Welcome baby Gabriel Raymond!

born at 7:26 this evening, weighing 8lb 11oz...we were expecting you hours sooner, counting on the fact that your birth would be like your big brother's and sister's births...you third babies so often keep us waiting and guessing! Your momma worked so very hard and as soon as you were in her arms she said, "I love you and I claim you - you are my baby!" Your proud daddy told you about the world in your first minutes - you are so loved!
I think you will be a powerful and dramatic soul given that you were born at the peak of opera music, "Flower Duet" by Lakme...so that meteor shower due tonight must be a special welcome from the universe just for you! Welcome baby Gabriel!

Welcome Andrew Simon!

Born today at 11:34am after another fairly quick, intense labor. Your strong, brave momma got to the hospital at 9cm less than an hour before you were born. And your water broke at 11:11 - that's got to be lucky, right? And once again, your daddy knew just the right way to press on her back. Everyone was so excited to meet you - even the midwife rushed over on her day off and got there just in time. I think you are going to be an acrobat - time will tell.
You are perfect at 8lb 1oz and there is some talk of dimples! You will soon discover that your big brother is super cool - a total glass-half-full kind of person who, I'm sure, is super excited to meet you.

Welcome!

Welcome Joseph Ajay

Born this morning at 3:22am after a brief, intense labor (no time for that tub) by lantern and Christmas tree lights*. Only three contractions of pushing and you were born, nibbling the doctor's finger while entering the world! There is a picture of your mom smiling peacefully just before you were born because she knew it was time to meet you. She is a rock star!

Your proud poppa knew just how to do the hip squeeze your momma needed and was calm and right there every minute. Your grandma got to kiss your toes when you were only moments old.

You are a nursing champ, making your momma (a newly minter La Leche League leader!!) so happy.

What a big, beuatiful boy, 9lb 3oz, with lots of black hair and eyebrows. Your big sisters are going to love you so!


*the hospital was testing it's backup generator, so most of the power was off.

Welcome Joseph Thomas

Born very early this morning, just before 1 AM, May 19 and weighing 6lb 10oz.

Joseph...Wowee...you sure took your time...days of practice contractions and then more than 24hrs of active labor while a big storm raged outside. Your parents were amazing...so prepared, knowing exactly what they wanted (and got)...all natural, very focused and calm. Your momma may have shifted some walls while in labor with you - she leaned and pushed and pushed on them for most of your labor! She's tough! Your folks never lost their cool and remained so happy and unassuming that it seemed everyone at the hospital was kind of giddy.
When it came time for you to be born, it was your daddy, with the midwife's guidance, who caught you and gave you straight to your momma. You were also very calm and alert and took it all in.

Welcome, baby boy!

Welcome, Luke Robert

How are these for cool stats: born at 7:47am weighing 7lb 11oz! An earlier than expected birthday with a fast and furious labor punctuated by a LONG transition of being *almost* there! But once you came out, you were calm as could be, with your full head of hair and bright eyes just taking it all in.

Your momma thought through everything and knew just what she needed to get you here. Your daddy was solid in his support, reminding her of her priorities along the way.

Enjoy your big brother, Owen...you will need to start working on your golf swing (and most other sports) now if you are to give him any competition... I bet you guys are going to have a blast! Both of you born on Tuesday...full of grace.

Welcome to the world, lovey.

Welcom Vivian Claire

What an honor to share my birthday with such a beauty! Vivian Claire swam into this side of the world today at 1:35pm weighing 8lb, with perfect eyebrows and the ability to make labor monitors stop working, just like her big sister!

Vivian, after a slow but consistent start to labor through the night, your momma was a rockstar! ...a fun, leisurely morning at home with a pre-storm breeze blowing through the open windows and lovely music playing, old-school, on the turntable. Then a drive through a crazy storm - your momma said she was born during a huge storm as well. She was almost ready to push by the time we got to the hospital, leaving just enough time for the tub to fill. Three pushes and you were out, winking at us. Your daddy cut the cord and never left your momma's side. I think you will always be the youngest in your family, but I wouldn't mind if your folks had about 10 more babies because they are so wonderful!

Best birthday ever! ...happy birth day to you! xoxo

welcome Joyce Elizabeth

belated once again! Born Saturday, 4/23/11 at 6:03pm, weighing 7lb 13oz at 20 3/4" long with LOTS of lovely hair.

"Saturday's child must work hard for a living" and so must her momma work for that child's birth, apparently...

Joyce, your mom worked so very hard, manifesting patience like almost none I've seen. Contractions that wouldn't quite "catch" to become labor started late Sunday night the weekend before you were born and continued almost constantly every day and night, with only a few naps along the way. We walked and lunged, did stairs two at a time, downward dogged, child's posed, soaked, showered, massaged, prayed and all sorts of other things. We even played some card games (I believe your mom won - I know I sure didn't). All the while, your momma cheered on every other baby being born while she was waiting for you to arrive, never losing her good cheer or kindness.

If their dedication to laboring is any indication of how they will be as parents, you hit the parent jackpot! And as an added bonus, they will be able to help you with your math homework (maybe they will help my kids too?? ;-)

Welcome, baby Joyce!

Welcome Townes Danger

That's right, just like his professional dare devil daddy (figuratively), Danger is his middle name (literally)! Love it!

I'm a bit belated because of other laboring mommas, but Townes joined us earth-side on Wednesday, April 20 at 10:36pm and weighed 9pm 14oz, 22" long with some serious hands on him...in short, he's perfect!

