Welcome Micah!

The Hubby and I welcomed our son, Micah William Dang, into the world on September 13th at 1:01 p.m.!

I will never forget the moment he was placed on my chest and I looked at him for the very first time. As soon as Khanh and I started talking to Micah, he immediately calmed down. It was absolutely amazing that he actually recognized our voices.

My water broke at 6:20 a.m. and contractions started 20 minutes later, coming every minute to minute and a half. I decided to labor at home as long as possible and we finally checked into the hospital around 9:30 a.m. I was only 4 cm dilated at that time, so I decided to get an epidural since I wasn't getting a break from contractions and had no idea how long I'd be in labor. I was afraid I wouldn't have enough energy to push after having almost constant contractions if I was in labor for much longer.

My midwife checked my cervix again right around 11:30 a.m., and I was dilated to 8 cm. She said that dilating from 8 cm - 10 cm usually goes pretty quickly. Boy, was she right! I asked her to check me around 12 noon, and I was dilated to 9.5 cm. She opened my cervix all the way and it was go time! I pushed for a total of 46 minutes before Micah was born. The first thing I said when he was born was, "He's real!" Man, am I glad this little boy made me a mom!

He came fast, but he stole our hearts even faster. We have big hopes and dreams for our little Micah. May he know that the Lord is always on his side, no matter what. May he know how loved he is. May he know that life is an adventure. May he grow up to be a strong, independent man.

And, I leave you with a picture I snapped on my iPhone during Micah's newborn photo shoot. More pics from the photographer to follow!

Happy 26th Birthday, Babe!

25 will be a year to remember, that's for sure.

25 was our first full year of marriage.

25 was the year we took a roadtrip.

25 was the year you found out you will soon be a dad.

25 was the year we bought our first house.

25 was the year we visited Viet Nam during Tet.

25 was the year we brought Cooper home.

25 was the year we laughed and cried together.

25 was the year you got a promotion at work.

25 was a great year, but I know 26 will prove to be even better.

You are selfless, kind, generous, sarcastic, and confident. There are a lot more adjectives I could use to describe your personality, but the list would be way too long! In a matter of days, you will be a dad and I can't wait to see how our little guy will soften your heart. You're one hot guy and I'm lucky to call you my husband. I can't wait to make memories with you this year that will last us a lifetime.  Today, and always, you deserve ridiculous amounts of Pho.

Happy 26th birthday, babe! I'll love you forever!