Invictus Blog

Introducing Caden James Martin
Written by his very proud dad, CJ Martin

My little man, Caden James Martin, was born on July 16, 2013 at 5:15 a.m. He was a muscled 7 lbs, 15 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

I always wanted to be a parent, but never would have guessed that it would be this incredible. I have heard many parents talk about the miracle of parenthood, but always assumed there was some exaggeration in those statements. There isn’t. That was the single most amazing moment of my life…and I don’t have anything that resembles a close second. His birth and first little cry on mom’s chest was the most spiritual moment of my life. Words could never do it justice.

I can’t even begin to explain my pride, love and respect for Courtney. “Tough” doesn’t even begin to describe this woman. Her water broke at 7:00 a.m. on Monday – which means we had to get down to the hospital much sooner than our plan of hanging at the house until she was well into contractions. Over the course of the next 22 hours the love and commitment that she showed for Caden was incredible. She breathed her way through pitocin-induced contractions for six hours, and then actively pushed for four straight hours. She never missed a beat, never gave up and eventually got him out in perfect condition.

Courtney and I couldn’t be happier to have this little guy in our lives; we couldn’t feel more blessed to be surrounded by two incredibly supportive and loving families; or more grateful for the amazing community of friends we have at Invictus.