without this team I don't know where I'd be!  They are truly my heroes!

This whole pregnancy has been one of the most challenging and enriching experiences of my life.  Tim and I have a profound respect for the miracle that takes place in pregnancy and birth.  We are reminded of how far we have come in the last year and a half and just how much of a blessing this healthy pregnancy is.  We would like to thank everyone for all of the love, support and prayers that you have offered to us through this entire experience.  We feel surrounded by love and have been blessed by your prayers.