Edward Clarence (Birth Story)

Let's see... I had been having prodromal labor, as usual, for at least a week. On Wed. (June 16) evening the intensity really started to ramp up but the contractions were still irregular. Slept pretty good that night and woke at about 4:30 am unable to sleep through the contractions anymore. Below is me that morning, my last belly pic at exactly 40 weeks. :) Emma, Sara, and I went for a walk that morning. Then I laid down and tried to rest a bit. The midwife, Leah, came over and we listened to the baby's heart. He was doing good and I still felt it was going to be awhile so Leah left and I tried to rest some more.

Chelsea and Hannah came over about 5:30 and took the kids out for a few hours. Matt and I rested some and the contractions got stronger but not really any closer together. When Chels and Hannah came back with the kids we all went for a walk. It was about 9, the sun was setting and there was a nice breeze. :) I was proud of Chelsea, despite her fear of pregnant ladies, she went along and didn't seem too creeped out during contractions. ;)

After our walk, Chelsea and Hannah and Cora went to get snacks. Matt went to get me something to eat. I called the midwife while Matt was gone. By the time Matt got back I knew it was getting really close. Contractions were closer and most definitely stronger, not much talking during them anymore. Matt and the boys filled up the pool.

The midwife arrived. We listened to the baby again and he was doing good. I put off getting in the pool for as long as I could. It was about 11:30 pm when I finally got in.

I was pushing a little through a few contractions. Then everything got a lot more intense and pushing wasn't an option, it was a compulsion! It only took about three contractions

for Edward to make his entrance. He was born at 12:30 am June 18. :D eta: He was born in the caul, the bag not breaking until he was completely born. :) All of the other kids were there, Except Kyla, she was on a plane. Sara was asleep in Chelsea's arms. Cora cut the umbilical cord.

The most beautiful sound in the world-baby's first cry! :D

Cuddling my new boy and delivering the placenta. Edward's color was just beautiful! Aren't those cheeks just the most wonderful rosy red?!

My beautiful little man!

A special thanks to my helpful photographers Hannah, Emma, and Cora! :D

P.S. Edward, like all our boys, is named after grandfathers. Edward was my father's dad's name and Clarence is my father-in-law's middle name.