The Birth

I went into labor around 3:00pm, on April 17th. I noticed I was having contractions pretty close together, so I started timing them. I wasn't sure if it was the real deal until about two hours later, when the contractions were still consistent and getting much stronger. So I called my mom to come fetch the three kiddos, and finished packing the hospital bag. The kids left at 6:00, and Jared and I walked around at home, until we decided it was time to head into the hospital. We arrived around 7:30, and after six attempts, they got my IV in and started my antibiotics (for GBS) around 9:00p. I climbed into the birth tub, but my labor slowed down considerably, so I got back out and paced the room until 10:45 when I was in intense labor, and dilated to 8cm. We decided it was time to break my water (Which never breaks on its own. I'm not kidding, she finally got it broken on the twelfth try!). I went back into the tub immediately and my labor went from intense to almost unbearable. I only got through it because I had such an awesome God, and amazing birth team on my side, guiding me through each contraction. Then, at 11:55, I felt pushy and out came Gino all in one big, looooong final contraction. He was born at 11:56pm.


Jared rubbed my back during each contraction when we first arrived.

The "before" picture with my amazing hubby

My doula (and one of my best friends since age 10), Abby, me, and my midwife, Liz

Giovanni James arrived at 11:56pm! We just hung out in the tub, cuddling our new baby for the next 15 minutes. It was wonderful.

An I'm-so-glad-it's-over-I-love-you-I-love-our-new-baby-I'm-so-happy kiss

Daddy admiring his new son

Family photo

Within 20 minutes of birth, Giovanni latched on (the first try!!) and nursed like a champ for 45 minutes!!!

Me and Liz "before"

Liz and me "after"

Liz and Giovanni

Me, Gino, and Abs

My INCREDIBLE birth team. I simply could not have done it without these two amazing people. They tag-teamed me through each contraction. Jared holding me, swaying with me, whispering encouragement in my ear, and being tuned in to my every need and desire. Abby massaging my back and hips through every contraction (with the most amazing lavender massage oil), feeding me water and OJ, taking photos and video, and reminding me that I can do this. These two made this birth the best birth experience I have had yet.

Finally around 2:00am, we let them weigh him after he nursed for 45 minutes!

The next morning, my mom brought the other three kids to meet their new baby brother!

Sophia and Jazlyn adored the new baby...

...Brody only cared about his chocolate ice cream.

Giovanni James

Napping with Daddy

Gino checkin out his Daddy!

Giovanni's first outfit

Final family photo before we leave

Ready to go home!

It's official! Our van is full. No room left, I guess we have to be done =)

Ta-da! We are home!

Soren and Freya

Welcome precious little ones!

Congratulations Ben and Ariel!

We love your new family of FIVE!!

BEAUTIFUL.

Broderic Earl

Broderic Earl arrived on Wednesday night! I labored for 6 hours, and did not end up delivering in the water as planned, but God blessed us with a healthy baby boy that we are madly in love with!

Broderic Earl

9:19 pm, March 31, 2010

6 lbs, 12 oz 20 inches

Go time! Ready to have a baby!

First moment of life

Daddy with his baby boy


Broderic's cord was wrapped around his neck pretty tight, and he came out very purple. Daddy was pretty shaken (I didn't know what was happening at that point), and took a moment to thank God.

Brodes needed some oxygen, but was crying strongly within seconds. His 1 minute apgar score was 8!

Me and my AMAZING doula, Abby. She was an incredible comfort and support for Jared and I during labor. She took pictures and video, kept me hydrated, rubbed my back, walked with us... I am so happy she was there with us.

After Brody's first bath. Mohawk time.

Me and my little man.

Sophia meeting her baby brother for the first time. She was completely smitten, and could not stop smiling and kissing him, and saying "Hi Brody!"

Sophia's first time holding Brody

Daddy introducing the sibs

Sophia and Jazlyn both LOVE "Baby Brother Brody" sooooo much.

Family of FIVE!

Sophia is going to be SUCH a good helper with the baby (she already is!)

See? Helping Mama brush his hair.

Brody modeling the adorable monkey hat Auntie Shinae crocheted!

Peace out! We're going home!