Christmas 2009

Introducing John-Michael Thomas Mann!

Chris and Ruth Mann give thanks to God for the safe, healthy and relatively easy delivery of John-Michael Thomas Mann, who was born today at 12:39 p.m. at Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne. John-Michael weighs 8 lbs. 1 ounce and measures 21 1/2 inches long.

John-Michael's name is inspired from multiple sources. John the Baptist, who preceded the Lord Jesus Christ as a witness to his forthcoming ministry, persevered faithfully and embodied so much selfless devotion that we hope to instill in all our children. "Michael" is inspired by a number of godly musicians who create for God's glory. "Thomas" is inspired by an extended relative in Chris' ancestry named Thomas Mann, who in the latter half of the 19th century served as a minister of the gospel in the Carolina country.

We praise God for his grace to our family over the past 14 years! We didn't deserve that grace; God is simply that good of a father.

Chris and Ruth Mann, and for our children: Lydia (12), Peter (10), Micah (9), Gretchen (7), Colette (5), Jonas (18 mos.).

Good morning from Dupont Hospital

Good morning friends and family:

Ruth checked into Dupont Hospital on the northside of Fort Wayne to deliver the next MannCub, who is yet unnamed. Dupont is the same hospital where we had Jonas delivered in May 2008. The staff are great and the accommodations are very pleasant.

Update:

6 am: Ruth and I had some very tasty Steak Bagel breakfast at McDonalds.
7 am: Paper work and prep work at Dupont.
8 am: Pretests for Ruth (blood tests, etc.)
8:05 am: nurse looks dad over to see how well he handles the sight of blood. Dad passed the test, but remembers anew why he didn't go to medical school.
9:00 am: Ruth got epidural.
10:00 am: Nurse broke Ruth's water, started pitocin to help start labor.
11:30 am: Ruth is going "comfortably" through contractions, but at stage -2. Reminder: -4 = baby is completely inside, 4+ = baby is born. She is good spirits and we are looking forward to having this next baby join us.

I'll post again, but this won't be a moment-by-moment thing. All is well here; Ruth is doing well and the break room's coffee & snack reserves are well stocked.

For Ruth and the cubs,

Chris

Christmas 2009 prep