Life is Beautiful

On Twitter a few nights back, I shared a very trying experience the wife and I endured this year. I want to share it here, expand on it, and direct it, a bit, at a very specific reader.

A few months ago, in the middle of preparing for my sister's wedding, and the Decision Desk, my wife and I went through a very tough time.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

I say tough, and its an awful word to use because what we went through, what she especially went through, just isn't talked about.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

Mid-August, she found out she was pregnant for the very first time. Cautious, then excited, everything went to shit on Labor Day Friday...
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

when she woke me at 5am, bleeding more than I've ever seen someone. Gore is the closest word to what we saw. It was just awful.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

She had apparently miscarried- the opalescent tissue and blood making it painfully obvious.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

Keep in mind- we weren't planning to have kids. But in the short time from test to that nightmare we had grown excited, hopeful.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

I can't comprehend what went through her mind. It pained me to see my wife go through this. Considering we had unprotected sex for 2 yrs...
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

And this was the first time something "took", the thoughts started coming. "What if this was a one shot deal?" "What did I do?"
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

The Decision Desk work was a nice mental distraction but seeing her as she was, it was like feeling your heart getting squeezed.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

She's always been a tough woman. One of her best qualities. I've seen her cry maybe five or six times in the ten years I've known her.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

She kept that up for some time. Unbeknownst to me she didn't go back to the doctor after everything had "worked itself out"...
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

So in the subsequent weeks and months, we both attributed her mood swings to depression- totally understandable after that awful moment.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

Her cycle hadn't resumed, which we also assumed to be normal, and which her doctor reassured her "happens to a lot of women".
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

She started getting other odd symptoms, however, as the weeks went on. A near-total aversion to alcohol. Spicy food. Strange stomach pains.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

Fearing the worst, and after an emotional moment at her job, to the gyno we went, last Monday.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

What the gyno showed us sent us into another emotional spin. But this one was amazing, and we are still in it.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

Because, unbeknownst to me, to her, to her doctor... Someone apparently refused to give up.
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

World, meet Jameson Finnigan. Five months down, four to go, and due April 23, 2015. pic.twitter.com/LuMJovVHCE
— Brandon M Finnigan (@ConArtCritic) December 16, 2014

Our reaction to the news took a while to build. Sitting in a room, viewing a screen, and hearing the heartbeat was surreal after all we had gone through. On the ride back home from the OBGYN, we kept saying to ourselves "this is unreal" (when we weren't asking each other how the hell we missed every obvious sign). Our emotions were initially paralyzed by caution- after what had happened in August we didn't want to get our hopes too high. But eventually the joy couldn't be stopped. It hit my wife during a second ultrasound, as he was rolling and kicking about. It hit me at an In-N-Out drive through just last Friday. He never gave up, even when we had, I told a puzzled lady as she handed me my Double-Double.

I know that for millions of couples, the story doesn't end the way it so far has for us- we feel lucky, blessed, and everything in between. We are thankful beyond description that our son, so far, is alive, kicking, and growing, and it has filled us with a feeling words fail to properly explain. Life gives us a lot of punches to the gut. It doesn't care what our plans are. Often times, it bites us. But sometimes, it surprises us for the better. In moments like the last few weeks, profoundly so.

When all seems lost, it is important to understand and appreciate this short moment all of us have on this earth. Do we wish to endure that moment sheltered in a box? Do we wish to give up? Or do we choose to just keep plodding on- taking each moment as it comes, not taking advantage of it, but treasuring it?

Reflecting on all of this, I can't help but think of Chris Picco. Last month, his wife was rushed to Loma Linda UMC for an emergency C-section, passing way from an aneurysm shortly thereafter. Just a day later, he lost his son. A video of him performing Blackbird for his dying boy went viral, and if you haven't seen it, I implore you to.

This is a man going through inconceivable pain, having just lost his closest partner and friend, and knowing full well the loss still to come. Yet in the moment, he strums and sings without missing a beat, without choking up, without the faith-shaking despair overwhelming him. He chose the tortuously short time granted not to mourn, but to encourage. To reassure. To know and love his son in the best way he could, in the short time they had.

We live our lives, and make more lives, and mourn those lost, and celebrate our milestones, the milestones of others, and fuck up, and fix ourselves, and fuck up further, and triumph, and fail, and repeat all of this until our heart taps out. That is the shared experience of billions. We are well aware of the workings and complexities of the universe we live in, and for some it depresses: we get maybe ten decades of life in a multidimensional spacetime that will last trillions of years.

But those among us who see it that way get things all wrong. Sure, there is an incalculable amount of stuff in our universe (or multiverse if you subscribe to that eleven-dimension reality). Yes, there are probably trillions of life forms in this one. But the few bits of stuff lucky enough to be alive, and further, self-aware, like the bits within ourselves, have an incredible moment. The life we live itself is fantastically beautiful, especially since it isn't guaranteed, it has no certainty, and rises and falls in the blink of a cosmic eye. Whether by chance or by divine hand, that we are even here, with the conscious ability to do and see and explore and try and hope while we are, is extremely precious. Why waste it in an introverted darkness? Why wallow? Life is promised to none of us. Live it.

When I started to write this post, it was at the behest of a few of my Twitter followers who were touched by our story. I had hoped sharing it would prove a nice break in the dreary climate we've found ourselves in from time to time, put things in a better perspective going into the holidays. But as I sat down trying to haphazardly collect my thoughts, I realized this would be an opportunity, weird it may be, to flesh out how I am feeling about one very particular reader, as hinted at the top of the post.

Jameson, I don't know when you will stumble upon this entry, but I'm glad you've found it. I hope it gives you some perspective of what was rolling through our minds, and what it meant to us when we found out that you had hung in there. A lot of this probably reads like rambling, which you'll be used to by now. Your story is only months old, and you haven't even taken your first breath of outside air. You didn't give up even as we had pretended, badly, to move on from our pain. You fill us with a profound joy and purpose. These last two weeks have been the most exhilarating and wonderful we have ever experienced.

Thank you for proving to us that life is beautiful.

P.S. - the answer you're looking for is 42.

-Dad
Dec 20 2014

(Oh, and a very Merry Christmas to the rest of the rotten lot of you.)

Posted by: CAC at 02:26 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 So, a no miscarriage miscarriage?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at December 20, 2014 02:21 PM (BNIaE)

2 Merry Christmas! And God bless you and your Family...

Posted by: helloit's me Donna and I know nuthink! at December 20, 2014 02:22 PM (Bn6aD)

3 Deeply touching. Almost poetic.

Needs moar plaid maps.

Congratulations to you and the missus regardless!

Posted by: torquewrench at December 20, 2014 02:22 PM (noWW6)

4 Live is one hellava ride, that's for sure.

Posted by: eman at December 20, 2014 02:30 PM (MQEz6)

5 Very happy for you and wife, Brandon. Many times, life finds a way.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at December 20, 2014 02:31 PM (BNIaE)

6 Amazing story, Brandon. Incredibly uplifting.

Congrats to you and your wife. It's gonna be a fun ride, made even more fantastic, thanks to such a powerful start.

