Well, it has been a long time coming, but finally on November 14, Dave took a brave step and transitioned into a new career.  It was a decision he had to make quickly, considering the circumstances.  Our midwives have confirmed it: Dave has earned his honorary degree in Midhusbandry.

On November 14^th, at 1:20 in the morning, Maya Belize McLaughlin flew through the barely-filled birthing-pool, like a torpedo fish, into the hands of her father.  The labor happened so quickly that even our midwives didn't make it in time to attend her birth!  From the first surge to birth, labor only lasted 45 minutes.  When we realized that nobody would be there to assist with the birth, Dave called 911 for guidance.  He quickly realized there would be no time to take instructions, dropped the phone, and improvised.

Shortly after Maya was born, however, 6 men in uniform (2 EMS, 2 police men and 2 firemen) showed up to greet her.  Each one wanted to be the hero in his own way, only to find a happy and healthy baby nursing in my arms.  One emergency worker really wanted to use his oxygen tank on our breathing, happily-nursing newborn.  When we politely asked him to leave the baby alone he packed up his equipment and stormed off, citing that he, after all,  "was here to help us."  If only he had arrived 5 minutes sooner he may have had the chance to play the hero, but that title rightly belongs to Dave! (But seriously, we are very grateful to all the emergency personnel that rushed to our side!)

Maya created such a stir that even our neighbour came over to make sure everybody was okay.   Liam, of course, slept through the whole event in the bedroom next door, and was very surprised to find that his baby sister was no longer in mummy's tummy when he awoke.  He asked if this is indeed mummy's baby, noticing that the big belly is now gone.  I assured him that this is mummy's baby, and Liam's baby and daddy's baby - at which time Liam politely pointed out that this is not daddy's baby because daddy still has his big belly!

As you can imagine, my balloon breathing wasn't quite working, and things happened so quickly that I didn't even realize I was supposed to be breathing my baby down... instead of filling my balloon.  I guess most of the labour happened - without my conscious knowledge of it. In my sleep perhaps? 

This was quite a surprise given that Liam's birth lasted 24 hours.  When I was in labour with Liam, Dave had enough time to fill the birthing tub with buckets of boiling water.  Not this time!  He hooked up the hose, and we barely had enough water to reach my belly button when she came swimming out. 

Love,

Monika, Dave, Liam and Maya