COTW: Kipruto McLaughlin

(For Rachel's perspective, click here)

I was not on call last night. For that matter, neither was Rachel, Alyssa, or the Popps.

Nevertheless, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a phone call was made in regardless to a multiparous mother at term with an otherwise (thankfully) uneventful pregnancy. She was in labor.

And so, Rachel and I walked (slowly) up the big hill in the high altitude, pausing in the dark (the pitch dark, as the power was out) for her to breath through contractions. We were met there by the Popps, who had graciously offered to come in for the delivery, and Alyssa, who was there to receive the baby. The timing was perfect. We opened up one of the operating theaters for maximal privacy, and within 30 minutes, our baby boy was born.

Benjamin Kenneth Kipruto McLaughlin was born at 8lb and 5oz, and was totally healthy, as was Rachel. His first middle name, Kenneth, is after Rachel's dad, and his second middle name, Kipruto, is the Kipsigis name for a boy born while traveling.

As soon as he was born, a notable burden lifted, making me realize that there were unclaimed fears about the unknowns of delivering here. But God has been faithful to us, and we rejoice in the goodness and grace that he has shown us.


We stayed at the hospital until 5:30 a.m., and then walked home (still in the dark), carrying our bundle with us. Special thanks also to the Faders, for watching the Popps' kids, and to the Cropseys, for watching over Maggie. Maggie is (at present) quite enamored with "Baby Ben", and we are hoping that it will continue.

The morning after, all the other McCropders kids came in to meet this addition to their ever-expanding ranks.