Posted by: Wiserbud at December 20, 2014 02:31 PM (5UYtO)

7 Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us, Brandon.

Congratulations!

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at December 20, 2014 02:32 PM (ZXKWI)

8 Congratulations. See Weirddave's below for how to raise him right...

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 20, 2014 02:33 PM (9QYej)

9 One day a defendant of this newest Finnigan will hassle Cadet James T. Kirk.

Posted by: eman at December 20, 2014 02:33 PM (MQEz6)

10 Descendent not defendant, iPad.

Posted by: eman at December 20, 2014 02:33 PM (MQEz6)

11 The horde continues growing. Congrats!!

Posted by: NCKate at December 20, 2014 02:34 PM (C9K75)

12 Wow.

Thanks for sharing, I don't think any of us see enough good news these days.

Posted by: Methos at December 20, 2014 02:34 PM (A6vWB)

13 God bless you Brandon, and congratulations!

Dave is a great name for a boy. I'm just sayin'.

Posted by: Weirddave at December 20, 2014 02:36 PM (KAmzK)

14 Brandon,

You've beautifully captured that moment when a parent learns a child is going to live, or die. I've been on both sides of that emotional precipice. The only thing that can eclipse the depths of losing a child to miscarriage (or any other time, I suppose) is the joy that comes with the birth of a healthy baby, held in your arms, reaching out at life, and finding you.

Best to you and your wife. An incredible, life affirming, journey awaits. And all you've been through will only make you better parents, I'm sure of it.

Posted by: West at December 20, 2014 02:37 PM (msiEn)

15 Glad you had to retract your initial call once more returns came in.

Posted by: The Lost Dutchman at December 20, 2014 02:39 PM (9F2c1)

16 I'm glad you shared your story. Really uplifting. Life IS beautiful.

Prayers for the rest of the ride.

Posted by: seems legit at December 20, 2014 02:40 PM (A98Xu)

17 Dave is indeed a superb name.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at December 20, 2014 02:42 PM (iCLff)

18 You made me cry, you son-of-a-bitch!

*lifts a glass to little Jameson. May God grant him many, many years

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at December 20, 2014 02:43 PM (RubNX)

19 Congrats! Sounds like you have a tough young'un there.

Posted by: Country Singer at December 20, 2014 02:44 PM (nL0sw)

20 Oh, well now I'm crying.

We had a similar miracle baby surprise us after a near certain miscarriage, and I remember that roller coaster of emotions well.

Blessings to you and your family.

Posted by: Lauren at December 20, 2014 02:44 PM (MYCIw)

21 God bless you and your wife.

Posted by: Iowa Bob at December 20, 2014 02:45 PM (aNzsD)

22 I am pointing the Bride to this poat. She lurks. Beautiful heartfelt story Brandon. God bless you all.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at December 20, 2014 02:46 PM (iCLff)

23 Endless blessings extended to you and your delightfully expanding family!

Posted by: sybilll at December 20, 2014 02:47 PM (NoB1V)

24 God bless you and your wife, Brandon, and the Little Plaid too.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 20, 2014 02:48 PM (dFi94)

25 Congrats!!
Same thing happened with me and T
She miscarried bad, lost a ton of blood and was told she could never have kids

Four months later she quit smoking
That's how I knew demon girl was coming

Posted by: NCJ rolling deep in his MRAP at December 20, 2014 02:48 PM (MaUQj)

26 Sometimes I marvel at the power and strength of newborns and infants in there willpower. Shortly after my 1st son was born I was talking to a friend who was father to be. He was terrified since he and his wife were very hard sleepers and about worried about hearing the baby crying in the night. Several months later I saw him looking rather haggard the way most new born parents are and I asked him " So having any trouble hearing the baby at night?" We both just laughed. New born's are so frail and yet so strong. Congratulations to you both.

Posted by: Picric at December 20, 2014 02:48 PM (QnQ+g)

27 Congratulations, Merry Christmas, and many blessings to you both.

Posted by: Dr Alice at December 20, 2014 02:49 PM (Foy1C)

28 holy cow Brandon that is an incredible story
best wishes to all three of you, that is amazing

Posted by: chemjeff at December 20, 2014 02:50 PM (9GG/0)

29 Awesome story.

But I can't watch the Blackbird video. I just can't.

Posted by: cool arrow at December 20, 2014 02:51 PM (7XKHI)

30 My daughter had a similar experience with our first grandchild. She called me up at 4 in the morning, and said "Mom, we lost the baby". I urged her to go to the ER so they could care for her. She called me from the ER saying "There's still a baby in there!"

Baby's in kindergarten now. I'd be lost without her.

Posted by: grammie winger at December 20, 2014 02:51 PM (dFi94)

31 I have many long and ugly stories along this line.

Congratulations.

Posted by: --- at December 20, 2014 02:52 PM (MMC8r)

32 Finnigan, begin Again

Posted by: Charliedoc at December 20, 2014 02:52 PM (w9peA)

33 I'm all verklempt.

Posted by: bour3 at December 20, 2014 02:52 PM (5x3+2)

34 Here's to Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan . Raises glass .
My best to you guys for the Holidays .
May you be blessed with a healthy child .
That goes for all the other moron couples with buns in the oven as well as the recent arrivals .
More young Americans , tis a thing devoutly to be wished .
Bless 'em all !!

Posted by: awkward davies at December 20, 2014 02:54 PM (Z+Mqb)

35 I agree that I can't watch Blackbird yet. Two nights a week my wife works with people who have lost a child or children who lost a sibling. I don't know how she does it.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at December 20, 2014 02:57 PM (iCLff)

36 Hey, how about a hankie alert next time?

A beautiful story. My best wishes and prayers for the remaining gestation and your son's long and healthy life.

Posted by: stuiec at December 20, 2014 02:59 PM (G/C31)

37 Great news Brandon. Had a similar experience myself I had miscarried but when the Doc did an ultrasound as a precaution there was my third child nestled inside me. The Doc said it was probably a twin pregnancy and one had miscarried. Heartbreaking to hear the story of your friend, so so sad.

Posted by: flmomof4 at December 20, 2014 03:00 PM (nSjrf)

38 You have no idea what a gift you have been given.

No wait, I am wrong, I think you and your wife are lucky enough to fully understand the gift you have been given!

One day, I'll share a story about the H family, but for now, I am happy for yours!

Posted by: Hrothgar at December 20, 2014 03:00 PM (fL/7/)

39 Man , it's dusty here or a newfound cat or dog allergy .

Posted by: awkward davies at December 20, 2014 03:01 PM (Z+Mqb)

40 Thank G-d. I *love* hearing about those among us who have survived unexpectedly. Helps bring hope with all the losses there have been lately.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 20, 2014 03:01 PM (GDulk)

41 A friend of mine found himself in a similar situation. He named his son Tullamore Dew.

Posted by: Fritz at December 20, 2014 03:03 PM (dVmLD)

42 Thank you for sharing. I wish for you, the Mrs., and your soon to be baby, all of the joy that your hearts can hold.

I have tears of joy for you and tears of sweet sadness listening to a father sing to his dying son.

Life is something 'aint it?

