Our third-world baby

When our Honduran friend, Patti, heard the news of our son's unexpected birth and the fact that he had only a 55% chance of survival, she said "He's a third world baby! He's gonna make it--don't you DARE think otherwise!"

I was only in my 34th week of pregnancy. I was done with school and contemplating all the things I was going to do with the few weeks I had before I delivered. The "nesting" syndrome had just kicked in, and Dunnivan's room awaited. Friday, March 18th (supposedly my last day before leave) I woke up with what I thought was a UTI infection, but turned out to be the beginnings of labor, 5 weeks early.

The labor advanced rapidly. I drove myself to the hospital not knowing what was going on. Colin arrived shortly thereafter, and once the doctor realized I was in labor, I was wheeled immediately into the maternity ward. I had no idea what to expect in labor and delivery. All I knew was that I wanted an epidural. However, my doctor--thinking that I had hours and hours to go--went to deliver another baby (via c-section), and so the next hour and a half, Colin and Eric (a close friend of ours) coached me through contractions. When the doctor finally arrived, his eyes lit up in surprise as he said, "You are at 9 centimeters!" Another friend joined us in the delivery room, Naomi (whom I will be forever grateful for), and within 45 minutes, our son was born. My heart soared, the tears came, and then they whisked my newborn son away into the NICU. He was born with septicemia and pneumonia, weighing only a little over 4lbs, 10 oz. But he was alive!

Dunnivan spent 11 days in the NICU. Through the prayers of so many friends and even strangers, God healed our son. We watched Him work day by day through the hands of excellent physicians and loving nurses. Dunnivan's progress was clearly seen every visit (we went to see him 3 times a day all last week). Watching him heal daily as our family and friends prayed around the clock held us through the craziest storm we have ever faced together. My wonderful mom was able to get a flight into Tegus the day after my delivery, and so she has taken such amazing care of us since she's been here. I don't want to even think about her leaving in a few weeks...

We brought the little guy home three days ago on Tuesday. It was a GLORIOUS day! He's still a little shrimp and needs to learn to eat more, but he's healthy and happy--and so sweet! He smiles all the time!

Praise God for this little one's life! Dunnivan James Roberts is a testament to God's goodness. Praise God for the friends and strangers who have prayed for us! And thank you all for loving us so well.