Ammon

After 2 long weeks that felt longer than the past 9 months, Ammon was finally born! He's here and it's finally setting in that we now have 2 beautiful little boys. The time went by so quickly, yet there was still a lot of anticipation for his arrival and it's finally happened. He is here!!! It's only been a few days, but our family already feels a little more happy, a little more complete, and a little more full. This is one of those moments where you sit back and shake your head while thinking: "How did I ever get here in life being so incredibly blessed?!" Absolutely amazing to think about how blessed I've been in my life and I couldn't be any happier right now.

Like I said, the past two weeks have really dragged as we had found out that Amber could deliver at any time and day after day went by with no Ammon. Poor Amber was really reaching the end of her rope, and who could blame her? I definitely can't imagine what it's like carrying a child around inside you for 9 months! So this week, I was musing to myself about if I could pick a time for him to come, it would be on Wednesday night after Scouts. I could have my Scout meeting, have Ammon on Wednesday night or Thursday and take two days off of work, enjoy the weekend, and then think about going back on Monday. Seemed like a great plan to me, anyway. Well, that's pretty much how it went down! Amber woke me up at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, we were at the hospital by 2:00, got a room by 3:00, and Ammon was born at 10:58!

Obviously, there was a lot of details that happened between 1:00 and 10:58 a.m., but overall everything went very smoothly and well. It's a long process waiting for the delivery to start and for Amber's body to be ready, but all is forgotten when the baby comes. My time was spent on a horribly uncomfortable couch playing on my iPad and listening to soothing music on TV as random images of oceans, deserts, and mountain scenery scrolled through the screen. At one point, Amber said: "Those look just like mountains!" I said, "Yes, yes they do." She said: "No I mean on the screen!" Me: "Yeah, I see them on the screen." Her: "No! Not the TV! I mean THIS screen!"

See that bumpy blue line? That's what she was talking about. Mountains? Kind of. Mountains of CONTRACTIONS. Yikes. Thank goodness for the miracles of modern medicine and having epidurals...

So when Amber was ready to start the delivery, the nurses came in and set up the room with the proper equipment. Right before she started pushing, we had an incredible few moments. We both looked at each other and we knew that her dad's spirit was in the room. You could feel it so strong and we both just started to cry. I could hear his voice in my ear saying: "Tell her I love her and that I'm so proud of her." I told her what he'd said and then, just like I know he would have done as I'd seen him do it so many times before, I kissed her on the forehead. I really miss her dad, but I know that he was there with us and I'm so thankful for the knowledge I have that life doesn't end after death, but continues, and we can be with our loved ones again. We had already chosen his name before this happned, but it makes it even more special that he's named in honor of her dad.

The delivery went very well and we were very surprised to have a 9 lbs., 21" (and two week EARLY) Ammon Robert Olsen come into the world. The doctor herself was even surprised at how big he was for being early! And did he ever have a head of hair! All the nurses in the room said they'd never seen a baby with so much blond hair. Amber did incredible once again. She's so tough and so brave. I'm so blessed to have her as my wife.

Utah man!

We got him all cleaned up and got into our new room and soon were surrounded by friends and family the rest of the day. Jeremy loved finally meeting his baby brother! He was so sweet around him and I know he's going to do so well with Ammon. You just kind of wonder if you'll be able to love another child as much as you love your first, but I can now say that it truly is possible. These two are going to be a hoot together. I can't wait to take them out camping together and watch them grow up and play. Everyone loved seeing Ammon and his hair. He became quite the celebrity in the hospital because apparently it's quite the rarity up there to have that much white blond hair when you're born! He rocked it.

Our first family picture.

Proud grandma!

Aunt Aerielle

Uncle Rob

Uncle Tim

Casi loves babies!

His first teddy bear.

Celebratory bubble gum "cigars" courtesy of Uncle Rob!

It's hard to say who is more excited right now, Amber and I, Jeremy, or Grandma Stanton, Grandma Olsen, and Grandpa Olsen. Probably best to just call it a tie! Thank you to everyone who called, texted, or came in person to celebrate Ammon's arrival and wish us well as we shared in this special day. We love you all so much!

Oh and thanks to everyone at the hospital for taking care of us... and most of all for putting us directly across the hall from the drinks and snacks room! Boom! Best room EVER!