Spencer William - the Hospital Experience

40ish weeks had come and gone, and the day arrived for us to meet our new baby. Our first 2 children's exact arrival time was more unexpected, but we knew exactly when this baby boy would greet us. That made a pleasant difference for everyone.

As we get ready to leave for the hospital, we take one more beauty shot of me and my big ol' belly.

At the hospital, we check into pre-op, and I get my fancy surgery gown on.

2 good looking guys dressed and ready for the operating room

Spencer William was born at 12:56 pm on February 24, 2017 weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces and measuring 19.75 inches in length. He was perfect and beautiful, and even though it took some doctor wrestling to yank him out of me, he made it in our arms safe and sound.

baby bathtime

first of what will be many Daddy-Spencer selfies

Spencer's loving and doting fans started visiting almost immediately. Aunt Mor, who had been in Austin that week for a conference, claimed victory as first visitor before she headed back to Houston.


Aunt Syssa visited us on Spencer's first night:

Mommy and Spencer got plenty of snuggles.

Our birth photographer captured Ethan and Gabi's first look at their baby brother (as documented in another post). Nana brought the big siblings each day during our hospital stay and snuck in a few baby snuggles herself.

exploring baby brother

Ethan and Gabi were very excited to love on Spencer.


They were interested in helping to change Spencer's diaper but were quickly turned off when "poop" was involved.

Proud big siblings show off their balloons and presents from Grandma and Grandpa and then show Spencer their love.

perfect family portrait (note Gabi and Ethan's hands)

(family portrait outtakes)

Cousin Daniel stops by for a visit having been in town on work recruiting that week. He said holding a 1-day-old was a new record for him.

Uncle Craig visits too to meet his newest nephew:

My genius baby found his thumb and other fingers during his first few days of life:

Hugs and kisses:

gotta love Texas hospital food

not so sure about the car seat

After 4 days, it's time to head home and face reality. Bon Voyage, hospital; thanks for the welcome stay!

Spencer William - From Another Lens

We had an amazing opportunity fall into our lap a couple of months before baby boy's due date when I found a photographer who was looking to gain more experience with birth photography. Having no experience interacting with a c-section delivery, she was especially attracted to taking us on as "clients." She got some new experience, and we got some incredible pictures at zero cost- Win Win! The pictures mostly speak for themselves. Here is the birth of Spencer William from another lens.

We began by waiting (patiently?) in pre-op to get everything and everyone ready.



Lauren, the birth photographer, was not allowed in the operating room itself, so she let Jon have her camera. He can be credited for taking the following amazing shots. We chose to have a clear drape during the surgery instead of the traditional blue curtain, so Jon could see and capture him as he was being taken out of my body.






Spencer was taken to the nursery for his bath, and the camera was returned to Lauren. The doctor and nurses were still finishing up on Mommy, so Daddy got to love on our new baby.



Mommy and baby get reunited, and all is calm (for now).

peaceful baby rests after a - so far - eventful day

Big Sister Gabi and Big Brother Ethan arrive at the hospital to meet their new baby brother. (While Ethan was very excited to meet his baby brother, he was not so excited about the birth photographer and mostly hid from her...)




Our new normal with our beautiful children: