Welcome Ryder Doyle

Our son, Ryder Doyle, was born in the very early morning on Monday. He was born in the water in our home, into the waiting arms of our midwife Christy and my husband Tray. Almost 2 pounds heavier than my girls, he weighed 8 pounds even. I definitely didn't think I was going to be able to birth him, and could not feel him moving into my birth canal, even after what felt like a lot of pushing. It was very discouraging. Then, he was moving down during contractions, and retreating back between them, and I just felt like he was never going to come out. I remember repeating, "I don't think I can do it," and "I want this baby OUT."
When his head finally crowned, I felt the most overwhelming ecstasy, relief and joy at knowing he WAS coming out, and it was going to be very soon. My midwife explains the expression on my face at that moment in her blog here.
We are all adjusting to our new life. Tray has been all star dad/house cleaner/short order cook/ water bearer/ herb sitz bath preparer/school taxi-er/ kid tender/ laundry doer/ errand runner. All of this while still keeping up with his business emails and ordering. Sage is head-over-heels for brother, while Fern is having a tough time adjusting to ANOTHER person competing for energy and attention. Already family and friends have shown enormous support and love with food, visits, toys for the girls, calls, emails, and by taking the girls overnight tonight and when I was in labor. Thank you all for your support!!