On Monday morning the full moon was doing it's thing and making lots of women's labor start.  One of those women was saved from a scheduled morning induction because her water broke in the middle of the night.  Hopes were high since labor starting on its own meant that she could be at the birth center! 

As the day progressed and labor did not, mama made the choice to move to the hospital and get some help to keep things moving.  Oh, how the story of this labor would take pages to tell:  failed epidurals, painful contractions, lots of pitocin, tired mama, too many hours to count.  Honestly, I don't know how she did it.  Her mother-in-law kept looking at me and saying, "I can't believe you're still going."  and I would say, "I figure if she can keep going, so can I."  She was working so, so much harder than I was, and I was beat.  But she kept going!  Then, at 8:15 p.m., more than 36 hours after her contractions started, she delivered a happy and healthy (surprise!) boy. 

She is so amazing.  She was incredible and strong.  I'm not sure how she was able to find the energy to push her baby out!   After her baby was born and latched on she was finally able to rest.  I hope she had the best nap of her life that day! 

~Rebekah

I also need to say a HUGE thank you to Stephanie for bringing me food and for bringing some fresh energy.  You are the best!

Almost every pregnant mom wonders how she will know when labor really starts.  Women who have already had a baby or two think, "I've done this before.  Surely I will know when it starts."  If only baby could send you a text that says, "Ok, mommy, ready or not, here I come!"

In the wee hours of the morning today, a precious new soul joined our world.  Mama had been having some contractions all week, but each time they started, it wouldn't be long before they faded away.  But last night--last night was different.  They didn't stop!  She thought "Maybe. MAYBE this is it.  Better go in, just in case."  Once she was there, it quickly became evident that she was really in labor.   She labored BEAUTIFULLY.  Calm, relaxed, moaning at the end.  She was incredible!  Not even three hours after arriving, baby made his way into the world.  And he let everyone know that he was NOT HAPPY about being kicked out!  Big sister had the honor of cutting his cord and the whole family was over the moon about their little baby.

Tonight there is a strong and amazing woman holding her newborn boy and her family is transitioning to a group of five.  I hope they know how incredible they are, how thankful I am to have been there, and how happy I am for each one of them. 

~Rebekah

What an awesome birth! 

Early this morning, one waiting mama had her day begin with a big gush of breaking water.  Baby had been teasing us for a couple weeks, but there was no denying it this time!  Everyone excitedly gathered (again) at the hospital, ready to meet the newest member of their family. 

Mama walked and rocked and swayed for as long as she was able, but there came a time when she was ready for some relief.  Baby, though, had other plans.  While waiting for the anesthesiologist, mama was suddenly feeling the need to push with her contractions.  In  matter of 45 minutes, she had gone from 5 cms to 10 cms! 

Have I mentioned how much I love surprise babies?  Mommy and Daddy made all of their family guess whether baby was a boy or a girl before they were allowed in the room.  It was wonderful!  Everyone was smiling from ear to ear and baby is as precious as can be. 

Congratulations, Mommy and Daddy!  Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your special day and share in the sweet beginning of your family!

~Rebekah