Saturday, January 26, 2008

La Commencement

We are thrilled to announce that the Little Funky Monkey is here! Jonah Niquen (named with a J after his Mimi) was born at home in the water on January 23rd at 4:23am weighing in at 7lbs 11 oz and measuring 22 inches. He is the most handsome perfect baby I've ever seen (not that I'm biased or anything), with a full head of long dark hair and super long legs (he will be tall like his father, no doubt).

His birth was beyond beautiful (I will write out his birth story eventually, because its such a wonderful story) and by far the most amazing moment of my life was when the midwife said "reach down and get your baby!". I loved the birth experience so much that a mere 2 hours after pushing out my little monkey I said "I can't wait to do this again!". Don't get me wrong, it was very intense (active labor, from 4cm to 10cm dilation, was only about 4 1/2 hours, which means that my body worked that much harder to accomplish that much more in less time) and even though Chanteuse said that I made it look easy, it was most definitely hard work. Its just that it was such a miraculous and spiritual journey that I cannot even match words to. And WB made me fall even deeper in love with him (as if that was even possible) by being there every step of the journey with me, in our loving cocoon that made me feel so perfectly connected and protected and loved. The LFM was birthed in the same way he was conceived- as an intimate expression of love and tenderness between WB and I, and I will always treasure that.

I can't even thank our midwife enough, except to say that she is a godsend. She is also clearly a mind reader or found the secret portal into my head, because she always said exactly what I needed to hear in the exact moment I needed to hear it, and has continued to do so in the postpartum period. Chanteuse, JunJun, and Doula Sara, were such perfect birth attendants as well...every time I opened my eyes in the tub and looked up I saw them looking at me with such warmth and love I felt so supported. And WB, well, that man is a miracle in and of himself.

And the LFM! All I could say when we found out we were pregnant is "Wow!" and that's pretty much all I can say now that he's here. With every passing moment I feel like I couldn't possibly love him any more or I will just explode, and yet with every passing moment somehow I do. He is my little bundle of blessings and I am so very proud that he chose us as his family.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! So happy for all of you! Can't wait to meet little Jonah.
Much Love, Marilyn & Roger

~Becky said...

Beautiful post, beautiful baby, beautiful family. All my love...

Anonymous said...

So happy to read this! Jonah is such a lovely name. (Darryl says to tell u he really likes it too.)

Anonymous said...

YAY! Happy Birthday, Little Jonah. Congratulations, S and WB, you did it! How is breastfeeding going? M. sends out a Daddy's high-five to WB, and Mr. P encourages Jonah to pee, poop, eat and sleep to his heart's content. Welcome to Motherhood! Love, Tzuzu

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you! Jonah is a perfect name for a perfect baby! Can't wait to hear the birth story!

Jen

pnlkotula said...

Wonderful , wonderful news, S. It's amazing how many people have taken this journey with you, in spirit and in cyberspace. Thank you for sharing it with us. Can't wait to meet little Jonah.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

He's gorgeous, love the outfit! ;)
Jonah is very lucky to have you and WB , and you are going to be kick ass parents. Can't wait to hear the details of the birth story. You should ask JunJun and Chanteuse to write their versions too, for his baby book. They no doubt noticed different things than you.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations sweetie! A beautiful name for a beautiful boy. I had a crush on a boy named Jonah once (but he was a redhead!). Looking forward to meeting Jonah and seeing all of you when we visit this summer!

Love to all!

Dawn, Ron & Ryan :0)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Liz

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! You all are truly and continuely blessed. Jonah is beautiful and his name cannot be any more perfect, I love it.

Miss you!
Auntie Pam:)

Donna said...

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Congrats to all in your beautiful family.
Donna

hoosier steve said...

Beautiful, congratulations. Can't wait to meet the little guy in April.
love

laurielou said...

He has the most lovely little lips!!!! Just look at that punim!

I love you all and am sending my lovins and lots of belly rubbing and cuddles to my soul nephew!

We'll talk soon...in the meantime....enjoy...

Jon said...

Congratulations to all 3 of you. It's an amazing thing to experience from the man's perspective (with my kids of course... hehehe), but hearing yours will be a treat.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!! Please please please please post more pictures!!!