My baby and me.

He is here! Our little one decided he had enough, and wanted out. Here is our story.
The short version is:

Thomas Edward Whitaker

Born 4:50 am

July 7, 2009
10 lbs 3 oz 20.5 in

The longer version:

I started feeling some contractions around 11:30 pm on Monday, July 6th. I couldn't sleep, and started wondering if this was the big event. For about two hours I tried all of the techniques that I had practiced to calm down and relax, but they were not working. I woke up Ben at 1:30. The contractions were really strong, and seemed to be right on top of each other. I had Ben called the midwife. I told the midwife (via Ben) that the last time I had timed the contractions they were about six minutes apart. (I had stopped timing them because it was difficult to concentrate on anything except the pain.) She wasn't sure if I should come in, but she said that if I wanted to go ahead. So we went. I told Ben, if this isn't it, and I haven't progressed any, I was going to get an epidural immediately. I was planning a natural childbirth; a water birth if possible. The car ride was horrible, one contraction on top of the other. We arrived at the hospital. Unfortunately the hospital does not allow pre-registration, so I had to register in the midst of the greatest pain I have ever known. The lady asked me for my Social Security Number and I wanted to throw her across the room. At some point they asked me if I wanted a wheelchair. Were they kidding? Sitting was the last thing I wanted to do. Finally, after what seemed like FOREVER, we made it upstairs. The pain was really intense and they still had to take blood, check the heartbeat of the baby, and do an internal check. Ouch. The midwife said that I was six centimeters dilated. I felt much better about life, relieved that I only had four centimeters to go. When they finished, the tub was ready. I got in, and everything changed. I was able to relax, and went from crying, and screaming to being able to handle one contraction at a time. It became a wonderful, peaceful experience. Time started to go by really quickly, and suddenly I had the urge to push. I pushed just a few times, and out came our baby. As the baby was coming out, the midwife said that the baby was going to be big. We met our Thomas at 4:50 am on July 7th. It was the most empowering moment of my life. I gave birth to this baby without any epidural or pain killers. I DID IT, me. I have never felt so feminine! I wanted to shout for joy. They took him to weigh him, and when I asked how much he weighed, the midwife held up 10 fingers. I couldn't believe it...that was a BIG baby. Even better, I didn't need any stitches. Can you believe it? I was shocked! I had just given birth to a 10 lb 3 oz baby by my own abilities. Talk about an ego boost. If I could do that, I can do anything.

We are so excited to have little Thomas in our family. He is healthy, beautiful, and so far, a good baby.

Jack is adjusting well, and is a good big brother. He has already taught him about basketball, and shared all his cars with him. We are definitely enjoying this time.

We appreciate everyone's prayers, concerns, calls, and e-mails. They have all been so helpful to us. We could not have done it without you.