The quick facts:
June Lightfoot Arnold
8 pounds, 7 ounces
21 inches
6:20 pm, June 2nd
The quick story:
After a busy morning of chiropractor's and doctor's appointments, I was beginning to think those random Braxton Hicks contractions weren't so random after all. At 3 pm, I called our midwife and told her to come on over, for the contractions were now 3 to 4 minutes apart. We also called in another midwife from Bakersfield who has a lot of experience with vaginal delivery of breech babies (June was her 60-something breech baby; by contrast, our very capable and kind doctor has delivered only 3). Yep, June never did decide to turn down.
The plan was if labor progressed smoothly, we would continue our plan for a home birth; if I was not progressing, we would transfer to my doctor's hospital and then have the Caesarean (the only option offered by my doctor).
Not only did labor progress smoothly, it also went very quickly. By 6 pm, I was ready to push, but the Bakersfield midwife had not yet arrived in Fresno...or so we thought. The apprentice midwife opened the apartment door to walk to the street to see if Miss Brenda needed help, and she was on the doorstep about to knock. She walked in, gloved up, checked me, and said, "whenever you're ready honey." And I was. So, at 6:20, little miss declared that upside down is the new right side up, and was born.
She was pink and perfect; no suctioning or interventions were required for her at all. Everything was delivered, evaluated, and cleaned up and the AMAZING midwifery team was back on the road to their homes in the Valley by 8:30 pm. Michael and I enjoyed the evening at home, and Owen returned after staying with dear friends in the morning.
He is loving on her and singing to her (from Jingle Bells to Jesus Loves Me); he is a proud big brother. Michael was a great birthing help, and I am once again reminded how much he loves little babies and what a helpmate he is to me. Mom came today around noon, and I am so thankful for extra hands to help with Owen and give me time to catch up you poor, deprived people on pictures and news. Sorry to keep you waiting so long, and feel free to email me anytime. I might not be quick to return a call, but I'll log on when I can.
Thank you for all the love, prayers, and support you continue to send our way. Our God is faithful and, once again, He showers us with blessings beyond our imaginations!
Here are the pictures:
The mandatory "did she get hit by a bus?" picture:
Detrah doing the newborn assessment.
Michael "I once caught a baby THIS big!" (weighing June)
With Detrah and her amazing apprentice Alex. 
Sushi and June:
My boys and June:
More pictures as we get to know one another.
18 comments:
What a sweet little blessing! I love it! June! It is perfect, and you can't get away with the unique choice of a middle name w/o telling the story! So glad you guys are all doing well and how neat to have your mom get out so quickly! And so glad the birth went to well and just how you wanted it too! Congratulations Natalie!
Oh, Nat, she is sweet, beautiful and perfect! Three things: 1.) in the pic with your mom, she looks a lot like I remember Owen looking as a baby 2.) in the pic with you and Michael and the midwives, you look so normal and put together, I cannot believe that was within two hours of giving birth 3.) Owen looks so happy and sweet!
What a beauty! Natalie, you were hardly more than a baby yourself when we got to know your family in Houston. I loved the pictures and catching up with you and your delightful family! Best wishes to all -- just keep on enjoying these fun growing years! -- Mayrene Tucker
what a sweet story! and how I love the name June
congratulations! get some rest and soak up as much time with sushi before she heads home :)
Congrats, Nat!
Congratulations! I love your birth story! She is absolutely perfect in every way. I hope everything goes as smoothly as it can with a new baby (and a new big brother) at home.
Congrats! What an amazing birth story! She is beautiful and you look AMAZING! Blessings to you all!
I was praying for you today -- and didn't realize little June had already arrived.
She is a gorgeous, perfect little girl, Natalie! Be sure to kiss her little cheeks for me -- with lipstick, as that is my trademark.
Love to you all and prayers as you bond together as a family of four!!
So stinkin' cute! I was so anxious to hear all the details, thanks! I would love to hear how you came up with Lightfoot too...don't keep us wondering for long. You look great, if that's what being run over by a bus looks like where do I sign up? Congrats and soak every sweet little newborn moment, they go so fast!
Once again Natalie, you look absolutely gorgeous after an experience most women call an ordeal. Seriously, I was moved to tears by your description of the birth. I hope that if I ever have a baby that it goes as well! I am so thankful to God for being there with you along the way, and helping the delivery to be so wonderful. And the name June is so pretty =) Congratulations!
Congratulations you guys! Natalie, I am so jealous you got to have a home birth. And a quick one. (Second times are GREAT :) And can we please hear it for midwives?! Yay gals! Show those docs how it's done the ancient way. C-sections my foot. My LIGHTfoot. :) So happy for you guys. You really meant it all along when you called this baby JUNEbug, didn;t you. Wish I could visit! Dinner in hand!
She's so gorgeous Natalie! Congratulation! What a great birth story you have too. I'm so glad everything well so very well. Girls are so much fun too...I'm loving having one of each as well. She'll have Michael wrapped around her little finger in no time at all :)
Seriously?!?!? You wanna know what being run over by a bus looks like... check out my pictures from Dec 9. You look like you came from a salon in those pics!!! Amazing.
I too had Reagan who decided upside down was the new rightside up. But, I do NOT have your courage for that birth story! Yay for a perfect beginning for baby June! Question (and yes, I too am curious about her cutie middle name): if she had been born 3 days earlier, would she have been May Lightfoot?!?! Just wondering.
She's BEAUTIFUL! Rejoicing with you for a healthy angel!!!
Beautiful baby, mommy and story! Congrats!
Congratulations Natalie! I am so happy you posted the story and those great pics! I LOVE the name June and I am so thrilled for your family!
Congratulations Natalie, Micheal, and of course little Owen too. She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I pray that God will cotninue to bless your wonerful family.
Take care and get some sleep when you can,
Tamika
So happy for you guys! She's gorgeous and I LOVE the name. Can't wait to meet her someday. Until then, keep posting pictures.
I love her name, and she is so big and beautiful! Your birth story is so neat and I am in awe that you did that AT HOME! Anyway, congratulations on a beautiful daughter and to the Dr. in the family, too!
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