Baby Jude Harris Clark Finally arrived January 31st at 4;19am.
8lb 7oz, 22 inches long and perfect in every way!
I will have more photos of the Handsome Man as well as my birth story soon. For now I am just going to do an overview of all the events that led up to the wonderful arrival.
Since my actual due date was January 22nd, that is when Brooke, my older sister/best friend/hero, came to help. She brought her most adorable daughter Hannah with her and Brooklyn was basically in Heaven. A playmate and the most awesome aunt ever who constantly has another activity to do with her.
They played out in the snow together, made cookies for the nurses when I was getting ready to go to the hospital, colored, painted, went on outings and I don't even know what else because I was sleeping a lot of the time they were together having fun. On top of it, she spoiled me rotten by cooking, cleaning and even shopping for us!
My meal contribution was Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Culver's Frozen Custard(;
Trey also made this time of preparation perfect as he gave Brooke and I lots of Sister Time by taking Brooklyn swimming and to the library several days. We took long walks, got organization and cleaning projects done and just talked nonstop. We even got in some Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Culver's Frozen Custard before the baby came!
The 5 days prior to the birth, I received about 10 packages! Of course DDaddy's were about half of them, (including our yearly delivery of 17 POUNDS of Georgia Penuts!). Dana and Mom sent a package full of herbal remedies for before and after Birth. (She had a beautiful baby girl - by water birth at her home in California - my Mom was there with her)
With a Sister in the house, I finally got some belly shots taken - Something I didnt' do much of all through this Pregnancy. Every time I went out the door, Brooke would say - "I have to take a photo! It may be the last time you go out before you have the baby!" We kept our hopes high for about 9 days! Brooke ended up having to extend her stay because Jude was just too comfy in there, but finally, Saturday Baby decided it was time - well, with a little persuasion of Double Strawberry Frozen Custard, Castor Oil rubbed on my tummy, a 1.5 hour walk and a rough internal exam by my INCREDIBLE Dhula/midwife/nurse - more to come on her later...
I waited until I was almost ready to push to go to the hospital, so when I arrived at the hospital around 3am, I was at an 8 or 9. By 4:10 I was pushing and a few minutes later, Jude was out. My doctor really respected my birth plan, so there was no intervention and he got to stay on my chest for 2 hours after the birth. He didn't like when they took him away.
The hospital experience was one I hope never to repeat, but the homecoming was wonderful. Brooke made it a big deal with Balloons, streamers and presents for everyone.
She even got a gift for Brooklyn "From Jude". A bouncy ball just like the ones Brooke and I would jump all around our house on when we were her size!
It was really amazing to have Brooke be here for both my births! She has held both Brooklyn and Jude on their first days on earth. There are no words to describe what her sisterhood/friendship means to me.
All in all, it was truly a wonderful birth experience. Thanks to Trey, Brooke and all who sent their love and prayers!
8lb 7oz, 22 inches long and perfect in every way!
I will have more photos of the Handsome Man as well as my birth story soon. For now I am just going to do an overview of all the events that led up to the wonderful arrival.
Since my actual due date was January 22nd, that is when Brooke, my older sister/best friend/hero, came to help. She brought her most adorable daughter Hannah with her and Brooklyn was basically in Heaven. A playmate and the most awesome aunt ever who constantly has another activity to do with her.
They played out in the snow together, made cookies for the nurses when I was getting ready to go to the hospital, colored, painted, went on outings and I don't even know what else because I was sleeping a lot of the time they were together having fun. On top of it, she spoiled me rotten by cooking, cleaning and even shopping for us!
My meal contribution was Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Culver's Frozen Custard(;
Trey also made this time of preparation perfect as he gave Brooke and I lots of Sister Time by taking Brooklyn swimming and to the library several days. We took long walks, got organization and cleaning projects done and just talked nonstop. We even got in some Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Culver's Frozen Custard before the baby came!
The 5 days prior to the birth, I received about 10 packages! Of course DDaddy's were about half of them, (including our yearly delivery of 17 POUNDS of Georgia Penuts!). Dana and Mom sent a package full of herbal remedies for before and after Birth. (She had a beautiful baby girl - by water birth at her home in California - my Mom was there with her)
With a Sister in the house, I finally got some belly shots taken - Something I didnt' do much of all through this Pregnancy. Every time I went out the door, Brooke would say - "I have to take a photo! It may be the last time you go out before you have the baby!" We kept our hopes high for about 9 days! Brooke ended up having to extend her stay because Jude was just too comfy in there, but finally, Saturday Baby decided it was time - well, with a little persuasion of Double Strawberry Frozen Custard, Castor Oil rubbed on my tummy, a 1.5 hour walk and a rough internal exam by my INCREDIBLE Dhula/midwife/nurse - more to come on her later...
I waited until I was almost ready to push to go to the hospital, so when I arrived at the hospital around 3am, I was at an 8 or 9. By 4:10 I was pushing and a few minutes later, Jude was out. My doctor really respected my birth plan, so there was no intervention and he got to stay on my chest for 2 hours after the birth. He didn't like when they took him away.
The hospital experience was one I hope never to repeat, but the homecoming was wonderful. Brooke made it a big deal with Balloons, streamers and presents for everyone.
She even got a gift for Brooklyn "From Jude". A bouncy ball just like the ones Brooke and I would jump all around our house on when we were her size!
It was really amazing to have Brooke be here for both my births! She has held both Brooklyn and Jude on their first days on earth. There are no words to describe what her sisterhood/friendship means to me.
All in all, it was truly a wonderful birth experience. Thanks to Trey, Brooke and all who sent their love and prayers!
Comments
Yeah. I am so excited to see the little man and know you two are safe and sound! Congratulations on little Jude. I wonder if Shaub baby #2 will take on Jude in the weight department!?! Soon enough we'll see.
You look fabulous! and I can't wait to hear about your birthing story. You are an inspiration for natural child birthing!
Looking forward to seeing more photos. We'll talk soon.
Love you!
Love and hugs to your new family of 4! Thanks again for asking me to made the trip! I LOVED being there. xox Brooke