Our New Shining Star...
Baby C has arrived!
She was born Sunday, May 16th at 12:45am in the peace and quiet of our own home.Here is our birth story:
I called Susan, my midwife, at 4:30pm to give her a head's up that labor had "hopefully" started. The contractions were 3 minutes apart and regular, but not painful...just like Braxton Hicks. I ran around putting laundry away, packing up the raw granola and cereal that were in the dehydrator, set up a Faerie Tea Party for my sweet little girls, went on a long walk on the beach with papa and the dog, and put the girls to bed at 7:30. By this time the contractions were still about 2-3 min apart but had increased in intensity and I started to have to do what I call "the stop and rock". We called Susan again and she came right over. Little C had decided to stay cozy in my belly for 2 weeks past her due date, so part of me was just in shock that she was actually ready to join us!
By 9pm the birthing tub had been filled and was ready. I got in and labored the whole time in the tub. I labor silently and kind of go into a hypnotic zone during a contraction. I am active though. Susan said she was afraid of a tidal wave! Ha!
I must mention that in all the excitement little F was unable to wind down and fall asleep. She wanted so very badly to be there at the birth. She rubbed my shoulders, drew her new baby sister many pictures, told me special "secrets" and was truly a help and inspiration during labor. Thank you, thank you my sweet little F. You helped Mama so very much!!!
When I was ready to bring little C into the world it only took a couple pushes for the head and a couple more for the body and then she was in my arms. My mom got to cut the cord!
With Grandma and E, only 1 hour old.
E woke up about 30 min after the birth and got to have some special time with the new baby. She was very excited!
She weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 5oz and 21 1/2 in long.
She is beautiful.
She is perfect.
She is loved.
I simply couldn't ask for a better birthing experience (well, labor can always be shorter, right?). Oh and the minor fainting episode after birth wasn't very fun, however it was very interesting!
Thank you to my midwife, Susan, and her assistant, Cheryl who were there for me all through my pregnancy and gave both me and C excellent care.
Thank you to Suesan who attended the birth to help my midwife and took photos.
Thank you to my Mom who was there for me and a huge help in every way any one could think of!
Thank you to my children who were there for me and inspired me throughout my labor and birth.
Thank you to my amazing husband who was there for me (even when I dug my nails into him!). As with everything in life, I couldn't have done it without you...what an amazing Anniversary present, huh?
Thank you to my new little C who has chosen us as her guides in this life. We will do our best!
Thank you for sharing - what a wonderful birth story! I am of course all weepy now :)
ReplyDeleteLove to see our well-loved blanket in there.
Lots of Love!
Congratulations Laura! I'm so glad to hear that everything went smoothly. I love the pics of C...she's such a beautiful baby!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, what a beautiful story, and even more beautiful baby girl.
ReplyDeletehow wonderful! she is just precious!
ReplyDeleteJanine
Laura wow what a great story and gorgeous baby. Can't wait to see her.
ReplyDeleteoh congratulations mama!! what a beautiful little spirit. thanks for sharing her birth story. i love those last two pics! happy baby moon! treasure each moment, absorb each sweet little sigh.
ReplyDeletelove,
rae
Baby C is picture perfect - a beautiful little being of light. Pure angel - she glows from within. She is so lucky to have all of you as a family. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Laura! We cannot wait to meet her. :)
ReplyDeleteA lovely birth story for sure. Love that picture of all of your girls together. Beautiful! Enjoy the bliss of these early days!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations & welcome to this wonderful world baby C!!!
Maureen
What a great story. Welcome little C! So adorable.
ReplyDeleteYou are a goddess of life!! Congratulations, my friend. And what an enchanting birth story - thanks so much for sharing it with us. I admit I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Can't wait to meet her... she is so, so, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and magic to our baby C!
Donni
You are making us all weepy! I'm happy for you and the family. Glad that everything went well and everyone is healthy.
ReplyDeleteOlga
Congratulations Gallagher family, and thank you for sharing your experience with us :) we can't wait to meet her! Love from the entire Howe family :)
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYou had the experience that I would give anything for. Thank you for sharing your moments with us and letting me get as close to that moment as I will ever come. How very blessed you are to be able to have experienced that in the comfort of your own home and with your family at your side. I truly believe that is the way that the Lord intended birth to be. Beautiful, remarkable and in your home.
I pray this child will move and touch your family in ways you don't even know.
Thank you for sharing and try to get some sleep. Even a little bit!
My love,
Rachel
Congrats, Laura! She's just beautiful. Hope to meet her soon. Lots of love to you all.
ReplyDeleteOh Laura, what a beautiful story and so beautiful baby! What a love!!! Congratulations to you all.
ReplyDeleteShe is a cutie! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteOh Laura, what a wonderful and beautiful birth story. I am so happy for you, Michael and the girls. What a blessing to have them and your mother right there with you. Sorry little Finn didn't make it all the way till the end - she is so sweet. I can't wait to meet and snuggle your new little love. Annabelle is super excited to meet her new buddy as well.
ReplyDeleteLet's bring on the 3rds play dates - ha ha!!
Congratulations again. You are truly blessed and Baby C is very lucky to have you as her mommy.
Hugs-
Nicole
many many congratulations ... happy baby days x
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a beautiful birthing experience. We can't wait to meet Baby C. Much love to all of you from the Trivedi Family.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to this beautiful world, Baby C.! You are *such* a gorgeous new blossom of humanity! And I sense that you have chosen your family well.
ReplyDeleteAnd a warm CONGRATULATIONS to Crooked Moon Mama & family!!! What a beautiful birth story, that has me feeling all weepy (and wanting another babe).
I am so looking forward to many more beautiful baby/family photos!
I am reduced to tears, inspired by life. well done mama! well done!
ReplyDeleteCongrats mama and family. Such a beautiful way to come into the world. Lots of love
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your kind comments and blessings. Each and every birth is amazing and unique.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to sharing all of our adventures with you.
Much love!
xoxo
She is absolutely beautiful! What a lovely birth story to share...
ReplyDeletewhat a pretty baby! thanks for sharing with us. I am very impressed you are up and blogging already.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful and inspiring story. congratulations! i love your blog and look forward to returning to the states to get a dehydrator one day to make so many of your raw goodies!
ReplyDelete