Ashlyn Mackenzie Smith

Back in April, Jeff and I met friends at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church.  We both enjoyed going and finding out the church was starting a ‘daughter’ church closer to our home.  We continued to attend Grace Avenue along with attending the Preview Services for the new church, Cross Way United Methodist Church.

On Monday, July 18, 2011, Chris, the Pastor for Cross Way, and his wife, Melissa, came over to our house to visit.  He wanted to get together and visit since he figured once Ashlyn arrived it would be more difficult.  After visiting and on their way out the door, Melissa asked if we had anyone lined up to stay with Jakob in case Ashlyn decided to make her appearance in the middle of the night.  We both looked at each other and said we honestly did not have anyone officially lined up.  They told us not to hesitate to call since they lived within five minutes.

Jeff and I were watching television when I originally felt some minor discomfort.  I figured Ashlyn was just pressing on a nerve or something, but around 10:00PM, it continued and I was getting even more uncomfortable.  I tried to sleep, which did not happen.  Right at midnight, my water broke and Jeff called Chris.  Melissa came right over and Jeff and I headed to the hospital.  We arrived at the hospital around 12:30AM and were able to get checked into my room.  The labor was quick and Ashlyn Mackenzie Smith was born on 7/19/2011 at 3:11AM.  She weighed 7lb 7oz and was 19.5 inches long.

After arriving home from the hospital, Chris and Melissa messaged the church and told everyone Ashlyn was born.  They wanted to set up meals for us to help and other members started bringing dinners the Sunday after we arrived home.  Every other day, another generous member brought dinner for us.  Jeff and I were speechless over the generosity and were realizing more and more how much this was becoming our church home.