Emery Joseph Hood

Late at night on July 15, 2009, Leah and I finally got to meet the newest member of our family, Emery Joseph Hood! Leah was absolutely incredible. After nine months of creating a comfortable, healthy home for Emery, she made it through 48 hours of intense labor to usher him into the world safely. At birth, he weighed 9 pounds 13 ounces, and was 22.5 inches long.

As many of you know, we were hoping to have the baby at the Birth Center, which offers a home-like environment with experienced nurses and midwives to help birth the baby. But when the labor stopped progressing, we went across the street to the Bryn Mawr Hospital for a little nudge. Emery was finally born at 11:02 pm.

Here is a video of Emery sitting in Grandma Martz's lap. A pretty fun activity for his first morning in the world.

This is a photo of Leah and Gazelle, our midwife.

Comments

[Jacob]

You guys rock, and he is so so cute! Congrats and good luck on the first few weeks, just let us know if you need anything.

-jacob & meg

[Genelle]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yall are so awesome! Emery is adorable, can't wait to hold him!

[Stace, Mike & Kai]

So beautiful! Congrats and we're thrilled for you.

[Jason Denzin]

Emery is so beautiful and aware and amazing!

[Jason Denzin]

Leah, you look so happy and strong.

[aunt diane]

Leah you are amazing after 48 hours of labor you look fanastic! I can tell Grandma is loving every minute! Have fun! Can't wait till I get to see him......

[Vanessa Chan]

Drew and Leah, He is absolutely adorable. Congratulations!!! I can't wait to see him in person.

[Lisa]

Leah - you are AWESOME!! And Drew - you're pretty great, too - I'm sure you did a fantastic job of helping Leah get through those 48 hours. wow.

Emery is really beautiful - I can't wait to meet him! Please let us know if we can help with anything.

[Kate]

Hi Emery!!! You are the coolest dude ever! Look at your chill attitude on Grandma's lap. A born contemplative.

Leah - you look beautiful and full of joy. We are so thrilled for you guys.

I'm thinking our crew name needs to be changed to Germantown7 now...? :)

[Pam]

Hi you three! Congratulations on birthing him into the world. (Holy 48 hrs!!!) What a sweet little guy. May your lives never be the same. God's rich blessings for all that you need. Rest, nurse, hand baby to Daddy, rest, nurse, hand baby to Daddy, repeat... Lots of love, Pam Strohl

[Becky Lanford]

Congratulations Leah, Drew and Emery. You all look great!

[Caitlin (and John)]

Congratulations guys! He's beautiful and I'm thrilled for you to be enjoying those first days of a three person family. I can't imagine what it will be like to go from 3-4 in a few weeks here, but I'm sure it will be just as special to meet this little guy and get to know him. See you next year!

[Sarah]

YAY YAY YAHOO! Chris, Jackson and I are all so thrilled that your little - scratch that - BIG guy has made his official arrival! Congratulations, and WAY TO GO, LEAH! You are seriously amazing. We love you guys so much and pray every kind of blessing on all of you! So happy to celebrate with you! Welcome, Emery!!!

[Donna]

How precious!!!! We are all so excited. The kids have been out of town. They all send their love and congratulations and can't wait to see these pictures too. We love you all and can't wait to hold him. Mimi, Grandpa, Graham, Lauren, and Anna

[Helen]

Leah, you go girlfriend! I am thrilled for you three and especially for Emery who has such cool parents and a wonderful community! Congratulations...will pray for sleep and for confidence in all the thousands of parenting decisions you make every day...YOU GUYS ROCK! Missing you, Helen

[melbys]

a huge congrats to you two! you will make fantastic parents. little emery is a doll. i pray that you are enjoying a smooth transition into parenthood and that you are healing quickly (leah)!