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 03:04 PM (ZFPMM)

43 God bless you, Meatball.
I truly happy for you and your wife. (And the Moron to be)

Posted by: shredded chi at December 20, 2014 03:05 PM (XZPhW)

44 Great.
Came to see where everyone went from last thread before fixing breakfast.
Now I can't see to type or cook.
Everything blurry.
Check end of your thread if you would Wierddave.

Above all else Brandon, teach that baby to...

Love God and love his fellow babies.

Posted by: teej says go K-State at December 20, 2014 03:06 PM (aVY3U)

45 Dammit. You made me cry. For sorrow and joy.

Posted by: Joe Bar at December 20, 2014 03:07 PM (2Hvit)

46 Dang, I thought pollen season was over, or maybe its dusty in here...

Congratulations to all three of you.

Just be careful of the aliens around age thirteen or so, with proper care and raising they can be repulsed and will not be able to take over his body, maybe.

Posted by: Gmac- who is tired of all this at December 20, 2014 03:08 PM (baiNQ)

47 Commence the big ol' ugly cry.

Posted by: Lu at December 20, 2014 03:08 PM (vnLmk)

48

Life.

*hugs*

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: Joyfully doing Christmas stuff at December 20, 2014 03:08 PM (IXrOn)

49 At our hospital when a veteran dies, the staff on the unit and any staff that happen to be nearby stand at attention with their hands over their hearts as they wheel the body away.

It is a simple act of respect and very powerful. Not a dry eye in the house.

The simplest acts of love and faith between birth and death still awe me.

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 03:12 PM (ZFPMM)

50 Thank you for this. For us, IVF after 3 years unproductive, and our first will be 3 soon. Our second, IUI assisted, and we will have our second in less than a month, after some initial dashed hopes.

Congratulations, and Merry Christmas to your family.

Posted by: flounder at December 20, 2014 03:12 PM (sDapq)

51 WHOOOOHOOOOO!!
The kid's a fighter!!
God Bless you and your family!!

I cannot watch the blackbird video. Sorry. I just cannot.

Posted by: The Man from Athens at December 20, 2014 03:15 PM (O3k74)

52 Yup, life is beautiful.

Posted by: stace at December 20, 2014 03:18 PM (ImzkZ)

53 Wow! That is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story with us. I got choked up and I shared it with my husband. God bless you all, and Merry Christmas!

Posted by: runningrn at December 20, 2014 03:19 PM (kMdnZ)

54 CAC CAC CAC CAC CAC!!!

So, prayers for you and the family. A child is a gift, not a burden like Obama thinks.

Posted by: Nip Sip at December 20, 2014 03:19 PM (0FSuD)

55 Bless your wife, Bless you, and Bless the little blessing that hung in there for you both. Congratulations!

Posted by: Sue at December 20, 2014 03:19 PM (rbCPF)

56 My six month old daughter said "dang you," she was asleep on my shoulder, I read this and squeezed her a bit too hard. She woke up and gave me that look women have,,I told her it wasn't my fault.

My wife's miscarriage was awful but since then blessed with two little monsters.

Life will never be the same for you, congrats.

Posted by: traye at December 20, 2014 03:19 PM (SMehn)

57 dusty in here...

Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde, NC Chapter at December 20, 2014 03:20 PM (6fyGz)

58 Summin' in my eye izzall now shut up.

Damn that's great, Brandon.

Posted by: Xavier at December 20, 2014 03:21 PM (RHLb7)

59 Jameson Finnegan already has an advantage in life, he's a proven survivor. After what he's already overcome no challenge will seem too great.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at December 20, 2014 03:22 PM (UVfht)

60 Blessings to Jameson and to his mom and dad.

Posted by: bookaday at December 20, 2014 03:22 PM (j3vws)

61 (Oh, and a very Merry Christmas to the rest of the rotten lot of you.)

Right back at you, Meatball.

Posted by: Levitating Mass at December 20, 2014 03:25 PM (y7N11)

62 When he is driving you completely to distraction because of his stubbornness (and possibly combativeness) it will be a help to remember that if he didn't have those traits he wouldn't have made it to be *able* to drive you to distraction. Fighters are fighters from start to finish, but sometimes that's exactly what is needed.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 20, 2014 03:28 PM (GDulk)

63 What a great Christmas present. You do know you're going to end up ass deep in plaid baby stuff right?

Posted by: bebe's boobs destroy at December 20, 2014 03:28 PM (qpO8O)

64 God Bless Erinn, Brandon & Jameson!
What a Christmas Gift you have!
Congrats, Brandon!

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 03:31 PM (sj3Ax)

65 F-I-double N I, G A N spells FINNIGAN!

It's an Irish thing. My son Padrick, who turns 20 next month, was "the one who hung in there". Today, all 6'4" of this strapping young man, brings smiles everywhere he goes.

F-I-double N I, GAN spells FINNIGAN (singing out loud and toasting you with a Guinness - as wife looks across the room). Slainte!

...and Merry Christmas.

Posted by: David Duke at December 20, 2014 03:32 PM (nI3u6)

66 Even in death, life wins. The highs, the lows, the urge to eat pickles and ice cream--life wins.

Speaking as a woman who is barren, and always wanted a big family, the one thing that has saved my life is my husband and my adopted son. I didn't make him, but I sure have him. Life wins.

That, as much as anything else, is the message of Christmas. The song I sang my son to sleep with when he was little was "Away in the Manger," except that instead of "baby Jesus" I sang "baby Punkin'." He was my miracle, and Jesus is all our ours.

Posted by: tcn in AK, almost at December 20, 2014 03:32 PM (g+qqc)

67 Now, who's tempted to share tales of CAC's shame/glory for Jameson?

Pst...ask him about the floating rock.

Posted by: Lauren at December 20, 2014 03:34 PM (MYCIw)

68 If I had more than a cookie this am, I'd have a drink to toast you.
Tonight I will.

Brandon,
Didn't your wife gain any weight? A bit of a belly? I forgot to ask you last week.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 03:36 PM (sj3Ax)

69 Oh, and you forgot the trigger warning, and a tissue alert as well.

Posted by: tcn in AK, almost at December 20, 2014 03:36 PM (g+qqc)

70 My sister had the same thing happen, back in the days before ultrasound. What a miracle it is to know you still have one baby in there. A Christmas miracle you will never forget. Congratulations.

Posted by: Ruth H at December 20, 2014 03:37 PM (AoUdG)

71 Cheri,
That is a beautiful tradition.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 03:38 PM (sj3Ax)

72 Congratulations and God bless you all!

Posted by: Jmel at December 20, 2014 03:39 PM (cfFqn)

73 Congratulations to you and Mrs. Finnegan and to young Master Finnnegan as well. Sometimes the unexpected are the best things in life. Now i have to find some Pledge because it is very dusty here.

Posted by: Penfold at December 20, 2014 03:40 PM (LT7gV)

74 Beautiful indeed. Blessings to all.

Posted by: goatexchange at December 20, 2014 03:40 PM (sYUHT)

75 Congratulations Finnigans! Life finds a way.

Jameson....What a great name!

Posted by: Tami at December 20, 2014 03:40 PM (v0/PR)

76 I will call him....

Mini-Meatball.

