Welcome Judah!

He's HERE!

Judah Mitsuo Iwata was born 1-1-10 around 1 o'clock.

1:08 pm to be exact.

Erin's water broke at 4:45 am. Within an hour, her contractions were underway. At 6:30 am they called her midwife, Dana. They arrived at the birth center a little after 8 am.

Sally, one of our wonderful doula's, made up breakfast! Sally said after I got a good breakfast, she was sure things would really get going...She was right! After breakfast, I had to get into the birthing tub!

The tub really alleviated the pain of the contractions. Plus, it was a lovely environment...very peaceful!

Erin was in the tub for a total of three hours.

When things really were going, Nat got in the tub with her.

Below is a picture of us very near the end of labor.

Meet our midwife and team:

Tia, on the far left, is a doula who was with me the entire labor.

Dana, the blond one, was my main midwife...I LOVE her!

Sally, on the right, is Dana's apprentice, she's great and helped a lot after Judah was born.

They were all so supportive!

Pushing Judah out...last moments...

First seconds with our son!!!

Nat caught Judah and gave him to Erin. He did such a great job!

Side note: if Judah looks a little blue, your not seeing things...babies born is water retain their color they had in the womb (blue) a little longer because they don't breath oxygen in their lungs until they surface from the water...hence the slight blue color of his skin. Judah was VERY healthy...apgar score of 10 both times!

Dana helping Nat cut the cord

Judah was 7 lbs 6 oz! Nearly a pound heavier than his brother!

Totally blissed out Mama!

"Guess what I did today!?!"

Taking a bath together the next day...

We were totally pampered at the birthing center...

We stayed there 2 nights to relax and bond with Judah. It was a complete 5 star experience.

They made us breakfast in bed, ordered lunch and dinner from restaurants of our choice, Erin got a massage, enjoyed the massive tub, and gave us support for any questions we might have. All included in the cost of the birth.

Proud Mommy!

Our room where we birthed and stayed for 2 nights.

Ready to head home!

Hiro is such a great big brother!!!

He came to visit at the birthing center and first called Judah "Eddie-Ana" after his newest cousin. By the time we got home, Hiro figured out that Judah was his little bro!

2 days after we got home, Tia did a home visit to check on us.

Judah was gaining weight and doing well!!!

Elliana and Judah, close cousins!!!

We are so in love with him!

Sibling Christmas Party 2009

This year marks the 5th annual sibling Christmas party where the Iwata kids give each other time together instead of presents. This year Sarah and Arian hosted at Arian's loft on trendy Alberta St in Portland. The Loft was a great party environment and the food was scrumptious! This year we did a Chinese themed meal (Mmm!)

Our hard working host and hostess, Arian and Sarah.

Erin and Judah (Nat's hands)

The lovely Emiko Hall

The beautiful meal table

All of us posing for a pictures.

Merry Christmas 2009!

Here's a short clip of some of the evening. It was a very relaxing night.

Tree Decorating 2009

For the past 5 years we have made it a tradition to go to Sleighbells in Sherwood to get our tree. This year we went with our wonderful neighbors the Hays family, and Erin's parents.

Nat, Erin, and baby Judah.

Hiro with Papa and "Bamma"

Hiro decorating the tree for the first time.

Hiro giving little Judah kisses.

The tree completed

Judah...Almost here!

It is December and we are ready for Judah to make his grand entrance!

A lot is different about this pregnancy. Erin feels pretty good, about the same as with Hiro. The biggest difference is that we chose to see a group of midwives outside of the hospital system. We will be delivering at a birthing center in Portland called Andaluz. We have been very impressed with the care and think the attention we received is superior to what we experienced with Hiro.

Erin has been working out (prenatal deep-water aerobics) throughout her pregnancy, and her nutrition under the guidance of her midwives has been better -more informed.

We are excited to have the opportunity to deliver Judah in water. We hope to document the whole thing and post discrete pictures when we can!

Right now we are just counting down the days until his arrival!

Mommy and Judah at 37 weeks

Hiro and his little brother