At 10am on Thursday, I got a call from Katie saying, “I might be in labor, but I’m not sure.” So I jumped on my motorcycle and rode home, full of joy and anticipation. However, when I got home, contractions were 15 minutes apart, and Katie said “It’s going to be a while.”
So I played with Max and fed him lunch. Afterwards, Katie said, “I think I’m ready for you to set up the birthing pool after you put Max to sleep.” I got more excited (last time, I set up the birthing pool about 10 hours before the baby arrived). After I had finished reading Max his naptime stories and was singing to him, I heard Katie yell my name. I ran out, and Katie said “I’M PUSHING!”
Game time. 1:04pm.
I called the midwife and put her on speakerphone. She told me “The baby is going to arrive before me. You’re going to have to deliver it.” .2 seconds of panic, and then I was in the zone! After all, I watched this happen 2 years ago, and I read the midwife’s laminated instruction sheet for what to do if the baby shows up before her.
12 minutes later, I was holding a beautiful baby girl in my hands. At just over 9 pounds, Ruby Kate, our little redhead arrived with bright rosy skin, a brave cry and an older brother who cannot get enough of her. We’ve just put the little guy down for the night and Ruby is now cuddling up with her daddy. It’s one of my favorite images of the day.
I feel like the Grinch, because somehow my heart just grew three sizes…again, and it’s already full. My mancard is loaded with points for delivering my own baby! It’s a good day in the kingdom.
Sometimes the most beautiful, incredible things happen and we somehow get to be a part of it. This is one of those happenings. And we simply love her!
Maxi’s excitement for the “baby!”
Our sweet Ruby.
Recovering as Maxi offers his help.
