Callahan Ray Vestal

Callahan Ray Vestal entered our world Thursday, July 30 at 7:56 am. He weighed 7.5 pounds and was 19 1/4 inches long. He is perfect in every way possible. This is his story.

Callahan, You are so loved. You were so prayed for. You caused anxiety in us, you caused me lots of pelvic pain. You caused my heart to burst the minute I took the positive pregnancy test on Thanksgiving Day of 2014. I knew you were meant to be. I knew there was another little boy for my heart to love. The night you were born I slept about 3 hours. Your daddy and I woke early, loaded the car and headed to the hospital to be there by 5:30. There was the biggest full moon I'd ever seen. I thought this moon was telling me you were a girl!! All the way down Garfield Street your daddy played good music, drove slow, and we watched this moon hover over us. We were soon at the hospital and settled into our pre-op space. I tried to be brave for you, but I wasn't. Once the anesthesiologists came in, it hit me what was about to happen, and I let the tears fall. I was scared and I let my guard down. Your daddy was brave for me. Then your brothers showed up and made everything okay again. I was reminded of my "prize" at the end of this long scary tunnel; YOU! Their hugs and smiles made everything seem worth it. Once it was surgery time they wheeled me down the hall and left Ryon in the "time out chair" It is literally a little cut out in the wall with one chair for the dad's to sit. He looked alone and scared as I had to leave him there for 15 whole minutes. It was the longest 15 minutes without him that I'll ever experience. After what seemed like days they finally brought him in to be with me after they had me all prepped, medicine in, doctors in place. His green eyes make everything better. I know he was scared, but he makes it seem like he's not. He just makes me calm. They started surgery and it seemed like it took awhile, mainly because I had a big flashing red clock in front of my face! At one point the nurse yelled, it's 55! But then, Dr. Locke really started pushing down on my ribs and finally you were here at minute 56. He yelled It's a BOY! I couldn't have been happier. I felt like you were a boy from the beginning but I still had my doubts. Sweet Callahan, you were HERE! You were here and crying mad! Haha. They said you were screaming even before you were completely out of my belly. You had a good healthy cry for sure. I could see you in the warmer next to me. Daddy cut your cord. He never did this with the other boys so that was a fun surprise for him. He was there to watch them check you out and then they brought you over to me. You calmed when you heard my voice. You knew me. and I knew you. It was then time for you to go with your daddy to the nursery to meet everyone else that came to see you that day. You had a waiting room full of people that loved you. At first your brothers didn't know what to think. Sutton didn't want to take any pictures and I think he was confused that you were out of mommies belly….an actual baby now! He bought you a little blue teddy bear angel in the gift shop and loves you so much now. I went to recovery for a bit and then they moved me to a room upstairs. They brought you to me and I instantly fell in love again. You had dark hair! I love it! It's so beautiful. I had a feeling you'd have dark hair so I'm pleased to know I was right :) Your eyes are blue, and you look a lot like your brothers. While in the hospital you got to meet a lot of friends, our Pastor, family, and your daddy was attached to you within seconds. He's already a bit protective. He is super Dad. As far as my hospital stay….I did okay. We had a rough first two days because my medicine wasn't working correctly and was keeping me wide awake. I needed to sleep but I just couldn't….so by Friday night my sweet night nurse kept everyone out of my room that didn't absolutely have to come in and Ryon and I were both able to sleep better. We got to bring you home late afternoon on Saturday! We were thrilled to come home and be in our own environment. The boys came home from Rick and Tk's on Sunday and immediately wanted to hold you, kiss you, help you….I think we will keep ya! 

Callahan Ray, we love you. We loved you before you were here. Your name means "lover of churches." Your name holds a special place in our hearts for Admiral Oaks and what Callahan County has meant to us as a family. We have so many memories to make with you. Love you honey.