"19 inches" is the only part I remember

I’m getting a new baby nephew today. His name will be Ian, and he’s expected to be on his way out any minute based on the latest report.

My sister is inducing, and it’s for what I think is the funniest reason ever, so I’m going to share.

Sarah and her husband bounced around through a few obstetricians with their first child before they found the one they really clicked with. The new doctor, Dr. Her because I know she’s a woman and know nothing else about Her, promised to be with Sarah and Bill through their new baby. They knew the due date, had the birth plan, Dr. Her promised there were no vacations coming up and she would absolutely be on call—but no one thought about the Kentucky Derby.

In Louisville, Derby time is huge, obviously. It’s the one week a year my home town gets to be a world class city. Little Ian was due during Derby week. No one was too worried because of Dr. Her’s assurances that she wouldn’t be at the Derby, so everything seemed OK. I even thought it would be cool if Ian were born in the first week of May so that every once in a while his birthday would be Derby Day (Derby Day is the first Saturday in May). I was rootin for Derby Ian.

Then the family called. And called. Sarah and Bill’s family called for constant updates, but Dr. Her’s family called because 30 of them had decided to come stay with Her for Derby week. So much for baby Ian’s Derby dreams with the new obstetrician.

Back-up plan was initiated. Instead of waiting for Ian, they decided to make Ian come to us. Dr. Her scheduled to induce Sarah on the last day before Derby vacation—today—to make sure baby Ian came out into the world with Dr. Her as his good shepherd.

I just heard the word. Baby Ian will be ushered into this world pre-Derby within a few hours. It’s kind of funny to know what day you’re going to be an aunt in advance. I’ve been counting down to the 25th, waiting to see his first pictures. Soon. I’ll see you soon baby Ian. I’ll be your aunt that lives too far away but loves you as if she were just down the street.

I got paranoid/superstitious after I wrote this and couldn't post it until I knew the result, officially. Ian is here! I got the call at 3:45 pm. Everyone is safe, healthy, happy, and doing very well. I got all the baby stats, but I can only remember that he is 19 inches long. Something about 6 lbs maybe? Congratulations family! I love you!