REWIND: December...Birthdays and Christmas Program

REWIND: There were a few things we missed during the month of December.

Erin turned 27...Yikes! 30 is just around the corner.

Erin's parents hosted a lovely little dinner, complete with party hat! Erin's mom decorated the dining room with pictures and art that Erin made growing up. It was very touching!

Uncle Mark and John got to be there as well, up visiting from LA.

GRACE & GLORY

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 2009

This was the first year Hiro was in a Christmas program. He practiced singing "Jingle Bells" around the house ALL the time, often at the top of his lungs.

When it came time for the program, Hiro did not want to wear the angel wings or halo, and he did not want to sing. At least he smiled!

Cousins Noah and Elowynn were in the Christmas program as well, with speaking parts.

They did a wonderful job!

GABRIEL TURNS 4 YEARS OLD!!!

Gabe had his 4th birthday party at Arian's house and they whole gang made it!

It was good to see Hayden and Tyler, they have grown so much!

Gabe got gloves!

One of Hiro's favorite things to play this December is " Going to Work"

Hiro get an old cell phone, mouse, and keyboard, and sets up his work station.

He pretends to talk to people, and clicks on his mouse. He's a very busy guy!

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!