/Dr. Evill

Posted by: --- at December 20, 2014 03:43 PM (MMC8r)

77 Brandon..., again, congratulations Bud.

Life is strange stuff, isn't it?

I look around me, and am overwhelmed by how very little of my life is of my own making. Sure, I've been a player in the whole thing, but really only a very minor player. Even in the short time that I can grasp..., which is no more than a hundred or so years, the role of those before me has had much more to do with my existence than I have.

Generations fed, clothed, sheltered, and nursed my forebearers..., thousands of them, and here I am now. It is a debt that I cannot repay, and by which I am constantly humbled.

And now, you become a part of that chain for your own family

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 20, 2014 03:45 PM (vPh3W)

78 Merry Christmas, Horde!
Some are here on weekends & I don't want to miss anyone!

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 03:45 PM (sj3Ax)

79
Beautiful! Best wishes for your family.

Posted by: Lily at December 20, 2014 03:46 PM (dXCcK)

80 Brandon, this is for you and your gentle wife.

The Gift

http://tinyurl.com/nm5wrg9

God be with you, your wife and child to be.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....in the bleak midwinter at December 20, 2014 03:47 PM (+1T7c)

81 Dude, it seems I've got a bit of something in my eye but before I take it out would like to thank you for passing along your story.

All the best to you, the missus, and your little fella.

Posted by: steve walsh at December 20, 2014 03:48 PM (MWt2Y)

82 tcn - that is awesome! I bet that your are a wonderful mom

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 03:49 PM (ZFPMM)

83 Congratulations, CAC. Make sure to bore him to tears by explaining election prediction...

Posted by: Secundus at December 20, 2014 03:50 PM (uG374)

84 What an incredible, joyous story. It reminds me of another story of the miracle birth of an infant around this time two thousand years ago.

God knew what wonderful parents you will be. So he has gifted you a son, as he gifted His Son to all of us.

Merry Christmas and congratulations to the Finnigans.
And thank you for sharing such a blessed story, it is a wonderful Christmas gift to all of us.

Posted by: Jen the original at December 20, 2014 03:51 PM (cPPlg)

85 What a beautiful story. Congrats to you and Mrs. CAC and God bless Jameson. When my own "miracle baby" is getting on my last nerve, I take a deep breath and remember how lucky I am to have her. Of course, it doesn't stop me from hounding her to turn off the tv, clean her room, or do homework, but I wouldn't trade even the exasperating times for anything.

Do you have a telescope picked out for him yet?

Posted by: Hoplite Housewife at December 20, 2014 03:52 PM (54JS6)

86 Tcn,
Yes, that's great. I'm glad you have a son. It doesn't matter if you didn't give birth to him. You gave him the best one has to give, LOVE.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 03:53 PM (sj3Ax)

87 Where is the like button? Screw that, love...

Posted by: Brian J at December 20, 2014 03:54 PM (l1EGw)

88 * pictures a plaid baby blanket *

Who am I kidding?, not happening.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 20, 2014 03:55 PM (vPh3W)

89 After my divorce, I was happy to have my nice little house to myself. Due to individual events, my daughter just moved back in with me (21) and my son (19) just asked me today if he could move back in.

Giving up my privacy and freedom is a small price to pay to be able to help my kids out and have them back with me. It will be crowded and a little inconvenient, but I wouldn't trade my time with them for the world. Whenever I get annoyed I try to remember that this will not last forever and no one has any guarantee to a tomorrow. Relax and enjoy it now.

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 03:58 PM (ZFPMM)

90 Escort girls www.regmodels.ru

Posted by: Regmodels.ru at December 20, 2014 03:59 PM (sh8b/)

91 Man, there's so many "THIS!!"[/] above me...

Sniff...

Posted by: Portnoy at December 20, 2014 04:00 PM (QLzq4)

92 Whenever I get annoyed I try to remember that this
will not last forever and no one has any guarantee to a tomorrow. Relax
and enjoy it now.

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 03:58 PM (ZFPMM)

my son is 30...

Posted by: GGE Still Lives With His Kids at December 20, 2014 04:00 PM (6fyGz)

93 and I screwed up the bold...

Got something in my eye...

Posted by: Portnoy at December 20, 2014 04:01 PM (QLzq4)

94
83 Congratulations, CAC. Make sure to bore him to tears by explaining election prediction...
Posted by: Secundus at December 20, 2014 03:50 PM (uG374)

And why a giant boulder suspended in the air is high art.

Or is that art you can only appreciate while high?

Posted by: Buzzion at December 20, 2014 04:01 PM (GULKT)

95 I don't have much to say after reading that awesome post, but congrats and the very best to Mr. and Mrs. CAC and their baby.

And thanks. I've had a tough time remembering lately that life is beautiful. I am grateful for the reminder.

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands but not hot pink armpit hair) at December 20, 2014 04:01 PM (+XMAD)

96 THIS is exactly what happened to me 12 yrs ago. Same gore, alarm, emergency room and doctor visit. Same despair and loss. Then boom. There he was, my little guy, still hanging in there. This is my 3rd and last child, my age made me quit having them. But that boy has blessed our family in amazing ways. These souls want to be here and they're fighters and my boy is irrepressible in energy and spirit.

Posted by: andreaSf at December 20, 2014 04:03 PM (3+ri8)

97 Got something in my eye...

I must have used too much tabasco at lunch. Sinuses are acting up.

CAC: best wishes to you and yours

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at December 20, 2014 04:03 PM (AVEe1)

98 Welcome Jameson

Brandon I have no tissues around damn it

*weeping with joy and awe*

Posted by: ginaswo at December 20, 2014 04:05 PM (2EgyQ)

99 Carol - Merry Christmas to you too! You are a wonderful credit to the kingdom of 'ettes

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 04:05 PM (ZFPMM)

100 Due on my birthday? How wonderful! I don't have any experience with children. But I can tell you, on the loss of a partner, that you cling to those few minutes where life seems normal. We do not appreciate those small every day moments enough.

A co-worker had a baby son last week. He'd told me that he wasn't getting a lot of sleep. Friday, he said he's actually sleeping better now. Bet you will too, once Jamison is born.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at December 20, 2014 04:05 PM (Lqy/e)

101 Mike Hammer,
I bought two plaid flannel shirts, with fleece lining a few weeks ago at LL Bean. I love them, they're warmer than men's sweatshirts to wear around the house.

I tried to buy another & all sizes & colors were sold out, even at closest store.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:06 PM (sj3Ax)

102 andreasf - amazing isn't it? Congratulations to you and your brood!

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 04:06 PM (ZFPMM)

103 Congratulations and have a Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Maximus at December 20, 2014 04:07 PM (T3hOB)

104 A pastel plaid baby blanket would be very nice.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:08 PM (sj3Ax)

105 Wonderful story; congrats and God Bless. Life is so awesome; sometimes a real roller coaster, and must be cherished.

The Mrs and I had 6 pregnancies; 5 miscarriages and one beautiful daughter. B-I-L and S-I-L have one son who came after 18 years of marriage.

