Clay Has Arrived!

With a relatively easy labor and delivery, Clay Jameson Spencer was born on Monday night at 9:53PM.  It was such a fantastic experience from the beginning to the end.  The staff at La Jolla Scripps was unbelievable and the birth was very quiet and intimate.  Clay came into the world with a little cry that we didn't hear again until many hours later.  The proud papa cut the umbilical cord and watched closely as he was given his once over.  He weighed 5 pounds and 13.5 ounces and was 19.25 inches long.  Right away we noticed his skinny long legs, wavy dark hair, tiny little face and his big feet!  Corey stepped out of the room to tell our anxious visitors the good news and he was received with cheers, hugs and high fives.   Grandparents and Uncle Matt & Aunt Janelle were called to hear the good news!

Uncle Kevin and Aunt Karen were Clay's first visitors.  They were SO excited to meet their little nephew.  Brad, Colleen, Terry & Roxie came into the room in pairs to get their first look.   They loved on him and couldn't stop gazing at all his little features.  We had a late night Skype session with Nana Janeen & Grandpa Longfellow.  They waited up til four o'clock their time to see little Clay on the computer!  They were thrilled with their little grandson.  The next night he had visits from Mike & Kayla, Jeremy & Larissa, Brad & Colleen, Uncle Kevin & Aunt Kevin and Suzie & Christine.

My favorite moments from the day included visits from family and friends... Kevin & Karen spent a good part of the day keeping us company as we were waiting for this little guy to come.  At one point I was concerned I wasn't dilating enough and thought about the realistic possibility of a C-section--that mixed with a dropping heart rate with each contraction.  I couldn't help but to watch the monitor with some anxiousness.  I was elated when he was able to pull through and I was ready to push!  He was coming soon!  And then when I saw him for the first time, I was completely overcome with emotion.  You never really believe it is real... until then.  I loved watching the nurse hand the baby to Corey for the first time and seeing this huge grin come across daddy's face.  It was such a neat moment to witness.

We made everyone wait til morning to find out what this little guy would be named.  We were pretty sure about the first name but not set on a middle name.  We were too exhausted after being up for almost 40 hours with just a couple of short naps here and there to discuss the final name.  The next morning after some much needed rest, we decided on Clay Jameson.  We don't really have a good story and reasoning behind the name other than we liked it.  Turns out Corey's Grandpa named Leslie had Clayton as a middle name.  I think we knew this at one point but later forgot.  We decided to use the short version because it is just easy and we wanted something simple.  We had a different name picked out throughout most of the pregnancy and then changed it to Clay in the last week or so... but it seems to suit him perfectly.

We uploaded a picture Corey took and announced to the world that we have a new family member.  We were so overwhelmed with love from family and friends.  It was so amazing to feel the joy from everyone.  We received so many messages, texts, calls, e-mails and visitors.  It made the whole experience so much more special!  Thank you so much for all of your love and support!

(Right now I can hear Corey telling Clay the reason why we are Bears fans starting with the story about Corey's Great Uncle playing for the Bears.  I heard George Halas, Super Bowl Shuffle and Sundays in the conversation.)

We just got home and can't wait to find out what tomorrow brings!!

XOXO
Corey, Leslie & Clay