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!!! 

The poor little thing finally fell asleep at 11pm. She passed out on our bed and although we tried to wake her for the birth, she simply could not be woken up!

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!