Posted by: Pete at December 20, 2014 04:08 PM (J2FDT)

106 Cheri,
Merry Christmas to you.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:10 PM (sj3Ax)

107 Sorry to bring some bad news to a very positive thread, but this appears to have just happened:

NYPost
2 NYPD cops shot 'execution style' in Brooklyn http://nyp.st/1r9Ji1M via @nypost

TheBlazeNOW @TheBlazeNOW 9m
BREAKING: Sources tell CNN's @shimonpro two police officers shot in marked NYPD vehicle appear to have been ambushed; one shot in head.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at December 20, 2014 04:11 PM (ZPrif)

108 thanks and Merry Christmas !

Posted by: andreaSf at December 20, 2014 04:11 PM (3+ri8)

109 83 Congratulations, CAC. Make sure to bore him to tears by explaining election prediction...
Posted by: Secundus at December 20, 2014 03:50 PM (uG374)

CAC's reading bedtime story to little Jameson:

"Once upon a time, in a cold and distant land called Wisconsin, there was a noble man named Scott Walker, who entered the Dark Vortex of Dane County to do battle with his enemies, the evil Jumping Monkeys of Madison..."

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands but not hot pink armpit hair) at December 20, 2014 04:11 PM (+XMAD)

110 This may be the most wonderful thing I've read all year.

God bless, and Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Chet Cognomen, First of His Name at December 20, 2014 04:12 PM (zfw24)

111 I am glad to read an uplifting story, and I wish you all the best.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at December 20, 2014 04:12 PM (l3vZN)

112 Wow and Congrats to you and her and especially <i>him</i>

Posted by: Joethefatman at December 20, 2014 04:13 PM (9R4HJ)

113 Is 90 a troll??

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:14 PM (sj3Ax)

114 Is 90 a troll??
--
There has been weird Russian spam here lately. It's probably a link to a malware site. Possibly just normal spam/hackers, possibly retaliation for this site being anti-Putin. Don't click the link.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at December 20, 2014 04:17 PM (ZPrif)

115 Brandon

*bro hug*

Merry Christmas

Posted by: Feh at December 20, 2014 04:17 PM (hgEPl)

116 Thank you for this story and mazel tov, how beautiful and lucky you both are.

And your kid sounds like he is going to be a badass.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 20, 2014 04:18 PM (SgBAA)

117 John Cardillo @johncardillo 5m
Now getting confirm that both cops have died. 1 was DOA, other arrived critical but passed at hospital.

GregGutfeld @greggutfeld 5m
we are told over and over to mind the backlash, after acts of terror. Wish our leaders would do the same for law enforcement.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at December 20, 2014 04:19 PM (ZPrif)

118 My sister went on every fertility drug known to womankind, had several operations and at least 4 miscarriages. They finally threw out the pills and drugs - and she became pregnant with my nephew and godson in 1988. She spent the last 4 months on bedrest and he still entered the world a month ahead of time.

He has just brought a house and will be getting married in July. She wanted 3 or 4 children and could only have the one, her "miracle baby." And he's a wonderful young man.

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands but not hot pink armpit hair) at December 20, 2014 04:19 PM (+XMAD)

119 Geez, I was trying to feel sorry for myself for having a mild cold.

You knocked the self-pity right out of me. Thanks, I needed that.

God bless the three of you and thank you for telling the story.

Posted by: Mama AJ at December 20, 2014 04:20 PM (0xTsz)

120 Thank you for sharing, that was very emotional.

Posted by: Retired Geezer at December 20, 2014 04:20 PM (Jhu5R)

121 http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/cops-shot-brooklyn-sources-article-1.2051941

Should just about do it for the protests.

Posted by: Mr. Curtis at December 20, 2014 04:27 PM (ha0nN)

122 Costanza Defense,
I don't click links unless I "know" who posted it, as well as we can know each other on Ace's Blog.
Thank you.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:29 PM (sj3Ax)

123 Costanza - awful news. I hope that they have caught or will catch whoever did this.

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 04:29 PM (ZFPMM)

124 Costanza - I just looked at The Blaze, suspect is also in grave condition, as are two police officers. It didn't say that they had died. I'm sure you're right about them.
I'm glad suspect is caught.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:33 PM (sj3Ax)

125 shooter apparently posted to Instagram before his attack, gave his reasons.

John Cardillo @johncardillo 14m
Now getting that two NYPD officers were female and died at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn. Perp committed suicide. @ChuckCJohnson

John Cardillo @johncardillo 9m
Ok, so confirmed: Two cops shot execution style. One DOA. Unconfirmed but highly likely, other DOA. Perp killed self in subway.

Bob Owens @bob_owens 2m2 minutes ago
#NYPD cop killer was a #Ferguson #ICantBreathe radical. Thanks, @WhiteHouse.

You own this. pic.twitter.com/8wHCRdKu2T

lauren @LilMissRightie 13m
Yes, allegedly but damn. RT "@sqwerin: @LilMissRightie Allegedly the murderer's instagram account: http://instagram.com/dontrunup/
SMDH..."

John Cardillo @johncardillo 4m
BREAKING: Instagram Account of NYPD Shooter. No name yet. On gurney in same pants/shoes as Instagram pic. pic.twitter.com/zxKg8r8fKH

Posted by: Costanza Defense at December 20, 2014 04:39 PM (ZPrif)

126 Congratulations, Brandon! What a wonderful, emotional, roller-coaster of an experience you and your wife have had! Good luck to you, your wife and your baby! I hope you will post again and keep us updated.

Posted by: Jen at December 20, 2014 04:39 PM (msAGT)

127 NY Post is saying both officers are dead and the suspect is too. No details on the shooter yet.

Posted by: Minnfidel at December 20, 2014 04:39 PM (bXdYS)

128 NY Post is saying both officers are dead and the suspect is too. No details on the shooter yet.

Posted by: Minnfidel at December 20, 2014 04:39 PM (bXdYS)

129 Brandon, lots of websites talk about palate cleansers and feel-good stories (I'm looking at YOU Allahpundit.) But this one, will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks so much for sharing it. May God Bless you and your wife and your amazing, tenacious son, Jameson. How many of us can claim to have been a bad-ass from BEFORE birth?

Posted by: Owen Kellogg at December 20, 2014 04:41 PM (njIoY)

130
When my wife, the lovely and gracious Annalucia, was carrying our first child, it was the winter of 1978-79 - the worst winter in Chicago that I've experienced. One day in January, she slipped on the ice and fell, and started bleeding. We went to the ER, but it wasn't looking good. I remember holding her hand and, corny as it sounds, we sang a favorite song - "O Mistress Mine", from "Twelfth Night". I don't know why, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Well, as God would have it, the bleeding stopped, our daughter was born the following April, and is now a mom herself with three lovely children. But I will never forget those minutes in the ER, when we thought we were going to lose her.

Life is so very brief and so very fragile, yet so very beautiful. Thank you for reminding us of that.

Posted by: Brown Line at December 20, 2014 04:42 PM (a5bF3)

131 Brandon thank you for sharing your Christmas miracle with us. And congratulations on the blessed event!!

Btw Garrett or Grant are awesome boys names!!

