Wow! Thanks to all our readers and the congratulations and well-wishing which outpoured over the last 24 hours.
Two Supergrands arrived yesterday afternoon to take their first shift. Although it’s quickly becoming apparent that the idea of having “shifts” is quite different than the last time around. In some ways, I hope to not be forever comparing this-time-around to last-time-around, but in another sense I don’t want to ever forget the differences. I mean, from day 1, here’s what’s going through my head:
- Valor’s hands open right up, as Jennifer so eloquently observed in yesterday’s comment. Not only do they open, they squirm around and wrestle their way out of most of the swaddling straitjackets I’ve rolled him up in so far.
- Valor knows immediately what to do with a nipple. Tongue down, latch on, get to work… as if he’d been doing it for years.
- I assumed that when they were first taking his temperature and inspecting him they would do a sort of obligatory blood sugar reading. In fact, I was looking forward to seeing the Accu-Check come up with something normal like 60. It turns out they don’t do a blood sugar test unless there there are symptoms of high or low sugar. When an endocrine system works, it just…works.
- Not only is Valor with us here in the hospital room, but there are no wires! and no isolette! We can actually just pick him up and pass him around freely. Amazing. He’s not even on monitors that show his breathing or pulse.
There has been a request for more pictures:
Congratulations on the arrival of baby Valor! He is absolutely stunning. What a precious little blessing.
This is my first time commenting here, but I have read all of the sweetbabyjames blog and this one as well and have been anxiously awaiting Valor’s arrival. He is truly a gift from God and very blessed to have had a big brother like James.
(PS: James is the name of my oldest son too!)
Congratulations on your new baby…he is adorable!
I am so incredibly happy for all of you! What an adorable yawn Valor has. Congratulations, and the very best of luck to you and your family.
He is beautiful! We are praying that all continues to go well, so excited for you both!! Thank you Jesus for the miracle of a beautiful, healthy baby boy. May he grow strong and live up to his name and to the legacy of his big brother!
Many many congratulations on your most beautiful baby boy.
A Reader
John,
I really understand your feelings. It is all new to you, a whole new experience and so different than the last time.
James’s had to fight so hard to achieve things that Valor already can do, but as you said when you revealed his name, James was an example of many others things, and it will be beautiful for Valor to have James to look up to, as an example of bravery, sweetness, courage and many more.
You say “I don’t want to ever forget the differences”… You will never forget.
James was so lucky to have you both as parents. He was, is and will always be very much loved…
I praise God for blessing you with a great delivery and of course for blessing you with this gorgeaus boy, Valor.
I’m afraid I have to find a Kleenex…I can’t stop these tears of joy. Congratulations once again, and thank you for letting us be a part of this such especial moment.
Please, keep us updated. We can’t get enough Valor’s pictures.
Love
Sabrina from Argentina
absolutely adorable…love love love that you are doing the kangaroo care with him as well – ALL babies love the skin to skin 🙂
I love these pictures! Thank you for posting again. I guess I won’t be satisfied, however, until I get that little guy in my arms. For so many months, well even years, I imagined the day I would hold your baby in my arms and praise God for answered prayer! I remember when I finally got to do that with James, oh so many months after he was born. I just can’t believe that I will get to do that soon with Valor. Have some tissues waiting…I might flood the room 🙂 Love you guys!
Just look at those cheeks! Congratulations! God is so good.
The caption for the second picture should totally be this:
Valor: “Hey, I think I hear my adoring public calling!” 🙂
Yay for Supergrands, too!!
A & J,
You will never know how many around the world are rejoicing with you today, lead by a most exceptional spirit in James. I hope you can feel some of the love.
Thank you for sharing the gift of yourselves.
Thanks for sharing, Gjertsens! So, so, so happy for you all. 🙂
Also, Valor has an exceptionally lovely middle name.
Baby’s are miracles. Babies born without health and development issues are another miracle. James came with quite a routine and your family adapted wonderfully and loved and cared for him like no one else ever could. It is so sweet to see you get to enjoy this precious early family time. Knowing that everything has gone well has made my week!
The picture of your parents, Abby, with Valor is overwhelmingly beautiful to me. There are just no words…
Valor is gorgeous – and he looks very wise for a newborn! Congratulations, Gjertsens!
Wow! This is so wonderful. I wish you peace and happiness!
Oh happy day! Valor has arrived from heaven above! James and Dora are two dear and loving angels watching over him, he has adoring super grandparents with many and varied talents, and he chose a beautiful devoted mommy and fantastic loving daddy. Welcome to the world, little Valor! God has blessed you many times over, and you are only one day old!
I’m astounded at God’s goodness, humbled by your faithfulness and I feel privileged to be you friends.
Yea!! More pictures! Thanks so much for sharing. The big yawn is so cute and seeing JD and Lamons holding Valor is precious. Get some rest while you’re still in the hospital!
He is beautiful.
Many congratulations on the newest little Tarheel. And just in time for football season! 🙂
Susannah (Alexandria, VA)
Congratulations! He is beautiful, as you well know. May you enjoy your son, rejoice in his health, and continue to be blessed.
Absolutely wonderful – the pictures are a treasure!
he is absolutely perfect! congrats to you three!
He is a chub! He will be “different” from James, yes indeed, but no less special!
It’s natural to compare him to James. And I’d like to think James is enjoying watching his new sibling introduce himself to your family.
So happy for you both. Am a cakewrecks-linked reader. Have been following your lives and read the whole James blog. Have been praying everything would go smoothly. You guys are an inspiration and I hope that many life blessings come your way. God is indeed good!
LOVE all the pics! I look forward to seeing many updates and watching Valor grow over the months 🙂 Congratulations!!
That last picture of you with Valor is so sweet it brings tears to my eyes. Congrats again!
Congratulations John and Abby on your beautiful, healthy son! I’m so thrilled for you both. I pray that God continues to bless you all. I know you will enjoy every moment of this season in your life.
Thank you so much for continuing to share your family with us. I came from CakeWrecks and have been eagerly awaiting Valor’s arrival, as have all of us who have been touched by your story. I am thrilled for all of you . . . I hope this doesn’t sound over the top, but your joy and blessings have been a real inspiration for me.
soak it all in!! you both deserve all the joy and peace this little guy will bring! he is beautiful!
Congrats on the baby.. You all look great .. Valor is such a handsome baby.. Enjoy spoiling him and I’m sure the grandparents will make sure that happens… Maybe we get together and meet sometime.. Would love to meet this new little man in your lives..
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He is so beautiful! Congratulations!
I am absolutely thrilled for you two! I came across the Sweet Baby James blog a few months ago (via CakeWrecks) and have read along ever since. Congratulations on the birth of your son Valor, he is adorable! You and your husband are among few people who truly humble me. Congratulations again 🙂