Bridger Evan Wangsgard was born on August 6th (three weeks early) at 10:19 am at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. He was 19 inches long and 6 pounds 9 ounces. Perfect in every way. We had decided not to find out his gender. But that wasn't the only surprise. Bridger came with the additional blessing of Down syndrome.
To learn more about this developmental disability, you can go to the National Down Syndrome Congress website. http://www.ndsccenter.org/
They even have a really cool story that helps put this surprise into perspective. Here's the exact link: http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/package1.phpMom is doing very well.
Imagine my surprise, when I touched down at LaGuardia Tuesday night, only to pick up Jana's voice message, telling me that her water had broken and she was heading to the hospital. I was supposed to work the 6th and 7th with a client in Brooklyn. But they graciously accepted my proposed change to return on the 21st for Day 2 of the program. I still didn't make it back in time for Bridger's delivery, but did get to see him on his birthday.
His name was somewhat of a surprise, too. We had several others in mind. When we got the news of his condition, picking the right name seemed even more important. Let's see, I was in Brooklyn when he was born, so we thought a New York connection might be fun: Brooks? Bronx? Little Manhattan? LaGuardia? Seriously though, I was staying in the financial district, just across the East River from where I was teaching in Brooklyn - just over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Aha! Bridge! Bridger! Bridger Evan, our bridge to heaven. Evan is his late Grandpa Memmott's name. And so it was decided. Bridger Evan Wangsgard. (Jana had already suggested Bridger, so we had a name she liked, too.)
Thanks to all the members of our church who helped with babysitting, meals and especially to Melissa Stracener for being there with Jana through it all. Thanks to Mom Taylor for rearranging her 8/20 trip to be here on Tuesday, even before I was.We appreciate all the phone calls and e-mails of support that friends and family have sent our way. We'd love to hear from the rest of you, when you get a chance!
Love,Todd & Family
11 comments:
He's so cute!!! We can't wait to meet the newest Wangsgard member. Jana, you are a brave soul to endure delivery all by yourself...I'm glad that you had a friend with you. Once again, congratulations!! We love all of you.
Congratulations to Todd and Jana! Four wonderful children!
Welcome Bridger. You couldn't have come to more loving parents. Your older siblings will also be great examples to you.
We are so excited to get to know this little angel that has been sent to our family and to learn as much as we can from him. He is a gift of love. What an honor to get to be a part of his life. We love you guys!
Awww, he's beautiful! I can feel the love clear out here in Utah. He's one lucky boy to come to your family. I really like his name, too (thank you for not calling him Bronx). Those are some pretty proud siblings; they'll take good care of their little brother.
The peace, love, and grace with which you both have accepted this challenge and blessing is inspiring.
Jana: ya done good! Solo birthing, not so fun. Congratulations on the new addition to your family!
He is such a beautiful boy. We love you guys so much - I wish I was there to hug you and hold that little angel boy. What a blessing he is and will be to all of us. He is here to remind us who we are and how we should live our lives. With a perfect love.
I love you all so very much.
Congratulations!!
Congratulations. Todd, it was sure great to see you at Camp Loll. I wish you all the best.
Two of my co-workers have sons with Downs Syndrome. Both boys are in their early elementary school years and are doing well. Both families do amazing work, as I am sure your family will do with Bridger.
God bless you.
--Scott Hinrichs
Congrats, you guys! He's beautiful! He sure didn't seem too pleased about you getting him on video, though :) What an awesome blessing for your family! My good friend's sister has a little boy (Tyson) who has Downs Syndrome. He'll be 2 in October and is doing awesome--such a sweet little guy. I can't wait to meet Bridger in person! Lamar was here for Danny's farewell yesterday and was telling us all about Bridger. He said he is doing especially well and is really healthy. I'm so glad to hear it! Congrats again!
Todd, this is the third try to respond and tell you the love I feel as I read and view about Bridger's birth. The love you have for him and the lessons he will teach your family can't be measured. Special families get blessings such as you have just received.
I'm keeping in touch with your Dad and will continue to do so.
Glad you were able to take both boys to the reunion at Loll. Another great blessing of being a Dad!
We'll keep you in our prayers. Hope to see all of you and meet Bridger very soon. Love, Annette
You guys look great! Jana you look amazing for just having a baby! Bridger looks very cute! I'm glad you guys are doing well. I'm also excited that you guys have a blog site (you've probalby had it, I just didn't know about it!) You're welcome to check ours out too. Bellefam.blogspot.com I'm glad everyone is doing well! I'm anxious to see him in person! Kayley says hi to Jayci!
What a beautiful baby boy! Dawson told us the big news today at Trevor's birthday and Kelly told us to check out your blog. A very special baby for a very special family. He's perfect.
Amber Mainard (Landon's mom)
Wow, we just got back from a week at Lake Powell and I had a voicemail to check out the new baby. He is beautiful in every way. What a blessing. You could feel his little spirit through the website all the way to Utah. My eyes started overflowing. I love the name, it's one that you just say "that is perfect".I can't wait to come visit again.
Love Crys
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