he's finally here!

On September 9 we welcomed our final arrow to the family.  He came as fast as one and our lives are forever changed!

I survived bed rest and on Tuesday morning (the beginning of my 37th week of pregnancy) I woke up with energy and a desire to get things done so that I'd officially be ready for Anchor whenever he came.

I put together his crib and organized his room, finished packing my birthing center bag, cleaned straightened house, and got a pedicure - the most important part!  Far from bed rest, it was an active day even though I thought I wasn't doing much.

I woke up Wednesday morning at 3:00 after feeling a really strong kick my water break! I immediately stood up, not wanting to flood my bed.  BAD IDEA!  Now it was trickling down my legs onto the carpet! I waddled to the bathroom and sat on the toilet.

"I'm NOT ready for this!" I said to myself.

I had Kenny text Donnellyn that my water broke. She asked if contractions had started, and I honestly didn't know.  I was having strong period-like cramps but they weren't like Braxton Hicks... I thought baby contractions were supposed to be more like Braxton Hicks... WRONG!

I hadn't showered since Sunday and I was disgusted at the thought of my unshaved armpits.  So in-between contractions, which was only about 1-2 minutes, I shaved my arms!

Twenty minutes later I figured it would be safer to assume these were labor contractions rather than waiting to find out.  I told my midwife and she said to go ahead and come in.

Kenny already had the boys loaded up.  At 3:30 I walked to the truck, through the sprinkling rain, again thinking, "I'm not ready for this!"

I was now finding it difficult to breathe through contractions.  I was taking short, shallow breaths, and squeezing Kenny's hand tighter than I ever have.

We arrived at the birthing center at 3:44.  Donnellyn took me to the exam room to check me and listen to the heartbeat since I had not felt him move since my water broke.  I told her I needed to pee. (Looking back, I'm so embarrassed by my crass language!)  She told me I could once she checked me.  I replied with "I can't do this!" and then "I really need to poop!"  (Again with the crass language.)  She walked me to the toilet but as soon as I sat down I realized I wasn't needing to go to the bathroom, I need to push... NOW!

I told her that as she's running around trying to get supplies together. Kenny had already started filling up the tub (PRAISE THE LORD)!

I started to step in and my body just started pushing! I briefly felt the "ring of fire" and knew I needed to just sit down.  Once I hit the water, his head popped out. Donnellyn kept telling me to turn around so she could see but everything was happening so fast. I was still thinking "I'm not ready for this" and how all I wanted was a chance to catch my breath.

I heard Donnellyn tell Kenny to grab a towel...

I barely got turned around and my body pushed again...

Donnellyn told Kenny to forget the towel and come catch his baby!

He was here!  Born at 3:57AM... 13 minutes after we arrived at the birthing center. SO CRAZY FAST!  She put this black headed, purple baby, still covered in vernix on my chest.

My first thoughts were, "he's purple... he's not mine... I'm not ready for this... what just happened!?!?"

Donnellyn (who didn't even have time to get her gloves on) assured me he was fine and I heard him cry.  Such a relief!  And what a whirlwind of a birth.

One hour ago, I was asleep in bed... now I have our baby boy in my arms! What!?!?

He's perfect though.  Hairy.  But perfect.

7 pounds, 10 ounces, 19 inches of cuteness.

Melissa made it about 2 minutes after he was born, and Chloe Ann came shortly after that.  I'm bummed they weren't there for the actual birth, but so thankful we made it!  I knew it would be fast, but had no idea it'd be that fast. 

student midwives: Blair and Irene

Janette brought the boys up to meet their new brother, and they were instantly in love! Such a sweet moment. (I'm kicking myself that I didn't get a family pic of us on the bed...)

They've been hugging and loving on Anchor ever since.  I can't wait to see them grow up together. 

I'm beyond blessed by how God worked out the details and gave me yet another awesome birth story to tell.  He is so good to us!  

I can't imagine having my babies anywhere else but with Donnellyn at AAB.  I love her warmth, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and encouraging personality. She just exudes peace and any fears I have leave when she enters the room.  The presence of God rests heavily on her and I'm so grateful the Lord saw fit to cross our paths so many years ago.  I'm dreading my 6 week postpartum appointment... as it will be my last.