As many of you know, Charlie was due somewhere between Sept 17th and 21st, but he decided to make his entrance a bit late - ok, more than a bit, 2 1/2 weeks late - on October 4th. We had a bit of a stressful week prior to his birth full of running around, extra tests to ensure he was still doing well and an induction scheduled for October 4th. When he didn't come on the 3rd, we were able to stay positive, after a few tears and the realization that there was a very good chance our birth plans would be changed. My midwife gently reminded me that no matter where he was born, God was watching over us and had a reason for how everything would go. Her advice helped me a lot.
At about 2 am on the 4th I realized, happily, that we probably wouldn't be going in for the induction and that Charlie was on his way. By 3:30 am, Joe Bird heroically drove the hour long round trip to pick up Meg (who was staying with us) and Mary Grace, and Phil and I prepared to welcome our newest little blessing. The labor went very well and was, thankfully, much shorter than Mary Grace's. At 7:42 am Charlie arrived. I'm pretty sure the midwife had been there less than 5 minutes, but she made it. Honestly, it was perfect timing, I was doing great and just when she needed to be there, she was. She also assisted at Mary Grace's birth and, although she was expecting this labor to be shorter, could not believe how incredibly different it was.
We picked the name Charles in honor of my Grandpa Don. The 2 due dates we were given for Charlie were the 1 year anniversary of my Grandpa's passing and his birthday. Of course we can't leave out all the other wonderful Charlies (and Chips) that we know! Thomas is for St. Thomas More - because he's awesome. But seriously, we asked St. Thomas More to intercede for us when Phil was looking for a permanent job and he came through.
Here are a few photos of the little guy:
DAY 1
Our first picture of Charlie, a few hours after birth. Finally able to happily rest.
Becca brought Mary Grace home to meet Charlie after Phil and I had gotten a good nap in. She was also able to bring over Meg and Molly. It was so wonderful to show him off to some of my sisters when he was only a few hours old.
Aunt Molly and Charlie - less than 12 hours old
Sweet little Charlie Man
We were so happy that Meg was able to meet Charlie before she had to go back home to Wisconsin. We can't thank her enough for all the help she gave us that week!
DAY 2
Meeting Aunt Mary Kate
Aunt Katherine and Charlie - Phil's Dad, Katherine and Ryan and their kids were in town for UD Alumni Weekend. It was awesome to get to see them and have them meet Charlie!
Charlie and Grandpa
Uncle Ryan and Charlie
And...other days
Mary Grace has been wonderful and loves Charlie. She's not sure she wants to share "her" chair (which is actually the Birds') with him though....well, actually, I guess she does want to share it - she's constantly trying to climb in with him to cuddle.
Cousin Ben stopped by to meet Charlie and pick Mary Grace up for a play date.
When Mary Grace saw his feet in this outfit she grabbed them and started making monkey sounds.
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