Michael

To be honest, I always think so-called "birth" stories are boring. This is probably because I'm a guy, and this also makes it a bit weird that I'm writing our birth story. I guess this means you'll get the guy's perspective, and hopefully I don't write something all the other guys out there think is boring. Shoot for the moon, right?

Mom got here on Tuesday night, and Michael obediently hadn't come out yet despite the doctor thinking he probably would. On Friday morning, we showed up to the hospital for the induction, and Sharon just happened to already be 4 cm dilated. We got the pitocin rolling, the epidural rocking, and we were all set watching the Terminator Sarah Conor Chronicles TV series on our laptop as we waited for the baby to come.

A couple hours later, Sharon was sorta stuck at an 8, and the baby's heartbeat kept on dipping really low (50-80) during contractions. That's not a good sign, and it was enough to freak Sharon out and secretly make me really nervous as I tried to appear tough and confident. It was clear the nurse and doctor were struggling with how much longer they should let it continue before doing an emergency c-section.

However, the doctor did some magical trick during one of Sharon's contractions, and she was suddenly fully dilated, ready to push out the baby. In one contraction, Sharon gave one push and then another, and suddenly the head was out. The cord was wrapped around the neck, the doctor took it off, and another quick push during the same contraction sent that baby somersaulting out of the womb with a quick dish from doctor to mommy. I cut the cord and blood sprayed all over the doctor's mask and my hands. It was awesome, Sharon cried, and I felt pretty misty myself. One of those great moments that I hope not to forget.

As I explained, Sharon did awesome. She was strong the entire time and sure did push that baby right out. Great job, hon! Things started rolling at around 8:00 AM and the baby was out at 1:14 PM, weighing 7 lbs 6 ounces. His name is Michael and his middle name is You (Sharon's maiden name), and so far he's an adorable baby that doesn't cry much.

One of the many things I like about this picture is that Enoch is far more interested in his book than his baby brother. Good job taking it, Mom!

This picture is actually deceiving, because although Enoch seems excited about his baby brother, in real life he's actually mad as can be.

 This is more accurate. He's always running around and begging for us and especially Sharon to hold him, doing whatever he can for attention. I thought 17 months might be a bit young to be jealous, but I think he's already mastered that emotion. Hope he gets over it soon!

Grandma has been a big help. She watched Enoch for us the couple of days we were in the hospital, and I'm sure she will be invaluable as she lends a hand of sanity to us as Enoch adjusts to being a brother and I start going back to classes. We're glad she could be here to help and to enjoy her new grandson.

I'll leave you with a few more pictures and a little video.