Posted by: Sunny at December 20, 2014 04:42 PM (Tdez0)

132 NY Post is saying both officers are dead and the suspect is too. No details on the shooter yet.
Posted by: Minnfidel at December 20, 2014 04:39 PM (bXdYS)

Shot execution style while they were sitting in their cars. Le't see what Mayor De'Commie days. And of course the real Mayor Al Big head Sharpton. And any word from the America hater in Chief Fredo?
Disgusting

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 04:43 PM (nzKvP)

133 I 'Think" the shooter offed himself. Sounds like Terrorism to me. Just saying

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 04:44 PM (nzKvP)

134 Congratulations, Brandon and family!
Life is a constant challenge.
Anyone can just roll over and die.

Posted by: navybrat at December 20, 2014 04:45 PM (JgC5a)

135 Oh goodness what a blessing. What a miracle. I am crying I am so happy for you. This was exactly what I needed to hear and remember. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. Your adventure begins! Mazel tov!

Posted by: ThunderB at December 20, 2014 04:46 PM (zOTsN)

136 Congrats Brandon. We never got quite that far, ended up adopting, she's nine going on 14 and much as I love her I'm terrified of the next decade.

As for the situation in NYC, damn. Looks like the PD-vs-DiBlasio situation's going to be coming to a head sooner rather than later.

Posted by: JEM at December 20, 2014 04:48 PM (o+SC1)

137 That is an amazing and beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. Congrats to you and the Missus and baby Fighter Finnegan.

Posted by: @votermom at December 20, 2014 04:48 PM (cbfNE)

138 Shit, just had to read this before going to a wedding. I'm crying before I even get there.

Thank you for sharing your story Brandon. Merry Christmas to you, Mrs. Brandon and Jameson, to be.

Posted by: olddog in mo at December 20, 2014 04:50 PM (6hrmc)

139 Also reading at the NYP about cops attacked on the Brooklyn Bridge by fevered, dedicated leftists. But, of course, it's the Tea Party that's the threat.

Posted by: --- at December 20, 2014 04:51 PM (MMC8r)

140 Well done young man. Best wishes to you, your wife and the impending Finnegan. I have spent so much of my career on the flip side of that coin, it is nice to hear one that turns out well. Life is fragile indeed. There is one particular baby under my care now who could use some prayers. (God will know who I mean). God bless and Merry Christmas all.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon, a solid man at December 20, 2014 04:51 PM (NeFrd)

141 This shows that life is beautiful and precious. After I cut the cord on my first born daughter the Docs seemed nervous and suddenly said we need to take her as her breathing was shallow and her heart rate way way up. They were still working on my wife and she started freaking out for good reason. One nurse says you need to wait here. My wife gives me the look So in the room with her mom and my mom basically said I don't give a good fuck about your rules I am going in there. I go in and they have wires all over her already and the one nurse, whose name (Kathy) I will never forget tells they are worried about her heart rat being so high. She looked at me and said, did you ever talk or sing to your baby while she was in the womb. Yes I replied, both. So I put my hand in the little oxygen tank. My daughter instantly grabbed my finger and I started to sing. As I did, her heart rate began to drop. I did that for 2 hours and the same nurse (Kathy) looks at me and said something I'll never forget. She said, "sometimes a baby just needs their daddy".

Today she'd a healthy 13 year old driving me crazy and I thank God for her everyday.

Posted by: Minnfidel at December 20, 2014 04:53 PM (bXdYS)

142 Two uniformed NYPD officers were shot dead execution style as they sat in their marked police car on a Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, street corner.
According to preliminary reports, both officers were working overtime as part of an antiterrorism drill when they were shot pointblank by a single gunman who approached their car at the corner of Myrtle and Tompkins avenues.
Its an execution, one law enforcement source told The Post of the 3 p.m. shooting.
The gunman just started pumping bullets into the patrol car, another source said.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 04:53 PM (nzKvP)

143 I hate to bring this up, but I see pic on NY Daily News of black man on stretcher, looking like EMTs are tending to him.

Police were both women, what race?

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:54 PM (sj3Ax)

144 Life is, indeed, beautiful. Congratulations.

Posted by: RobM1981 at December 20, 2014 04:56 PM (zurJC)

145 Police were both women, what race?
Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 04:54 PM (sj3Ax)

Who said that?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 04:57 PM (nzKvP)

146 Thank you for posting this, Brandon.

Posted by: AmishDude at December 20, 2014 04:57 PM (b4b5c)

147 Brandon,
So happy for you and your wife. Babies are amazing little creatures aren't they? So tiny yet so full of surprises.

Posted by: Tuna at December 20, 2014 04:58 PM (JSovD)

148 Liberal scumbags are tweeting they are glad 2 cops were shot

Weasel Zippers

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 04:58 PM (nzKvP)

149 Perp is from Baltimore?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 04:59 PM (nzKvP)

150 This broke may heart in a hundred different ways. Thank you for your Christmas gift. I wish you and your family untold joy and love.

Posted by: Tom at December 20, 2014 04:59 PM (G6e55)

151 Perhaps the murder of these two NYC police officers merits its own post?

Posted by: eman at December 20, 2014 04:59 PM (MQEz6)

152 Brandon, congratulations. Life is indeed a miracle.

Posted by: That SOB Van Owen at December 20, 2014 04:59 PM (8XFab)

153 Wonderful news. Even if it did make me sniffle, just a bit.

Someone should collect Horde wisdom for Mini-Meatball, a sort of "What Every Young Moron Should Know". We need to train up the junior division right! There could be pictures, "find the ewok" games, all sorts of cool stuff :-D

Posted by: Sabrina Chase at December 20, 2014 04:59 PM (2buaQ)

154 I can picture the mostly peaceful protesters in Ferguson et al. singing, dancing, passing out sweets...

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at December 20, 2014 04:59 PM (bHnlE)

155 Have to watch CNN. Fox is not even covering it?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 05:01 PM (nzKvP)

156
We were just lollygagging about waiting for the birth of our first daughter when the nurse was checking baby oxygen monitors, calmly hit a button and about 20 people came running in and said we need to get her out now. So my wife pushed and the docs pulled with the forceps and the emergency pediatricians were waiting and unfortunately....

I will have to pay for a wedding in 15 years or so as she came out fine and dandy. She is 9 now and her baby sister is 7. Merry Christmas everyone.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 20, 2014 05:01 PM (NtzGn)

157 Meant to add to my post a hearty congratulations and prayers for you Mom and your son! Enjoy every minute. O.K. It's a clich�. but yea.

Posted by: Minnfidel at December 20, 2014 05:01 PM (bXdYS)

158 Damn

Posted by: eman at December 20, 2014 05:03 PM (MQEz6)

159 A very moving and great post CAC. May Jameson be awesome in so many ways that his mom is always smiling while giving you a head of gray hair with his exploits.

Happy Christmas to you and your family.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at December 20, 2014 05:04 PM (wfOci)

160
Really sad about those NYC Police Officers. I await to see if it was muzzie or ferguson related. If ferguson, you can lay that directly at de Blasio's feet.

