Penton's Ponderings: Homebirth of Luther Joseph Penton!

Luther Joseph Penton was born on April 19th, a mere 10 days past his due date. He was also born at home with a midwife. Here are some pics to tell the story of his arrival.

The bed set up.

Other supplies...

More set up...

In pool during contraction.. Patty, my midwife, coaching me through it.

In pool between contractions.. hence the smile :)

No rest for the weary...

Yeah, there was quite a bit after that. Yelling, crying, praying, sweating, pushing, etc.

But eventually at 11:45am...

Luther Joseph Penton was born!

Daddy got to 'catch' baby Luther! (Although he refused to pull on Luther's head to get his body out.. as I was yelling/instructing him to do) There were more tears and more prayers and HUGE sighs of relief!

Baby Luther nursed for 45 mins like a champ...

Then we (Joel and Patty) began clean up...The hose was submerged completely and filled, then one end threw out the window. (white trash? it was clean water at least..) It siphoned out very quickly and Joel was proud of himself for thinking of this efficient method.

Daddy checks on Luther..

Look at that cone head!

Sweet babe..

After some nursing, cutting cord, and delivering placenta. Luther was ready to be checked out. 8 lb 1 oz..! Patty predicted "a little guy maybe 7 pounds max" After 30 mins of pushing I knew he was much bigger than Judah was! (he was 6 lb 11 oz and came out in 2 pushes)

Daddy inspects his newest son...

Open eyes..

Joel threw a spaghetti bake in the oven and Joel, Patty and I destroyed it in a matter of minutes. Nobody had eaten all night or all day.

Patty left around 3pm.. thanks Patty for torturing me.. I mean..getting the baby out safely ;)

After Patty left everyone took a nap...

After that Joel (39 months) and Judah (19 months) came for a visit to meet their new brother with Emily and Whitney (11 months). That experience was so chaotic and we were so deliriously sleepy that we forgot to take pictures.

Luther got to stay in our bedroom that night but after a few snorts and whines he was moved to the bathroom...