And We Became Eight

I had a look at these photos for the first time just two days ago.  The birth is still so fresh, but simultaneously seems distant and dream-like already.  It was hard.  All natural labors are hard, but this little one did not want to rush.  It puts a smile on my lips to think how content baby dill was inside.

3:45 am.  My water broke, or rather sprung a very small leak.  I got up to see if it was real, if this was truly happening.  I awoke Ryan and my contractions began, about 8 minutes apart.  I called the midwife to let her know and she said to call her again when the contractions were 5-6 minutes apart.  Ryan sat down and began to fold laundry.  It was just half an hour later that we called her again and she instructed us to head to the birthing center.

Some dear, kind, sweet friends came over to be with our 5 slumbering girls as we headed out the door.  

Once we got to the birthing center there wasn't much progress for a couple of hours.  The midwife suggested I walk around, so Ryan and I walked down into a residential neighborhood that had houses tucked away amid an array of greenery.  The morning was just awakening and there was even a hint of coolness to the air.  We walked and walked, anticipating this new little life, just the two of us.  We talked and laughed how this little soul just didn't want to come.  It was beautiful.

I still wasn't more than 5 cm dilated, so the midwife broke the fore sack of water in hopes to help things progress.

That's how Clover was born so quickly, as soon as that water was gone, she came rushing out.  Progress of any kind, however still wasn't happening.  We would later find out why.  Ryan and I went out for more walking.

Finally around 10:30 the contractions began increasing in strength.  I slipped into the water and joked that this baby just might wait until 12 to add to the numerical convenience of the day: 9-10-11.

With each contraction I focused on the progress being made so I could finally meet this stubborn little dill. 

I have never had to push so hard in the history of all my labors.  This little one had a fist up by the cheek and was trying to come out without moving it.

There was a gasp as she brought a 9lb 1oz baby out of the water and onto my chest, a few minutes after 12 noon.  I simply held that body tight for a few moments, reveling in the absolute miracle all this, all the pain and waiting and mess, until I was ready to find out if this was our boy or our half dozen girls.

I took a peek and announced to Ryan, We have our boy!  He made me check again, so I showed him the proof.

Shocked? Surprised? Most definitely ecstatic.

We had our boy.

With five older sisters, this boy will be well nurtured.

Clover is coming around.

This mama's body is still recovering and very tired, but enjoying the snuggles and squirms of

her BOY!

the little famous hand

All photos taken by Taylor DeMaio