Pearson Dean Hopkins

On July 28th, we had an addition to our family! Our fourth child, Pearson was born. Jess and I went into the hospital around 7 am and Becky (Jess's mom) got us all situated, started Jess on 'Pit' and hooked her up to the monitors and IV. We kind of hung out, then the doctor came in around 8-9-ish and checked everything out...looked good and said that we should be having a baby that afternoon. Next came the epidural and Jess was feeling great! Jessica's brother, Sam, and his wife, Emily, came and visited as they were in town from Virginia. It was a lot of fun to visit with them and just chill while we waited for the contractions to get closer...the contractions that Jess did not feel at all. I think it was nice for them too, as they are having their first baby soon. Around 1 Jess was starting to feel a little pressure, and we knew it was time. The doctor got in just in time. Jess gave two good pushes, and Pearson was in the world! quick and easy! Of course I am not the one that gave birth, I simply held her hand and encouraged. Way to go Jess!

Our other kids have been so happy to have Pearson home! They love to help out and hold the baby, and try to do more than they can. It is very exciting to have another. He is bright-eyed, and seems to have dark hair, which will be fun in our family of toe-heads! Jess is recovering well, and we have gotten help from our families nearby, we cannot thank them enough! There is nothing that can bring more happiness and joy than an new child in your home!

The week before Pearson was born, Jessica's family was going to Redfish Lake. I was planning on taking the 3 kids myself in the VW bus as Jess was so close to delivery. However at her check-up, the doctor said that Jess would be good to go, and that nothing should be happening in the next few days, and besides that we would only be an hour away from the hospital in Ketchum/Hailey. So Jess decided to go too (Her dad had a motel in Stanley already for her). Well, the Bus only made it 20 miles out of town and the fuel filter gave out. We were able to limp most the way back to town, where my dad met us with a new filter, I changed it on the side of the road, and then we drove back home and changed vans. The Bus will have to wait for 2010 to see Redfish! Anyway we made it there eventually, and enjoyed our 2 days there so much, and did not have the baby there, he waited just a few more days.

We love the chance to go to Redfish with the Waddoups each year and appreciate Chris and Becky so much for their great love and effort in this tradition. I know that the children are creating many wonderful memories of time with family there. They will always treasure them.