Spencer Alexander Nelson Arrived

On 3/17/2014 at 12:34PM, Spencer Alexander Nelson arrived via cesarean.  He was immediately placed skin-to-skin to ensure he was comfortable in mom's hands and could hear her heartbeat.  Because of Spencer's low amniotic fluid, his lung development was very weak.  He did whimper upon arrival and his heartbeat dropped to 40-60 beats per minute.  Spencer remained in mom's arms and was blanketed with dad's hands until he went to be with Jesus at 1:05PM (31 minutes later).  He was truly loved each minute and second that he was with us.  There were no signs of struggle or pain during the peaceful transition of our precious angel.

We were blessed that the hospital allowed our Pastor and a photographer (through Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep organization) to spend this special time with us in the operating room.  Spencer was baptized almost immediately upon arrival, which is a special memory that we could share with him during his brief earthly life.

After Spencer passed, we had a chance to see more of our precious child.  He weighed in at 4 lbs 9 ozs and measured 18.25 inches at a 30 week gestational age (we were surprised at his height).  His facial features look very similar to our first son, with the exception that Spencer had reddish blonde hair - he really was a very beautiful baby.  Dad had the opportunity to give Spencer his first and only bath (always his job with our first son:) ) so that was a special time for him.  We dressed Spencer in a small outfit for family introductions.

Overall, the time with Spencer was peaceful, comfortable, and emotional.  We were blessed to be surrounded by our immediate family and share this special moment with all those involved.  Pictures of Spencer and more information to come...

The song below was written by Angie and Todd Smith of Selah, who lost their daughter to a terminal condition.  It was very fitting for our circumstances and touched us in a special way:

I Will Carry You - Selah (Boy Version) 

There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?

People say that I am brave but I’m not
Truth is I’m barely hanging on
But there’s a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this

So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen me
To carry you

Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says…

I’ve shown him photographs of time beginning
Walked him through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love him like this?

I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen Me
To carry you