Paxton Eric Volk

We are proud to introduce Paxton Eric Volk

Paxton was born on August 27th at 9:18 p.m.
Weighing 8 lbs 3 oz and 19.5 inches


On Friday August 26th I went in for one of my regular OB appointments. I was a little concerned that maybe something might not be right because I had been feeling a bit off over the last 2 days. It is hard to explain what it feels like but I just know it isn't right. I didn't hurt or have any major symptoms at all but I wasn't surprised when my nurse took my blood pressure and it was high. Not scary high but certainly on the higher side. I was told to lay down so that they could take it again in about 10 minutes. 10 minutes later my doctor came in and took my blood pressure again, instead of going down it went up slightly. He sighed and said that he had a decision to make... "When are we going to have this baby? This weekend?". He wasn't really asking me my opinion because a moment later he said, "Tomorrow sounds good. You will be induced tomorrow morning." I have to admit I was a bit taken aback. I shouldn't have been but I thought that maybe he would give me a few more days however he went on to explain that due to my history with HELLP syndrome that he didn't feel comfortable waiting any longer to deliver. So, I was told to go to the lab for blood work and then to schedule the induction.

We went home and immediately got to work on the last minute details. Checked to make sure our bags were perfectly packed, gather everything in the living room so it would be ready to go in the morning, took a few photographs of my 37 week belly and then finally tried to settle down with dinner and our bedtime routine for Rowen. All of this with the help of Grammy and Papa and Nana (Grandpa was out of town).

That night was probably the longest night of my life. I was so excited to meet this little person that I loved already so very much and also scared about how everything was going to go. I knew I wasn't going to sleep hardly at all and sure enough Eric and I were up late into the next morning when we finally both got a few hours of sleep. To make matters worse our air conditioner went out that day so our house was VERY HOT! It took until about 2 a.m. for it to cool off enough outside for us to even be able to sleep in our bedroom with the windows open and fans blowing. We laid around in the living room watching a movie and a few TV shows and talking about how our life was about to change forever once again the next day.

The next day we got up early to get ready to go. Grammy and Papa came over to take care of Rowen while Eric and I headed to the hospital. We arrived right on time but it took about another 2 hours to get the induction going. I labored from about 10 a.m. until about 4:00ish before I decided to go ahead and get an epidural. My doctor didn't come to break my water until 6:22 (yes, I know the exact time because I was very irritated that it took so long) and at that point things picked up very quickly. By 8:15 p.m. I was dilated to a 9 and at shortly after 9 pm I was ready to push. My nurse checked me again and said very calmly that baby was right there. She asked Eric to push a button behind my bed and when he did she once again calmly asked for a delivery team right away. My doctor and a few other nurses walked in very slowly but quickly realized that baby was coming like right now! I gave one big push and 2 little ones and baby had arrived into the world! Eric announced, "It's a boy!". We looked at each other and laughed and cried. Paxton was put up onto my chest immediately (something I didn't get to experience with Rowen's emergency delivery) and I fell immediately even more in love with my baby boy. We stared at him and talked to him as he cried and made all sorts of adorable noises. He looked absolutely perfect and beautiful and adorable. I couldn't stop staring at him and kissing him. Finally I said it was okay for the nurses to weigh him. I was very curious to find out how big this boy was. When they said he was 8 lbs 3 oz everyone in the room was amazed but not surprised. We were so thrilled to have such a healthy big boy! Soon after Paxton got his footprints taken and Eric and I got stamped with his tiny precious feet too!

Then Paxton was wrapped up and daddy got some time to get a good look at his second son.



Soon, it was time for Rowen to meet his little brother. The introduction was one I will never forget. Rowen was thrilled, smiling from ear to ear and giggling. He climbed up on the bed to get a good look at Paxton. Paxton got a few kisses from big brother then it was time to go to the room we would be staying in for the night.

Rowen and daddy got to ring the bells after Paxton's birth.



Before Rowen left to go home with Grammy and Papa, Paxton gave Rowen a big brother gift... dinosaurs! Lots of dinosaurs. Rowen entertained himself at the hospital with his new dinosaurs until late at night.


The next day...


Our family of 4 the morning after Paxton's birth.
We couldn't be happier with our two sweet boys!

Rowen brought Paxton this outfit as his gift to his little brother. Rowen wore his Big Brother T-shirt and Paxton was immediately dressed into his "little brother" outfit.

Big bro and little bro
As you can see from the photo, Rowen is very proud and excited to have a little brother.

After a few good friends came by to meet Paxton, we celebrated Paxton's 0 birthday with our family. Rowen had a great time singing happy birthday to his little brother and blowing out the candles.

Eric and I are so happy to welcome Paxton into our family. We can't stop staring at him, kissing him and snuggling him. He is ours, our sweet little boy.