June 07, 2008
Introducing . . .
Our son, Liam Anthony, was born on June 5th at 12:17 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 10.3 ounces-- just .4 ounces less than his big sister. He's 22 inches long. We got home last night.
When I get the chance, I will write a proper birth story, but for now, let me just say that my midwife said mine was one of the strangest births she's seen. Although I went into labor on my own Wednesday night, things did not move quickly at all, anything but in fact. I didn't think pain like that was possible. He didn't even drop into the birth canal until minutes before coming out, which is why his head is so pretty. :-) There was meconium in the amniotic fluid and the cord was wrapped around his neck, although not tightly. He was also in a posterior position and didn't turn until he was coming out. I am proud that I had my completely natural Bradley birth, which is probably the only thing that saved me from a C-section. I don't think I could've pushed him out if I'd had an epidural. I labored in ever position imaginable to get him to come down and turn.
My mom and grandma made it just minutes before the birth, so they were again able to see another grandchild born. James was so supportive and really handled things well. I know I wasn't easy.
My birth team was amazing. I'm crying just thinking about them. My incredible midwife Melissa, my sister, and my nurse Cheryl (who my mom grew up with) were such a blessing to me. I'm not one who necessarily prefers women over men when it comes to medical things, but there was just something powerful about these women being there. They were so supportive. I can't imagine my old OBGYN wiping my head and rubbing my back and telling me things like "God is with you." I couldn't have gotten through it without them.
Liam is just beautiful and I already love him so much. Somehow this experience has made me love Olivia even more too. She's been staying with my parents and I can't wait to have her home this afternoon, although I don't know how we're going to handle both of them tonight since she still co-sleeps.
He's nursing like a champ (although we need to work on the latch) and isn't happy unless he has a nipple in his mouth. My milk isn't in yet, but hopefully soon.
I will share a full birth story soon because I have so much more to say, but for now I'm going to get some rest before Liam wakes up and Olivia gets home.
Congratulations! I am so happy to hear that you were able to give birth naturally, just like you wanted. What a blessing.
Posted by: alfredsmom at June 7, 2008 11:39 AMCongratulations! I'm so glad you had the natural birth you wanted. He's such a cutie, looks a lot like Olivia. I can't wait to read about the birth story, it sounds like such an amazing experience. God bless!
Posted by: Emmakirsten at June 7, 2008 11:45 AMYEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to the world, Liam! I love his name! He's adorable!!! So glad you got the birth that you wanted, but I'm sorry that you were in SO much pain!!! I am SO happy for you. Sounds like everything was just amazing. YAY, Hannah!!! Welcome to the world of parenting TWO!
Posted by: Lisanne at June 7, 2008 12:05 PMCongratulations Hannah, James, Olivia & James! I'm so glad you experienced the birth that you wished for & that everyone's doing well. He's beautiful Hannah & looks so much like Olivia. Congratulations again~can't wait to hear Liam's birth story. That's a beautiful name too :)
Posted by: Connie at June 7, 2008 12:09 PM*That was supposed to be Congratulations Hannah, James, Olivia & Liam!! :)
Posted by: Connie at June 7, 2008 12:10 PMhe's beautiful, hannah. i'm so glad you were able to have the birth you wanted. congratulations!
Posted by: cady at June 7, 2008 12:29 PMCongrats! He is such a cutie.
Posted by: Tara at June 7, 2008 12:42 PMCONGRATULATIONS!
He is so cute! I love his name.
The picture of you and your two little ones is adorable. Olivia is going to be a great big sister.
Welcome to the world Liam!!
Posted by: Leah H. at June 7, 2008 12:54 PMCongratulations, Hannah!! He is beautiful! Good luck with your first few days with both kids at home!!
Posted by: Chas at June 7, 2008 01:23 PMCongratulations!!! I'm so glad everything went well & that the Lord worked everything out for the birth you wanted.
I love the name Liam, I have a friend who named her son that, too!
Posted by: Jessica at June 7, 2008 01:23 PMCongratulations on a beautiful healthy baby and a satisfying birth experience! Little Liam is lovely.
Posted by: Arin at June 7, 2008 01:35 PMCongratulations!!!!
