October 4

He's here. Our little boy. The vital statistics: Christopher Lewis. 9 pounds, 14 ounces, 20.5 inches long. A real butterball. He is named after Ben's uncle and grandfather.

I went into labor at about 10:30 on Thursday night. Things progressed slowly, but were active enough that I couldn't sleep. We finally went to the hospital at about 6 a.m. I had my mind set on a quick labor and delivery. Everyone says the second labor happens so much faster than the first! I thought this baby was going to be born by 10 a.m. Yeah, I was wrong. The midwife on duty told me I was only dilated to 3. I was in tears. Having not slept the night before, I wasn't exactly at my best. They were talking about sending me home. Thankfully, things started progressing and I got to stay. I labored for some time in my room, switching from the tub to the rocking chair. At about 10:20, the midwife broke my water. Things still progressed slowly, until about 12:00, when all hell broke loose.

Okay, maybe I am exaggerating, but I will tell you this: if Ben and I have a third baby, I will be requesting the epidural the minute I walk into the hospital. I will not be pushing out another nearly 10 pound baby without the assistance of drugs. I was such a cliche - I literally screamed that I wanted the drugs. But then, after about two hours of hard labor and 25 minutes of pushing, he was here. He was crying before he was even all the way out. I got to cuddle with him for about two hours before he was taken away to be weighed and measured.

Clare came to the hospital on Friday night to meet her new brother. She was very excited. She greeted me, but then ran to the baby. When it was her grandmother's turn to hold him, she gave him up reluctantly, and then stood nearby demanding her next turn.

I lay in bed on Friday night, staring at Christopher. It really is a miracle - this perfect little thing formed entirely in my body, and then I physically pushed him out. How do we do it? And then we have this little stranger, so needy, so tiring, but so loved. Welcome to the world, Christopher. We are very glad to have you.

Minutes after birth.

His first bath, courtesy of Daddy.

Mom and Christopher.

Clare meeting her little brother.

Getting ready to go home.

Clare with her bribe. I mean teapot, a present from the baby. She also got those rockin' polka dot high tops from her grandma. She was in heaven.

The new family of four.