We are so happy to announce the birth of our son, Paxton Josiah Russell. He was born on Sunday, July 17th at 6:57am. He weighed in at 8lbs 3oz and measured 21″ long. We brought him home on Tuesday.
Oh Boy, Oh Boy!
Thank you so much for your prayers for Paxton’s birth. God answered them, and I (Naomi) was able to have another all natural VBAC! I’m very thankful too that Miah and Annalei prayed every night that Paxton would not be a C-section. Miah was especially motivated to pray for her brother because she was in the NICU for 9 days after my C-section with her, and she didn’t want him to go through that separation from me.
This was my quickest and easiest labor, delivery, and recovery (another answer to prayer). I had been having mild contractions for several days, but at 5pm on Saturday they started to get more painful and consistent. So we went into the hospital at 11:30pm. If I were on the same labor schedule as Cassia, then Paxton would have been born at 5pm on Sunday. But shortly after I was admitted to the labor and delivery room, I prayed a prayer that I didn’t even fully have the faith to believe: that Paxton would be born before 7am. With Annalei and Cassia, I had needed pitocin because of a 5cm stall. But with Paxton, my body just progressed naturally and quickly…no 5cm stall. God answered my specific prayer, and Paxton was born at 6:57am.
Russell, Party of Six
Paxton’s three big sisters are so happy to have him in our family. Annalei (9) loves to hold him while standing and singing to him. “I like it when he makes little noises.” Miah (6) loves to cuddle next to him and watch his every facial expression. “Babies are so cute!” Cassia (2) provides our running commentary on Paxton: “Baby crying!” She also loves to yell, “Hold baby!” for her turn to sit next to him. They all love to spend time with him.
We went through such an ordeal with Cassia having jaundice after her birth, that Zack was motivated to pray that Paxton would have none. God answered Zack’s prayer, and he did not have jaundice. Two doctors, after examining Paxton, said he was “perfect”. We praise God for a healthy baby! We would appreciate your continued prayers for Paxton’s growth and health. Miah currently has a fever and sore throat (thankfully not strep). Please pray that Paxton would not get this. Fevers are extremely dangerous for newborns.
Thank you for your support of our family and ministry. We are so thankful God has blessed us with this new child and can’t wait for all the stories God will tell through Paxton’s life.
