Building A Legacy: Love So Amazing- Grayson Blair

"Wait for the Lord; be Strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"

Psalm 27:14

I feel like this was Kathryn's verse these last few weeks as we waited- waited on the Lord for this precious gift!

Grayson Blair

February 22nd 2012

8:01 am

7 lbs 5 1/2 oz

On the twenty-second of February I had the honor and privilege of witnessing a baby being born. What an incredible blessing to be a part of something so special. I remember Kathryn telling me about the emotions she had as she witnessed Brayden being born- but I had no idea the overwhelming emotions that would overcome me as I watched this little guy enter the world. My dearest friend Kathryn gave birth to a beautiful boy; Grayson Blair, and I am so proud of her.

Kathryn is one of the strongest persons I know- she endured thirty-eight weeks of a very uncomfortable/painful, nauseating, and exhausting pregnancy. Sometime in her thirty-third week this beautiful little guy decided to give us all a scare as Kathryn's body began to contract and put her into one of many "false labors". Our prayers for this special little one was that he would stay put until Kathryn was atleast thirty-six weeks so that he could be delivered here at the local hospital. thirty-six weeks came and we praised God for his answer to our prayers. Then thirty-seven weeks came and went- and then to all our surprise, Kathryn hit thirty-eight weeks and we started to wonder if this little guy was going to come early at all!

Tuesday night- after a date with my family, I received a phone call that Kathryn was having contractions with news that she was almost certain in labor. I could hardly wait to get the kids packed into the car, drive them home, get them into bed, and head over to their house. Here was the moment we had all been waiting for- God's perfect timing as Kathryn made it to thirty eight weeks, Blair had the upcoming two days off, and Jon didn't have classes on Wednesday. I remember leaving Kathryn's house after her mom arrived to take over watching Ava wondering what the night was going to look like. When I arrived at the hospital, Kathryn was walking and breathing through contractions. From the moment I saw her- I was proud. The night would continue to get more and more difficult and Kathryn would show incredible strength as she breathed through each contraction- did I mention, she is one of the strongest people I know? A beautiful moment somewhere around twelve hours later as the sun was coming up the doctor came to check her progress and as she went to check, there was his head. I had never seen something so incredible as Kathryn shortly began to push and after a few strong pushes- Kathryn and Blair welcomed Grayson Blair Drake into the world.

Kathryn, you are an incredible person, mother, and friend. I will never forget this special day and will always be so grateful that you allowed me to be a part of this incredible memory. Love so amazing- I love you my dear friend. Congratulations! He's beautiful. He's perfect. He's here!