Jackson's idyllic 19 month life as the center of attention and only little person in the household was brought to a screeching halt around 4:30 this morning when his peaceful silent slumber was pierced by a horrendous howling sound that he was sure MUST be a nightmare! It was actually his new baby sister, Bryn Nora Chatwin. After sleepily watching and listening to the noise box for a time he was persuaded to rock-a-bye with his Nana before laying back in his crib.
Erin had some sporadic contractions yesterday evening which turned into regular ones around 10:30 p.m. The midwife and Russ's Mom Joni were called around 11:30 p.m. Joni came to stay with sleeping Jackson while Erin, Russ and I met the midwife at the birthing center at 12:20 a.m. Erin was 3-4 cm dilated at that point and 100% effaced. Although Erin was experiencing extreme back labor (which was relieved to a point by some major hip holding during contractions by Russ-thanks to the midwife for the instructions) she made the labor seem like a piece of cake. She wanted to have a water birth, but the tub almost didn't get filled in time! When it was finally filled the baby was ready to be born, so Erin got into the tub had another contraction or two and pushed that little girl out! Bryn was born at 1:22 a.m. and was 8 pounds 3 ounces, 20 inches long, head 14 cm. No trip to the hospital needed for that little girl, she definitely has a healthy pair of lungs, she likes to eat and look at all that hair! Yep, she must have been waiting for the camera to make her debut!
