our Bend girl

Astrid's arrival:

Matt and I went out for a date night on Friday, leaving the boys home with our babysitter Willi.  We almost cancelled because we were tired but I told Matt I felt like it would be our last chance to have a moment alone.  My parents were set to arrive the next day for my birthday and to be in town while Matt traveled to Florida for a board meeting.  I jumped out of the car and ran into Barrio to get our names on the wait list.  Matt parked and we headed over to Crow's Feet Commons to hang out while waiting on our table.  There was a bonfire concert going at Crow's Feet and we chatted with our friends who own the shop.  Contractions had started but I was mostly ignoring them and still enjoying the night.  Soon we sat down to dinner and by the time the food arrived I was no longer hungry.  Matt was giving me a hard time about "crying wolf" while I busily tried to download a contraction timing app on my phone.  After dinner we went to Cuppa Yo to pick up frozen yogurt to take home.  We chatted in the parking lot with the owner who is also a friend and Fritz' Sunday school teacher.  These details are meaningful to me because I found the night to be a unique display of our settling into a strong community in Bend.  Everywhere we go there are friends and neighbors, people who know us and our kids.  It is an experience that makes us love our small town even more.  Once home we sent Willi on his way off to a friend's house party.  I looked him square in the eye and said, "You will be coming back tonight."  Willi is so extraordinary to our family (Earlier in the week he taught the boys to ride bikes without training wheels.  In about 10 minutes flat, putting us parents to shame!).  He didn't skip a beat.  "Just call when you need me."

An hour later he was summoned back and we headed out for the hospital.   

I called my mom on the way in to let her know what was up and avoid getting into trouble for not checking in!  

We arrived at 11:57pm so the nurses waited until midnight to check us in for the new day.  Once settled in our room, they had me walking laps in the hallways.  The contractions were getting stronger, more painful and closer together.  Matt on the other hand was still telling me we'd be sent home soon!

Anyway, to make a long story short, I got the epidural (bliss!) and after one single push at 5:32am our dear, sweet baby girl was in my arms.  

Astrid Dorothy Petkun.  At 37 weeks, she came at the peak of the full moon and on her momma's birthday no less.  A gift from God.