Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Introducing...William Andrew Athens





Yesterday I had one of the top two experiences of my life. I got to help Katie and Andy with the delivery of their new baby. After about 20 hours of labor including two hours of pushing Wills (that's what I'm calling him) arrived into this world. Weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds and measuring 22.5 inches long, he was here at last. Katie did an amazing job, even though by the end she was exhausted, I was hoarse from counting and Andy had new muscles in his forearms he made it. There is nothing better than holding a new baby especially when it is your own or the child of your child. I hope he is ready because today is the day he meets his uncles and aunt. I hope the hospital is also ready for the onslaught of the McNeil hurricane. Sometimes we aren't ready for the new phases in our lives (like being grandparents) but all you have to do is see those cute baby eyes and alien shaped head and know that it is the right thing.

11 comments:

Ali said...

Congratulations! I have the chills. I love the name choice. I'm glad they're all healthy and well.

Michelle Glauser said...

"Cute baby eyes and alien shaped head." Hilarious. Congrats to everyone.

The Gunnerson Family said...

Oh what a beautiful baby! Congratulations to Katie and Andy, he is a miracle. Way to go on getting such a big boy here. Sorry the labor and delivery were so long! I hope all goes well with everything that comes along with having a new baby.

Whatever Dee-Dee wants said...

It's about time!
Congrats grandma!

Unknown said...

WAHOOO!!! Congrats grammy! I am so excited for you all. Holy big baby! I am glad all went well. Congrats again.
Neina and Jason

Anonymous said...

omigosh, he's finally here, what a big beautiful baby, thank goodness it's over for you all. Congratulations Katie and Andy. What fun for you and Jay, Mary, it's the reward we recieve for not killing them when they were younger
Good Luck
Love ya'
Dixie

Keersten said...

Wow! Congrats! Great name. Katie is going to be the cutest mommy. I am so excited for you guys!

Nikki said...

Congrats! What a big boy! I bet Katie is so glad he's finally here. How is she feeling?

Anonymous said...

Congrats McNeil and Athens families! I am so excited for you all. Katie, thats my girl, way to have a healthy size baby! Mare, now isnt being a grandma the best feeling in the world? XOXOXO

Love, Terri

Billie Sue said...

Beautiful pictures of an equally beautiful new baby here on the earth! Exhausting labor, but totally worth it (someday you will know the full measure of that statement)! Mary Ann--you are the youngest, most beautiful Grandma I've ever seen! That baby looks so natural in your arms! Whatever hurricane the McNeil's provide, little Wills will know how much he is loved as soon as they blow in! Congratulations to all!

Kristie said...

You look too young to be a grandma! Congratulations. That kid doesn't have a chance with his nephews, does he? We are so happy for you guys!