We got to the hospital at 6:30 a.m. Monday.

When we moved to the OR, Dan held my hand and tried not to look over the blue screen. Time of birth: 2:43 p.m.

Dan watched the cleanup and first-moments testing as NICU staff checked Jesse over. He clocked in at 7 lbs., 7 oz., and 21.75 inches, not bad for about a week early.

(We think Grandma Jessie would enjoy having Dan’s son named for her.)

Jenn finally got to meet the baby about 5 p.m.

While waiting for our room, it was naptime.

Lil’ Dude sleeps hard.

Since Dan ate only some cold pizza at 6 a.m. and Pop Tarts at noon, Betsy was kind enough to bring him dinner (and witness Jesse’s first meltdown!).

Dan went to the nursery for the first bath.

We also got him ID’d, so if he plans to rob a convenience store, he’d better wear shoes.

The first night together was about as restful as a KISS concert, but we think Jesse’s worth it.