Friday, August 5th was a very eventful day. Joli finished her scrapbooking that she has been working on for almost a year, and I set up our new crib before attending a theatre production (play) called, “Pump Boys & Dinettes” in the late evening.

After the intermission, Joli sat down next to me and said, “I have had two contractions that have hurt.” It was the first time that had really happened, because most of her MANY contractions had not bothered her. I continued to ask how she was doing during the rest of the play, and she said her contractions were increasing but she was doing ok! To make a long story short, Joli’s contractions became more painful that evening to the point that on our way home we called the midwife at UCSD Medical Center. We were allowed to go home before going to the hospital to get some things together and see if her contractions would increase. I was very excited and a little nervous at the same time thinking to myself that this was “the night.” Our little baby was 3 weeks early, but I was confident that things would be ok.

When the contractions became 3 minutes apart, we were told to come on in! We arrived at the hospital at about 1:00 A.M. We wished that both sets of the parents could have driven to the hospital, but Joli’s family was just too far away (Maryland). My parents, Jennifer Wold (Joli’s friend from back east), Curtis (my bro.), Mike Crum (friend of the family), and my brother in law, Andy, raced to the hospital to await the arrival of Baby C.

Not long after we arrived, the midwife checked Joli out and discovered that she was ready to deliver very soon! Joli was so brave and managed the pain well. The Lord gave me such peace, and He allowed me to be brave and be her support. I was able to stay with Joli the entire time and help her with each contraction.

At 1:53 a.m. Joli’s water broke. This is when I realized how painful childbirth really can be without medication. After a little less than 2 hours, Joli was in so much pain that she told the nurses that she was ready to deliver.

Things began to kick into high gear. The staff fixed up her bed to get ready, and the midwife was called. My parents told me later that the midwife was running down the hall when she passed them! Within minutes, Joli began the painful 15-20 minutes of delivering our newest little family member. At 3:47 a.m. a little baby BOY arrived. I was SO excited and called out, “It’s a little boy!!!”

After I confirmed the name with Joli, I walked out into the hall and declared the arrival of JOEL PATRICK CHISM. We named him after three very special people. Joli’s oldest brother was taken home by the Lord at only 8 months, and his name was Nathaniel Joel. We also named him after Joel Wold (Jennifer Wold’s Dad). Mr. Wold, a Godly man, dear friend and father of ten, died after being struck by a car several years ago. Our middle name was very important to me, and Joli was very quick to accept my proposed name of Patrick after my favorite Uncle Pat. Pat Chism was diagnosed with liver cancer back in June, and we wanted to honor my uncle. I have had the privilege of working with my uncle for five years in our family business, Chism Brothers Painting. We love him dearly and are very glad that he was able to hear the good news of Joel’s arrival.

Most of all, Joli and I are so thankful to our Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. God was so good to us in answering our many prayers. The Lord has given us Little Joel to care for him for a time, and we are honored that He would select us for this privilege. Our hearts have been encouraged by how great our God is. He is so amazing and real. It brought tears to my eyes to see this new creation God had made! To God be the Glory great things He has done!