Ruby's Arrival

She's here!!! Ruby Valentina. Born on May 10th, at 3:13 am, weighing in at 9 lbs. 3oz.   The first picture of Caitlin was taken on May 3rd. They had given Caitlin two due dates, one being the 7th, the other the 4th. We still have no idea why they did this, because later Caitlin found out that it was always the 7th. We think the ultrasound tech had changed it to the 4th because of baby's size. When May 4th rolled around and there was no sign of labor, we started thinking that  the date of the 7th was going to be the correct due date. I really thought she would be born on the 8th. I was partly correct, as her water broke at 11:30 pm that evening. She had no significant contractions, so I thought we might be in for a long night. 12 hours passes by....I decide to go home real quick to take a shower, and when I was at home, they had decided to give something to Caitlin to hasten the contractions. By the time I got there, she was in significant discomfort. By the 24 hour mark, she was ready to start pushing. She was a trooper, and had no epidural or other  pain medication. They offered her nitrous gas, which is more popular in Europe, and now coming back into play here in the States. Other than this, she had a natural birth. Lots of other details, but it is Caitlin's story to tell. I was humbled and honored to be Caitlin and Cyrous's co-birth coach. Words can't really express the emotions I felt through the process. It was truly hard to see your baby in such pain, at the same time I was in awe at her strength and determination to push this baby out into the world! Such a beautiful experience to see your daughter give birth. I have been a co-birth coach for my sister with two of her children, but nothing prepared me for what I felt on Ruby's birthday. The next day after I had some time to sleep, I called my sister to tell her about the birth..... that is when I cried like never before. If I think of the day too much at any given time I'll get emotional.
She is beautiful, healthy and looks a lot like her mama. I see dad in the mix too, but when I hold her, I feel like I'm holding baby Caitlin sometimes. I look at her and wonder what her personality will be, what those little hands with create, where those little feet will take her. It's a wonderful feeling to be a grandparent. The circle of life is a beautiful thing.