The Sugar Shack: Delivery Day!

Here I am in my delivery room the night before Payton was born, getting ready for my cervical ripening. I was very excited for this day to finally be here--it was a relief to have a few days to plan everything and not have to make middle of the night phone calls! :-)

All smiles getting ready--check out those ankles and feet--one of the reasons why my midwife said it was time to have a baby! And yes, those were pretty much the only shoes that would fit me! :-)

Calling to check on Jakson before we settled in for the night!

Delivery day! Jakson had arrived at the hospital to visit. We had made a special photo book for him--Rory was reading it to him for the first time.

All of my friends/coworkers had signed one of those large pads they put on the beds to wish me luck (again, you have to keep in mind this is where we work...)

My mom all ready for Payton's arrival with her newly updated "Grammy" shirt on! :-)

Me and my mom! Obviously I am still smiling, so not too much pain yet! Things went kind of slow at first, but not long after they broke my water and I got my epidural, things sped up and I had to wait for my midwife to run over from the office before I could push! After only a few pushes little Payton James Estes arrived at 3:57pm on December 8, 2008!

The first reaction of everyone in the room--"he looks just like Jakson!!!"

Rory cutting the umbilical cord

The proud parents!

I just love this priceless shot Rory took of Payton laying skin-to-skin with me!

Just about half a pound bigger than Jakson!

My dear friend Heather who took care of me when I had Jakson came in a day early off her vacation to be there with me for Payton's birthday--what a blessing!

All done, feeling great, and waiting for Jakson to come see his little brother!

Rory, Payton, and I with my midwife Heather, who was just wonderful throughout the entire pregnancy and delivery!

I know these shots turned out blurry, but I think they sort of capture the essence of that moment. Jakson just couldn't wait to get in there and see Payton and they had been holding him back until I was sitting back up and ready for him. He ran all the way down the hall and straight up onto my bed--no hesitation! It was definitely a tearful moment for all of us!

Loving on his brother instead of mommy's belly! He was so excited!

FINALLY!!! I get to hold my brother! We made sure that Jakson was the first person to hold Payton, and he actually ended up holding him before even Daddy! It took quite some convincing to get him to share!