He's here!

Introducing Augustine John Westin, born May 5 at 1:01 pm, weighing in at 9lbs 7oz.
   Labour was quicker than my others (at 4.5 hours, compared to around 8 for the others). I was induced (just with the gel) at 8:30, and by 11 I was having fairly strong contractions about 2 minutes apart. After about another hour they were getting very strong and I told the midwife I was probably getting close. She checked me and I was 5-6 cm, but she said she could feel the baby's right there ready to come out. I had told her that with the other kids I dilated from 7 to 10 cm in about 5 minutes so she went ahead and called my OB to come and break my water. By the time he got there, about 8 contractions later, I was 9 cm. He broke my water, I was ready to push, and after a couple pushes, he was out!
   This makes it all sound very smooth and easy, but believe me, it was hard work! I am super grateful that everything went as it should and there were no complications, except for the placenta of course ( I have a history of retained placenta). This time, my OB worked on it for 40 minutes (very pleasant...) and out it came! He thought it was all there, but apparently it wasn't and a few days later I had to have a D&C to remove it, and now we are hoping its all out but my OB still isn't sure! So annoying, but I am glad that I've had no complications during pregnancy, labour or delivery. This placenta problem is annoying, but at least Gus is out and its not affecting him!
  The kids are smitten with him, and all love to take turns holding him. William is the absolute cutest with him. Each morning he is so excited when he hears that he is awake, and runs in to see him. He is constantly asking to hold him, and every time he does he asks me to take a picture of him. Melts my heart every time.

I've been busy adjusting to life with four kids, getting in newborn snuggles, changing diapers, and feeding that baby! In between I try to fit in feeding the rest of the family, homeschooling, and getting some sleep, but its been tough!