Baby Arrival!

We (Ted's parents) are happy to report that James Mitchell Holz was safely delivered into the world via C-section at 8:35 a.m (Eastern time). We apologize for the delay in passing on this information, but after Ted and Jodi arrived at the hospital at 5 a.m. for a scheduled delivery at 6:45, they were informed that it had been postponed to 8:15. Other than a slight(?) problem with Jodi's epidural, all went well, and, to quote Ted, Mitchell "was squawking." His Apgar scores are quite acceptable - 8/8 - and at the moment he is having what will be the first of many tests, an ECHO to determine more precisely what needs to be done. The cardiologist whom Ted spoke with indicated surgery may be on Friday, but we will know more as the day progresses.

Mitchell weighs 6lb., 10 oz., just two ounces shy of what had been estimated, and is 19 " long. Jodi's initial evaluation of his appearance is that he probably looks more like Mackenzie did as a newborn; Ted is going to withhold his judgment, at least for a few hours. Apparently he has quite a lot of fairly dark hair, which would be more of a Huff characteristic, but we will wait and see!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the family and for little Mitchell during these past months and also for the many kindnesses you have shown to them. It has all been very much appreciated.

As more information becomes available, we will be sure to let you know. Please continue to pray for Ted, Jodi, Jean, the girls, and Mitchell and for the doctors as they make plans for the first surgery.