Our New Addition!

Benjamin Z Grover

Born on April 7th, 2010 at 9:29 p.m.

weighing 8lbs 12oz, measuring 21 inches long

THE DELIVERY STORY:
Feeling tired of waiting for my sweet baby to arrive, I chugged a castor oil cocktail on Tuesday morning, hoping to induce my own labor. Like clockwork, contractions started a few hours later. Unfortunately, the contractions were sporadic and relatively mild in intensity. I used every trick in the book to try to get the labor to speed up, but it didn't seem like I was making much progress. I woke up on Wednesday morning feeling much more serious contractions, but still only coming every 8 minutes or so. Because most doctors and hospitals require the contractions to be in five minute intervals before they will admit you, I waited all morning and all afternoon for the contractions to speed up. I read a book, I walked, I ran a few errands--I felt fantastic. Bored, anxious, and frustrated--but fantastic. Finally, around 6pm, we decided to just go to the hospital and see if they would admit me, eventhough the contractions were still 8 minutes apart. When we arrived, I was half-afraid they would examine me and then send me back home, sneering at me like I'm a rookie mom or something. Actually, the nurse checked me and I was already dilated to a 7! I was ecstatic and in total disbelief! At that point, things happened really quickly. The nurse rushed in the baby cart, called my doctor, and I ordered my epidural immediately. Once I had the epidural, my doctor arrived and broke my water. Minutes later I felt ready to push. Three pushes! Things seemed to happen so quickly I didn't have time to process any of my emotions. As they laid the freshly born baby on my tummy, I just laughed with sheer astonishment and joy. I am often mocked for being a bit of a planner, but I could not have planned any better of a delivery.
This picture is the definition of relief. When I held my sweet newborn son to my chest, just seconds old, I felt such a rush of relief and gratitude for the true miracle that just transpired.

Poor baby, though not for lack of trying, Aaron and I did not have a name picked out when we arrived at the hospital. Minutes after he was born, I asked Aaron if he knew what the baby's name was. Holding him in his arms, Aaron knew. He gave the baby to me, let me look in his face, and we agreed that the baby's name was Benjamin. We didn't name him. That was just his name. Baby Ben. In honor of his family tradition, Aaron gave Ben the middle name of "Z." Beginning four generations ago, with Aaron's grandfather Don R. Grover, Aaron's father Robert W Grover, and Aaron A Grover, the middle name is given in honor of the mother's maiden name. Because Aaron's mothers' maiden name was Alder, Aaron's middle name is "A" As my maiden name was Zollinger, Benjamin now carries the tradition forward, bearing the middle name "Z."

My heart is full. There are no words to describe my joy in snuggling my brandnew son. The afternoon of Benjamin's birth, Aaron gave me a powerful priesthood blessing in which I was told that Benjamin was a special spirit, chosen especially for our family. I loved him instantly and I will love him forever.

Oh how blessed I am! Happy!

This picture makes me teary--my favorite people in the whole world!

It was so exciting to see Hank and Max's reaction to thier new baby brother when they met each other for the first time. Hank was so SWEET. Hank rubbed Ben's cheek and kissed his head and asked millions of questions (some that we had to answer creatively). Max pointed at all of Ben's body parts, then touched his own, and laughed. I'm sure there will be adjustments to be made, but I know Hank and Max will make great big brothers.

Our Family of Five!

Ben is adorable! He looks just like Hank and Max: gobbs of dark hair, big wrinkly forehead, little button nose, and pouty red lips. Ben does have one cute attribute unique to himself: dimples! I can't wait until he learns to smile so I can see more of those cute little dimples.

Only one day old, I am already in love with baby Ben. There is so much to look forward to, watching Ben grow each day, but I just want to hold my baby tight, love him to peices, and savor each moment. I love you Benjamin!