Friday was a tough day for me. I was having a lot of contractions and a feeling of constant pressure that wouldn’t let up. I was in town with all five children running errands and very eager to be DONE and just get home. Our baby was not due for another 10 days so I figured this was just another “warm up.” I have a lot of those days at the end, and it’s a real drag.
Turns out it was the real thing this time.
We made it back home at 5:30 and I was confronted with a dilemma. The children were hungry, unpacked grocery bags were dumped all over the kitchen floor and my contractions were becoming obviously regular and painful. Joseph and Catherine helped with putting things away while I made a quick call to my husband. We were getting close!
Between contractions, I made supper and tidied up. I’m sure that being on my feet helped me to move labor along even faster. At 7 o’clock I put Samuel and Susanna to bed and turned on The Three Stooges for Joseph, Catherine and Benjamin. The humor of this scene did not escape me; while doing the monumental and deeply spiritual work of bringing a new life into the world, I was serenaded by the sounds of Curly’s “nyuk nyuk” and Moe growling “come on, you knuckleheads!” in the background.
At 8 o’clock, we left for the Birth Center and my mother arrived to stay the night. At check-in I was 7 centimeters, and Erik arrived an hour later, right after I swore to the midwife I was going to split in two. Funny because he was just 7 pounds, 9 ounces, but we all know how that goes.
Our last baby (Susanna) had arrived just 15 minutes after we checked in; I was still standing up!
And here is our newest little one: Erik! He has lots of soft, fuzzy brown hair (most of ours have been blonds). This is my 6th VBAC delivery. I encourage every mother to give it a go (if medically cleared). Please, contact me anytime and we can chat if you have questions or concerns.
Remember that face, because you’ll be seeing lots of little Erik in the coming weeks as he gets to try out all the different newborn diapers and covers we’ve been saving up for him! I’ll share with you some photos and feedback for over 30 different newborn diapers and covers, plus there will be 4 cloth diaper prizes packages to be given away to celebrate!
We are so happy to welcome another of God’s gifts to the world and another little person into our family! Deo gratias!
I don’t know you personally, but I just wanted to tell you that he’s precious! Congratulations and God bless!
Awww, thanks Keara! My readers are kind of like my online friends, so thanks for celebrating with us! Anne
Congratulations on a new beautiful blessing! He is darling!!
Thanks, Ashley!
Congratulations! What a cutie!
I agree, Olivia! LOL
Congrats! He is beautiful!
Yes, newborns are so beautiful! Thanks, Amanda!
Congratulations! He is beautiful! What a wonderful way to start the New Year!
You can say that again!
Congratulations, so happy for you and your family! Welcome little Erik!
He is a beautiful blessing from God.
Thanks for the congrats, Terri!
How wonderful! (and isn’t he darling when he’s sleeping)
I have a hard time not kissing him when he’s sleeping peacefully!
Congratulations!! And another for the VBAC too. 😀 I’m jealous. If I’m to have any more children they’ll have to be C-sections which I hate because they cause a lot of problems for me afterward. He’s beautiful. Have fun trying out all those new diapers. 🙂
Thanks, Julie! I know what you mean about c-sections. The recovery is tough. I still remember mine and I am thankful to have moved past that. But they say the goal is a safe delivery and healthy baby so whatever helps you get there, right? 🙂 Anne
Congratulations! He is adorable! What a strong lady you are and you did so much during your labor. I am impressed! Can’t wait to see more pics of Baby Erik
Mamas just do what we have to do, right, Sandy? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and sharing our news!
Congrats! He’s adorable! Can’t wait to see him model 🙂
You and I think alike, Stephanie! 🙂
Oh he is so precious!! Congratulations!
Thanks for stopping by, Maria!!
I just knew it was going to be a girl- oh well, guess being a mother of twin boy and girl didn’t give me an edge on gender guessing,,,,congrats though!
I thought it was a girl, too – very strongly!
Congrats Anne!!! He is so beautiful!!!! Happy Birthday Erik! <3
Thanks, my friend!
Congratulations Anne! What a blessing! How wonderful that you were able to deliver VBAC again! So happy for you and your family <3
Thank you for celebrating with us, Ruth! 🙂
oh gosh he’s so cute!! i can’t wait to tell my friend hoping for a vbac! thank you for sharing your story 🙂
Thanks Rheanna, feel free to share my post and pass along my contact info!
Congratulations Anne!!!
I have been thinking about you so much. I was so excited to hear about little Erik. He is so precious. Happy New Year to you and your lovely family.
Hugs,
Tammy
Good to hear from you, Tammy! Happy New Year to you all and I just read about all your news on the blog! Anne
Congratulations!!! He is such a cutie!! I will be having my 2nd VBAC with our 3rd baby in May and I have to say that my first VBAC was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. I can’t wait to experience it again and have new one to snuggle up too
Thanks for stopping by to share your well wishes, Beth! That’s great you are doing a second VBAC and I hope everything will go just as well as the first! Do you know what you’re having this time around? Anne