As for a feel good story, a mediocre prez but sure is a good guy:

http://tinyurl.com/meo83bk

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 20, 2014 05:08 PM (NtzGn)

161 God bless you and your family, Brandon. You'll be in my prayers.

Posted by: huerfano at December 20, 2014 05:08 PM (bAGA/)

162 Nevergiveup
Constanza Defense & #125 said they were female.

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 05:11 PM (sj3Ax)

163 160
Love that his security guys dressed up like elves.

Posted by: Tuna at December 20, 2014 05:13 PM (JSovD)

164 What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. One tough little fella you have there.

Posted by: shelby at December 20, 2014 05:13 PM (QK3nd)

165 This post must have a virus because Brandon's story made my screen go all blurry.

I understand how and why Chris held his sh*t together while others needed his strength and how much love he had to do that. Now that he has done that I hope he lets himself grieve fully as that is the only way to recover. Going on 4 years myself and I am almost recovered (except when I read stuff like this).

Posted by: Michael E. Stora, Ph. D. at December 20, 2014 05:16 PM (LgH5G)

166 Nevergiveup
Constanza Defense & #125 said they were female.
Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 05:11 PM (sj3Ax)

OK

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 05:18 PM (nzKvP)

167 Congrats and God bless you and your wife and son, CAC.

Note to self: Never complain again. Ever.

Posted by: Sharkman at December 20, 2014 05:18 PM (JJ/zc)

168 Brandon, I am so very happy for you, your wife, and little Jameson. Talk about your fighting Irish spirit!

Posted by: All Hail Eris at December 20, 2014 05:18 PM (KH1sk)

169 According to reports both officers are female. It would be terrible for anyone but at least one of them was probably a mom.

I think DeBlah Blah best stay away from these funerals or face a well deserved back alley beat down.

Posted by: Cheri at December 20, 2014 05:19 PM (ZFPMM)

170 Two uniformed NYPD officers were shot dead Saturday afternoon as they sat in their marked police car on a Brooklyn street corner in what investigators believe was a crazed gunman's execution style mission to avenge Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

Why they say in revenge for Garner and Brown I don't know? That may be a guess?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 05:21 PM (nzKvP)

171 Nevergiveup,
Any updates? I'm watching, for first time, Band of Brothers. I didn't expect to like it & thought I'd only get through first episode. I'm on second one & pause to read here.

Were police men?

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 05:23 PM (sj3Ax)

172 Some reporter on WPIX 11 here in NYC said nobody wanted this ( meaning violence and dead cops)????? What is she kidding? Hasn't she been listening to the left

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 05:23 PM (nzKvP)

173 Were police men?
Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 05:23 PM (sj3Ax)

Ha? Someone said it was 2 Police Women

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 20, 2014 05:23 PM (nzKvP)

174 God bless and Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Levin at December 20, 2014 05:26 PM (cQ4Va)

175 new one up

Posted by: seamrog at December 20, 2014 05:26 PM (TM1+f)

176 Nevergiveup,
I posted what I read from Costanza that they were women. You've got NYC local news? What do they say?

Posted by: Carol at December 20, 2014 05:27 PM (sj3Ax)

177 Thank you, Brandon. God bless you and your wife and son. Your post was a wonderful gift to me today and I know to many other readers as well.

Posted by: Emily at December 20, 2014 05:37 PM (7Rn+/)

178 Jameson, you are go at 106. All the best.

Watched that Blackbird video. Now I've got comet dust in my eyes. Yeah, that's it...

Posted by: The Oort Cloud--SMOD is inbound at December 20, 2014 05:48 PM (yTMXB)

179 Oh wow. My heart goes out to you, Brandon, and to your lovely wife.

Thanks for telling us of this. Congratulations to you both.

Love each other with the heat of the sun, in the coming months.
What a fighter this new little human is. ...He comes from good stock, though.

Life truly is beautiful. ...And amazing.

And that doctor deserves a bonk on the head for not noticing that your wife was still pregnant.

Posted by: wheatie at December 20, 2014 05:50 PM (HQvyD)

180 Carl Sandburg said it best: "A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on."

Thank you, Brandon, for reminding us of that.

Merry Christmas to you, your wife and your lovely little fighter!

Posted by: Tired Mom at December 20, 2014 05:57 PM (Rf6QT)

181 Beautiful. Just beautiful. Congrats.

Posted by: tdpwells at December 20, 2014 06:02 PM (iWSm4)

182 Thanks Brandon. You are gonna make a fine father.

Posted by: Trunk Monkey at December 20, 2014 06:06 PM (jucos)

183 I have four children. The fourth one died at 12 weeks gestation in 2009, so I have yet to meet him/her. It's not a fun experience to go through to say the least, and I can empathize with how you felt.

Did your gynecologist mention the possibility that your wife may have been carrying twins, and she miscarried one of them?

In any case, congratulations on the little shaver, and I hope the rest of her pregnancy is less emotionally stressing!

Posted by: Picky at December 20, 2014 06:25 PM (Vm1Wy)

184 Looking forward to the announcement of his birth. May the Good Lord Bless you all.

Posted by: Dang at December 20, 2014 06:29 PM (MNq6o)

185 CAC, I saw your 'World, meet Jameson' tweet soon after you sent it but didn't know of the ones that preceded it until now. I think it takes courage to share something so difficult and personal. What a gift to discover Jameson. All best wishes for you and your family.

Posted by: Retread at December 20, 2014 06:44 PM (l7hog)

186 Beautiful. Brought me to tears. I still ahve not been able to watch the Blackbird video. We lost a child 20 years ago. Stories like yours and videos like Chris's still make me hurt a little. Merry Christmas and God bless you all.

Posted by: sue at December 20, 2014 06:46 PM (+ZK/F)

187 Congratulations. Thoughts and prayers for all three of you. Carpe Diem.

Posted by: Kyle Kiernan at December 20, 2014 06:52 PM (eW3hM)

188 God bless u and your wife Brandon.

Posted by: Hilary Cotter aka Mrs Clinton at December 20, 2014 06:55 PM (Edcl7)

189 Awesome story . . . and a tough kid!

Posted by: WannabeAnglican at December 20, 2014 07:04 PM (CW6pW)

190 Is it allergy season?

Bless you and your family

Posted by: Tmitsss at December 20, 2014 07:22 PM (Pa9vP)

191 Congratulations. Life is good, very good!

Posted by: SATrose at December 20, 2014 07:45 PM (nycWw)

192 Pretty much a lurker... amazing series of events. I will definitely hope for the best for you for the few months.

Posted by: Frank at December 20, 2014 08:00 PM (Jtmgl)

193 Awesome, CAC.... a co-worker went through the same experience... was devastated by an apparent miscarriage. She was supposed to stay at the hospital overnight and get a D&C early the next day, but it was one o'clock in the morning and she was exhausted and grieving and just wanted to go home. She never got around to rescheduling that D&C. Six weeks or so later...guess what? Heartbeat! Baby! And, I kid you not, this miracle baby is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen.

Congratulations on YOUR miracle baby! What a lovely story.

