Instead, they spent Friday, May 13, at the Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph NewLife Center, where they welcomed their first child, Ryder Michael, at 12:48 a.m.
While the 7 pounds, 11 ounce Ryder wasn't expected for another four days, his parents say they couldn't think of a better way to celebrate.
"We'll just get something here," says Cody, who once everyone was resting comfortably went to the St. Joseph Flower and Gift Shop and purchased a large bouquet of flowers for Marisa. "He's kind of our gift this year, one that will be pretty tough for me to beat next year!"
Marisa, who was admitted to the hospital on May 11 for treatment of an infection, says her delivery was quick and smooth. Although Ryder spent his first day in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a precautionary measure, he was doing fine and they were discharged home two days later, just in time for the couple to close on their first home.
"To me, this was probably the best way to celebrate our first anniversary," says Marisa. "One thousand percent!"
As for next year's anniversary?
"We'll see," she says.
---To learn more about Maternity Care at Ascension Via Christi, go to https://www.getascensioncare.com/obstetrics/kansas/