Townes, what a rockin birth you had! Family galore from far and wide and jokes and stories that even the doctor took part in. Let's just say it's good that you weren't a girl named Mary Jane! Your momma was so strong and determined and your daddy was right there every step of the way doing just what was needed. The "Push Power Mix" didn't hurt either..."Eye Of The Tiger" to inspire and "Home" with your youngest auntie singing along to call you here. Your parents were such a pleasure that nurses and residents and medical students all wanted to help you get here. Because of your birth, there is one young doctor who may be changing his specialty to obstetrics...I saw him on his way out that night and he was walking on clouds...you helped do that - your birth may make it better for countless babies and mommas in the future.

I can only imagine how fun life is going to be for you because your parents are filled with joy and you have an abundance of aunts, family and friends who are going to surround you with even more love...and really, really good pizza.

Welcome, big boy. I don't know if the world is ready for you but I know you are ready for it. Big hugs to all. XO

welcome Xavier Erwin

Born via a powerful, all natural VBAC at 4:42p today, weighing 8lb 7oz, and 21" long...your parents should be so very proud...your daddy was a wonderful support (we got our own squat workout today with your labor!) and your momma did tireless research and homework to make this birth what she wanted it to be. She was so in her own zone, doing all that needed to be done to bring you into this world. Thank you for cooperating, Xavier! And have fun with all your grandparents and especially your big brother Jack!

Happy birthday (not April Fools!)

welcome, Devin Michel

This 8lb 4 oz baby boy was born last night (March 9, 2011, and I am recovered after his long, long labor and birth!) after his momma literally wiggled him out - coolest thing ever!! Congrats to this family - boy, did we laugh in spite of the days of on and off labor and then the aforementioned long labor and birth...Devin, your fine parents never lost their senses of humor and wonder...and I think those are some pretty good qualities for parents!!

By the way, beautiful boy...I don't expect you'll remember, but we had a moment, you and I. You looked right into my eyes and held them for a bit and it made me cry...I don't cry at every birth and I didn't even cry when you were born - this was after. The enormity of being there and staring into the eyes of a baby who is only a few minutes old but looking so very wise reminded me how lucky I am to do what I do, so thank you for that.

Welcome.

ps: tell your momma to start playing the oboe again...she got lots of practice showing us how it's done! ;-)

Welcome Taylor Paige

Born this evening, March 4, 2011 at 6:26pm after days if not weeks of practice contractions but only a few hours of labor...your momma and daddy made it look easy - both were calm and cool - excited but zen. Enjoy your big sister, baby girl - happy birth day!

Welcome Olivia Jane!

You took you time and your momma and daddy hung in there...working so hard for you and here you are...welcome beautiful girl!

Welcome baby

Georgia Teresa...we thought you would be born on New Year's Eve, but that's So last decade! We thought you would be born on New Year's Day but maybe prime numbers are not your thing...so yesterday, 1/2/11, was your day. You were worth the wait...all 6lbs 11inches of you is beautiful. Many blessings to your momma, who worked so hard and was a warrior and to your daddy, who wept with joy when he saw you. I know you will be so loved by your big sisters and Gordy the dog too! (not to mention the camera...not many babies look right into the lens for their close-up!)
Welcome to the world, little Georgia Teresa...

Welcome, baby Ezra

The boy who decided his own birth date, in spite of all sorts of people trying to impose other ideas!

Born at 6:44 pm on 11/3/10, 8lb 9oz, with a full head of auburn hair.

Welcome, beautiful boy. You have such fun and wonderful parents and the most kind, handsome and smart big brother!

welcome baby Gabe!

Gabriel Mark, born 9/29/10, 7lb8oz and a full head of hair. Wow - did you make your folks and grandparents work for it, little guy! You are born to parents who are strong and funny and so very filled with love...you have SO many people who are thrilled that you are here, healthy and handsome!

Welcome to the world...I'm giving you a nickname: Baby Gabe-y!!

xoxo

welcome baby Emma Cate!

Wednesday, 8/18/10, 7lb 13oz
What a marathon, but your momma did it, with your help...thanks for finally turning! Your dad was right there, calm and funny and attentive every minute, helping your mom move through her fears and make today an joyous one.
Happy birthday Emma!

Welcome, baby Anamika!

Anamika Sydney (middle name for the city in which her folks became engaged - love that!)
5lb3oz of petit but lovely baby, born this morning, Sunday, August 1st.
Mika - your parents worked so hard all day and all night and are thrilled you are here...and what a treat to meet your grandparents and hear stories of family births and namings!

Welcome to the world!

Welcome Lilianna Sarah

Born Monday, 7/12/10 at 11:06pm, 7lbs even and 19' long.

You heard about the scheduled induction and decided to head out on your own - and when you did, man did you fly...so much so that I had to help the doctor catch you! Your momma was a rock star and your daddy rock solid ...enjoy the pictures of her examining you herself, complete with stethoscope and him cutting the cord - priceless. You are blessed with a wonderful family: auntie, uncles, grandparents and big dog brother, Whiskey Bob, who helped doula you throughout labor.

Welcome to the world, Lilianna!

Welcome Ross Edward III

Born 6/15/10 (Flag Day +1) at 7:39pm, weighing 7lbs 3oz
Named for your proud papa & grandpa.
Worth the very long wait...12 years, 41 weeks and about 25 hours.
You looked right into your momma's eyes as she sang to you. You are so very wanted and loved already by your wonderful parents and fur sibling.
It was an honor to be there when you finally joined us.
By the way, I've never met a baby who calmly flirts moments after birth!
Happy birth day!

Welcome, Juliette!

I never cease to be awed by the strength of women, including your mom, Juliette! You were born at 6:30 this morning, a wonderful all-natural VBAC, cheered on by your ever-calm dad. A relatively quick and very intense labor followed by some long hours of pushing, but out you came, delicate and beautiful, 7lb 15oz. Congratulations to your parents and your big brother, J.

Happy birthday!