Montage

Yesterday was our last day of fall break, and ordinarily I would write a Car Setters Part II, describing our journey across KY and WV, meeting Baby Bheem, seeing my parents, seeing horses... However, I will have to put that off til tomorrow. Ya know how they say 'when it rains, it pours'? Well, they should also say 'when the sun shines, it shines bright'...or something like that! I have had a montage of celebrations to tell you about! Not only did I have an amazing trip, but I returned to a new baby living directly across the street and Neena's baby demanding to be born.

Although Neena has been a part of our family since the day she came to nanny for Elise, I was absolutely *floored* when she asked me to be a part of sweet Baby Lucia's birth. It's still kind of surreal. Instead of telling her how unqualified I am as a midwife, since both of my babies were sliced out of me, I decided to have faith that she knew what she was doing...plus, I *really* wanted to be there!

We spent the morning playing Go Fish and War---with me taking advantage of the laboring mama...

 ...until those contractions really amped up...

 ...in which case, the Baby Daddy's hand worked wonders.

 ...until it didn't. Then, the epidural became her best friend!

After a long, long day, Neena rested up for the pushing to begin.

 ...and the Baby Grandma worked some crosswords while the Baby Daddy did a little worrying.

 

 ...then he did some fanning between pushes...until...

 Baby Lucia arrived!!!

 "We" may have some war wounds, but just check out the gorgeous baby!!!

 

 The Baby Grandma and the OB agree: she is definitely a keeper!

Just look at the way she looks at her mama, and she doesn't even have a *clue* what kind of warrior her mom was to squeeze her out! Amazing. What a miracle! Thank you, Neena. You have changed my life forever.