Announcing the Arrival of Chrysogonus John

Rosemary and I are pleased to announce the birth of our fourth son, Chrysogonus John, who was born last night at 10:42 p.m. He weighed in at nine pounds-even and measured a lengthy twenty-one inches. He's hale and hearty, with a loud voice and a strong appetite. By clicking here you can read about St. Chrysogonus, whose name, together with those of Saints Cyprian, Clement, and Cletus, is mentioned in the Roman Canon.

Rosemary has promised to write a detailed blog post when she's more fully recovered, but I wanted to get a few pictures out there for family and friends. So, here's a quick selection, together with a few details...

When Rosemary started experiencing more intense, regular contractions in the early evening, she decided to call the midwife. Just like with Cletus, our fourth was born relatively quickly. The midwife arrived shortly after ten o'clock, and Chrysogonus made his appearance within the hour.

Rosemary had the baby up to her chest right away after I caught him and announced proudly, "It's a boy!" Sorry to everybody in the baby pool who guessed that it would be girl, but surely you must have known!

Chrysogonus nursed pretty quickly after birth and again in the early morning hours. He already had a double chin and rolls upon birth and my guess is he'll be a big baby.

Here I am cutting the cord. I think Rosemary looks a little concerned...

Nine pounds on the dot...

Here our midwife is checking Chrysogonus's vitals and taking his other measurements. He has ten fingers and ten toes... and everything else a baby is supposed to have. A big thank you to our mid-wife and her assistant for their expert attention throughout the pregnancy and especially last night.

The first child to come in the room was actually Cletus, whose birthday it is today. He seems to think this is "his" baby, perhaps his birthday present. He's fascinated, in any case, and likes poking his baby brother. Clement came in the room shortly thereafter. He soon left to wake up Cyprian, who skeptically reminded Clement that surely a baby couldn't come that quickly. He was in for a surprise, and it was hard to get him to give others a turn holding the little boy.

Here's the happy biggest brother...

Grandma Korish is asking very nicely for a turn...

Even Aunt Rebecca got a turn holding Chrysogonus...

 For his part, Grandpa Korish was a no-show during the birthing process, resolutely staying put on the couch with the volume of the television turned up. However, he's been having a blast hanging out with the three older boys. To Cletus he's "Grampers." Here he the day before last at Pullen Park in Raleigh.

The boys love their "Aunt Becca" too...

Now the three oldest are with their Grandparents Korish and Rebecca at the Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh. I'd better wrap up this post, do some laundry, and bake two-year-old Cletus his birthday cake. Please pray for Rosemary and the baby as they continue to rest up.

More soon!