M2 Has Arrived!

Evan Kamuela
7lb 11oz
20in
Born 7/13/09, 12:34 pm


A beautiful, beautiful boy...










Our immediate reaction was that he looked like JK at birth and in comparing pictures he really does. (So again, another boy that looks like his Daddy!)


JK a few hours old...




EK a few hours old...




But as the days pass, we see that he has his own unique little look and his own personality. Which we look forward to seeing more and more of his personality come out as time goes on. The big similarity to big brother is that he is VERY alert and loves listening and looking around at everyone. The big main differences is that as of right now, we don't seem to have any feeding (allergy-related) issues and EK is a fabulous sleeper. Both of which were a challenge with JK. So we're feeling very blessed in that aspect!

The birth experience was exactly as I wanted it to be. After 9 hours of labor and a sedated C-section, I don't remember much about JK's birth or the several days after that. So this time with a planned C-section, I requested no sedation after the epidural so I could be aware during the surgery. I was a little sleepy, like I'd had one too many margaritas, but I was awake and aware during the entire surgery and remember all the details, which was really wonderful!


In the recovery room I felt great in my Bear Hugger. A special hospital gown they pump with hot air to keep you warm. That was WONDERFUL! Wanted to take it home...




On the second day in the hospital, we had a birthday party for the family. JK LOVES the birthday song and of course, loves presents too, so we decided to make their introductions to each other a fun and special event.

Gluten-free cupcakes, that were very well received...




...as long as he didn't have to share with the new little brother...




...and presents for the new big brother.




After a 4-day hospital stay, they finally let us go home...




...and this is how we celebrated once we got there. Chillin' in the swing...




Right now, our lives consist of diapers, nursing, eating, occasionally showering and sleeping. And...


...baby socks that never stay on...




...precious little newborn stretches (Mandi, this one's for you!)...




...this angelic face that I never tire of just staring at. Even when he's got adorable little baby snores...




It is not lost on us how many others are still waiting and working hard to start or expand their families. There is nothing in our lives that has tested our faith quite like waiting for our family come together over the years. This outcome is nothing like we planned. Nothing. But this difficult journey, through the disappointments and losses, our hearts have softened towards His will, whatever that might be, even in other areas of our lives.

All in all, we are overwhelmed with thankfulness to be this sleep deprived and worn out. EK has finally arrived and while the journey here was a challenge for him and Momma, we know that the journey from here on out is really the hard part. Raising two children as God would have us do, is the ultimate challenge in life. It is easily failed, but with a lot of support from family and our church, we believe we are on the right track.

As we move through raising these boys, we ask that you please pray for us to make good decisions, to have a God-given patience, and maintain a wonderful marriage in the midst of it. And we thank you for all the hundreds of prayers that have already been lifted on our behalf and on behalf of our children. We know you have sacrificed much of yourselves for us and for that we are very, very grateful!