The Grand Finale!

We left you yesterday at a 7 . . . holding your breath for a speedy delivery and wondering what in the world was making all that fluid cloudy. We arrived at the hospital and the Dr. broke my water at 1:00 p.m. it was clear. What? Clear? Wasn't there a problem? Wasn't there a reason for the water-breaking that disrupted my zen-like natural delivery plans? Well, come to find out it was vernix in the waters . . . he shed ALL of his vernix before birth, strange and uncommon, but perfectly healthy.

Contractions started to take on a whole new dimension and although my incredibly funny husband had me laughing right up until the last 15 minutes or so (which made the heart monitor look like I was having a seizure), I knew things were getting serious. The nurse told me that I would feel a little anxious and that's when I needed to call her because soon I'd want to push. Well, the second I said "call the nurse" the world went into fast motion. The Dr. came in with her and said there was just a little lip of the cervix left, he'd push it back and then we would be ready to push. Well . . . that pushing instinct is about the strongest force of nature I've ever felt and the second he pushed I pushed and out came the baby - no kidding. Here's the part that was totally surreal . . . that couldn't be my baby! No - really, that baby looks like he's 3 months old . . . I mean how BIG is he? Sheesh!!! Come to find out he's 8 lbs 12 oz, 22 inches long with a big old 14 cm head! And, coincidentally, he IS my baby :)

He is absolutely WONDERFUL! And I've gotta say, the whole experience, although not a deeply spiritual or meet-your-chi/reach-pure-zen one, was pretty incredible without all the drugs to hamper each little (and big) sensation! I was pretty thrilled with the outcome and so far recovery has been much nicer without the needle in my back. Natural child-birth worked for me and I was pleased that we were assertive enough (and the Dr. was laid back enough) to let it happen the way that it did. Plus, I think I impressed my husband, which is a very nice feeling! He was so great through the whole thing I didn't even need the doula (which was good cuz she didn't make it!).

Now for the details on the little man. Aside from being one BIG baby (Kabe was 6 lbs 2 oz so it's rather shocking for me when I look at him), he is GEORGEOUS!!! The boy has dimples - one on each cheek, very soft and thick dark hair (the same color as my Dad's), his head is not so shapely (I don't think he spent enough time in the birth canal to shape it right, although I won't complain about that). He has very serious eyes that remind me of Ayvri's but his nose is huge (Tyler reassures me he'll grow into it). He's pretty chubby and has rolls around his neck and one of my favorite parts . . . his 1st and 2nd toes are webbed on both feet, right up to the end. He gets this from Papa Horse I hear and they are very distinctive (and no we won't be cutting them apart . . . ew).

I'm completely smitten and the kids thought he was pretty great too, although Ayvri has turned into a little hellion already and I'm pretty sure she's in for a rough adjustment. We should be able to go home from the hospital today. Pictures will follow soon . . . I can't get them to load on the hospital's internet. We are so thankful for this little man and his "saga" was a small price to pay to get him here well and healthy! I'm amazed and overwhelmed at each unique spirit that joins our family and completely humbled by the honor and responsibility of being their mother.

Stay tuned, he will have a name by the end of the day :)