Posted by: Dollar Store Sock at December 20, 2014 08:01 PM (c+gwp)

194 Awesome....

Posted by: gonzotx at December 20, 2014 08:02 PM (QD9b6)

195 HOT FUCKING DAMN! This is the best thing I've read all week!

Good on ya, Finnigan!

Posted by: SGT York at December 20, 2014 08:07 PM (zh7yG)

196 Finnigan,

It just figures that when I read this post, someone starts cutting onions.

Thanks for sharing, congratulations, and best wishes to you, your wife, and the little one.

Posted by: Captain Whitebread at December 20, 2014 08:14 PM (rJUlF)

197 Brandon,

I saw this when you tweeted it. It's not less heartwarming see it a second time. As someone who has suffered from the crushing loss of a miscarriage followed by the exhilaration and joy of a bouncing-still- baby boy, I look forward to the top of the world post in April. Good luck to you, your wife and your child. God bless all of you.

Posted by: physics geek at December 20, 2014 08:15 PM (llWHs)

198 Yeah I'm a card carrying man, and a Moron, and I ain't afraid to say I have tears of joy for you all. God Bless.

Posted by: Unclefacts, yeah that Unclefacts at December 20, 2014 08:24 PM (UHJpJ)

199 congrats

Posted by: langtim lurkr at December 20, 2014 08:34 PM (Pgh2o)

200 198 Yeah I'm a card carrying man, and a Moron, and I ain't afraid to say I have tears of joy for you all. God Bless.

What you said. I haven't Cried Out Loud COL- in a long time. Thanks for both stories.

Posted by: Lord Whorfin at December 20, 2014 08:54 PM (kMoe2)

201 The only 2 AOSHQ posts I have bookmarked are the Spaced Out Challenge: So you want a telescope? Buyers Guide. And this one! Congrats! (BTW you will probably have a son before I get around to buying a scope!) Keep looking up.

Posted by: t-duyah-d at December 20, 2014 09:00 PM (u6lBN)

202 Loved, loved this story!
Many blessings to your family this Christmas season!

Posted by: NL at December 20, 2014 09:51 PM (vReLU)

203 Congrats sir. Thank you for sharing this. Im crying like a big baby. Happy tears.

Posted by: fastfreefall at December 20, 2014 09:57 PM (pqOzY)

204 My wife and I read this at lunch today. We are always striving to be thankful for our blessings because it makes life so much richer. You have truly been blessed by God and we wish you all the happiness in the world.

Posted by: Kaner at December 20, 2014 09:58 PM (evUpK)

205 Amen and May God Bless.

Posted by: SouthTexas at December 20, 2014 10:17 PM (MlnZB)

206 AWESOME! Good! Congratulations!

Posted by: Kafiroon at December 20, 2014 10:38 PM (oOXKj)

207 Brandon - I saw one of your posts on twitter about a trying time.. and I just.. knew. My wife and I went through something similar about two and a half years ago, albeit earlier in the pregnancy. I had no idea until people reached out to us just how often it happens. Three months later, not really trying again, it happened. Almost exactly one year from the date our blip was lost, my daughter came home from the hospital. You never get over the pain of the loss, but embrace the joy your son.

I am sorry for your loss, and ecstatic for your gain. Merry Christmas, Brandon.

Posted by: VULaw2003 at December 20, 2014 10:54 PM (RevjS)

208 Ok, so I can't edit that.. holy crap, I read that wrong. I just went back because in my head, the dates didn't work. Sorry, almost two year old is teething and i'm running on little sleep lately. I'm so so happy for you.

Posted by: VULaw2003 at December 20, 2014 10:58 PM (RevjS)

209 Thank you so much for sharing the story of your son. One can never be reminded too much just how precious and miraculous life is. That we are even here is a gift from God.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Posted by: shinypie at December 20, 2014 11:12 PM (3nZXa)

210 :-) Congrats, Brandon!!

Posted by: jd at December 20, 2014 11:42 PM (3XgVe)

211 Late comment. But damn, congrats CAC.

Posted by: RWC at December 21, 2014 12:00 AM (WlUIO)

212 I'm not like your wife -- I'm totally crying.

What an awesome story. Congratulations.

Posted by: CCC at December 21, 2014 12:30 AM (I2iQh)

213 De-lurking to add my congratulations.
We lost our first, and it hurt so bad I couldn't even feel it for a few months. Just under a year later, wife found out we were going to get another chance.

Due a couple days before Grandpa's birthday this summer.

Posted by: Loess at December 21, 2014 12:39 AM (mvKz7)

214 Brandon, nice story. Happy for you. We had a similar occurrence. Wife was pregnant, then miscarried. Then, a month later she was pregnant again. Not sure what happened, whether it was a new pregnancy or what, but now we have an 8 yo boy. His name is, get this, Jameson.

Posted by: Chinaacid at December 21, 2014 02:22 AM (atPLq)

215 Thanks for sharing such happy and joyous news!!!!

It has been a craptastic 2 years around our family and this really is an uplifting bit of fantastic news.

May God bless your family and keep all of you safe in his loving arms.

Posted by: freeus at December 21, 2014 12:58 PM (59BSV)

216 The decision was made, at the Highest Pay-grade, that you WOULD procreate.
Congratulations, and have a Blessed New Year!

Posted by: AD at December 26, 2014 02:02 PM (ZIq89)

217 Congrats.
We have a similar, but less dramatic story. About 8-10 weeks into my wife's first pregnancy(heck, I don't remember exactly how long - I'd have to ask her) , she too started to hemorrhage, discharge of tissue etc. Thing is, she went to the MD to make sure, and that was the first time I got to see an ultrasound of my daughter, who is in the middle of the college application cycle..
Good luck, fatherhood is a blast

Posted by: Kg2v at December 26, 2014 05:14 PM (P4fLM)

218 Lots of miscarriages are of the twin

Posted by: lea at December 26, 2014 05:53 PM (Ratdw)

219 What an inspiring story -- human and divine.

I wonder if this pregnancy started as twins, with one lost and one who made it? One of my patients was such a surviving twin born after a miscarriage of his brother.

I see that commenter 218 made the same point. Sorry for being redundant. But your article is extremely worthy and moving. Thank you and God bless your family and especially look after the man who lost his.

Posted by: Drbatman at December 26, 2014 10:32 PM (AuxVc)

220 Merry Christmas and God bless.

Posted by: Buffalobob at December 27, 2014 12:58 AM (w+5ie)

221 And the roller coaster ride has just begun...

Posted by: Paul Simpson at December 27, 2014 01:03 AM (hkHHR)

222 Seven days late to the party and I'd never have made it without the link from Kemberlee Kaye over at Legal Insurrection.

What a wonderful story, Brandon. You brightened up the season considerably. Congratulations, whoopee, Yee-Haw!

Posted by: creeper at December 27, 2014 10:40 AM (tBCum)

223 I had this happen to me. I didn't even realize I was pregnant. I had all the blood and gore similar to a miscarriage I had previously. Of course, I went to the OB/GYN wondering what was causing this. His answer was I had been pregnant with twins and lost one. My one and only son held on six more months to be born just at his due date. I have two daughters (and never ever planned for a son). He has changed my life in so many ways! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Rita at December 27, 2014 11:40 AM (H+uLR)

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