Posted by: Tricia at June 7, 2008 02:31 PMCongratulations! Perfect, simply perfect.
Posted by: Elaine at June 7, 2008 02:52 PMGeez! WoW!! Just checked your blog on my way to bed on the off chance you'd posted that you were in labor - and voila baby is here!! He's gorgeous! Well done you!! I can't wait to hear the whole story! Hope your bits and pieces feel better soon! Gosh, how exciting, two kids is definitely a new experience, and believe me you will love them both an insane amount! :)
Posted by: Ness at June 7, 2008 03:06 PMCongratulations to all of you - he is beautiful!
Posted by: Jennie at June 7, 2008 04:15 PMCongratulations to all of you! Liam is beautiful! (as is his name!)
Posted by: Catherine at June 7, 2008 04:50 PMHe's beautiful!! Congratulations. :)
Posted by: Laura at June 7, 2008 05:26 PMCongratulations!!! He's beautiful (and looks a lot like Olivia), with a great name. I'm sorry to hear you went through so much pain, but am impressed you were able to give birth without drugs, as you'd planned. It sounds like you had great support in bringing Liam into this world.
Posted by: shokufeh at June 7, 2008 05:57 PMCongratulations! I've been checking a couple times a day the past few days! He is SOOO sweet. I can't wait to hear about your birth story. A lot of the things you mentioned sounds like some of mine!
Go get your rest!
Congratulations! He's beautiful. I love his name, too. That was one of our choices before we decided on Harrison. I'm glad to hear that everything went well!
Posted by: Jenn at June 7, 2008 08:18 PMHEY HANNAH!!! COngrats on baby Liam Anthony :) he is sooooo cute :) Cant wait to see more pics of the whold family :) COngrats again to you and James and Olivia :) talk to you sooooon..... luv ya!!!!
Posted by: Wendy *aka Wenders* at June 8, 2008 01:03 AMMany congratulations!!! :) He's beautiful!!
Posted by: Trace at June 8, 2008 01:58 AMa big congratulations to you, your hubby & olivia! what an awesome new addition to the family! he definitely looks like his big sis to me :) WOW, what a cutie! very happy for you, can't wait to hear more about the birth....so awesome that you could have him naturally. blessings to you & your family of 4!!!!!
Posted by: Amber at June 8, 2008 09:35 PMCongratulations, Hannah, James, and Olivia! Liam is such a beautiful baby boy!
Posted by: Christina at June 8, 2008 10:26 PMcongratulations you guys! i'm sure olivia is a proud big sister now! YAY! i'm so glad you had a wonderful birthing team..that's so impt. and liam is such a handsome little boy.
Posted by: stef and mike at June 8, 2008 10:58 PMCongrats to you all! He's beautiful; and reminds me alot of big sister! :)
Posted by: Dana at June 9, 2008 09:14 AMCongrats sweetie! Liam is gorgeous, just like the rest of his family, and I know he will be so loved. I am excited to follow your journey as a family of 4! Love you!
Posted by: girl from florida at June 9, 2008 09:46 AMCONGRATS HANNAH!!! Love the name Liam!!!
Posted by: sara at June 9, 2008 11:43 AMCongratulations. He's perfect and beautiful.
Posted by: jesser at June 9, 2008 12:04 PMCongratulations! His nose looks exactly like Olivia's. I can't wait to read how things are going and to read about the birth story. I am going to try for a natural birth using the Bradley Method this time.
Posted by: A at June 9, 2008 01:41 PMOh Hannah I am soo soo happy for you! Congratulations Liam is beatiful!!! Just gorgeuse and the photo of the three of you is lovely!!
Posted by: Ani at June 9, 2008 06:25 PMCongrats - he's beautiful!!
Posted by: bethanie at June 9, 2008 09:46 PMHannah and James (Weston):) Congratulations! Liam is so cute! Wowwowowowow! I can't wait to see both Liam and Olivia! We miss you all! Love always...Dad and Mom in Korea
Posted by: Grandpa and Grandma at June 16, 2008 09:00 AMI'm so so so happy for you!!! Congratulations. He is absolutely adorable and gorgeous. Very proud of you :)
Posted by: Melany at June 28, 2008 11:33 AM