Trucks, Tiaras and Tutus introduces: Connor Judson Stivers

Christopher, Tom's brother, and his wife Diana live in Knoxville, Tennessee. That's where the both went to college, met and fell in love. Awww. Shortly after Chris graduated from school, they moved to Kansas and lived about 40 minutes from where I live. They were here only about 6 months before Chris got a job back in Knoxville that sent them packing. They were here long enough for me to get to know Diana well. For the record, I've known Chris almost his entire life. Anyway, when they moved away, they had just found out that they were going to have a baby. Selfishly, I was a little sad that I didn't get to be close by as they became new parents.

Fast forward 38 weeks. Ann called Tom and I this Saturday morning to let us know that Diana's water and broken and that they were headed to the hospital. Two weeks early! I was shocked, as most first time moms have to wait until after their due date to meet their baby.

I was so excited. I was dying to call and hear about every detail. No, actually, I was dying to hop in the car and drive to Knoxville that day. But, I must be practical. I have three young children of my own, a husband that works long hours and not enough disposable income to take a quick plane trip. So, I just waited for news.

The news came at about 4 o'clock that afternoon. The baby's heartrate was dropping with every contraction and she had only dilated to 4 centimeters. There was a long way to go and much harder contractions in Diana's future if they had let her progress naturally. It was safer for everyone if they did a c-section. Within 45 minutes of finding out that there would be a c-section, Connor Judson Stivers was born at 5:31 PM eastern daylight time. He weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. Interestingly enough, Julianna was born at 5:29 PM. I love little tidbits like that.

I didn't see big pictures of Connor until we arrived home from the lake that night. I have said before that Tom must have some sort of super gene because Drew and Julianna both look so much like him. But, it turns out, the Stivers all have a super gene. Connor looks just like Christopher. And Connor also looks just like Drew, too. Pure craziness.

The top picture is Drew at a few minutes old and the lower one is Connor.

I am so happy for the new little Stivers family. Congratulations to Chris and Diana as the start the crazy ride of parenthood. There is nothing like it. I hope, despite our geography, that they feel our support all the way from Kansas.