James Joseph Carmen came into the world at 2:37pm on Monday, December 1st, 6 lbs. 9 oz. 20 inches long with a heap of hair on his cutie head. I went to the hospital with Robyn on Sunday night, she went in shortly after her water broke at home and being in labor since 5 am... so she was in hard active labor from 8 pm on. There were a few minor complications, the baby's heart rate kept dipping too low any time she had a contraction or laid in the wrong position or when she was puking... at 4 am she got an epidural since there were issues with the baby, she was so exhausted by then anyway so she tried to get some rest. Well, the rest only lasted about 3 hours before she started feeling the contractions again, she was given pitocin to get the labor rolling again. She had the block done a few more times, each never really helping her (because it turned out it had come out so she wasn't actually getting the blocks), so she ended up having a natural childbirth like she originally wanted. It was so amazing! I was in there with her right until we could start to see his head (then everyone but Tony was shuffled out of the room for the actual delivery). Robyn was amazing, I'm so proud of her and the strength she had. She never cried out in pain, although she doesn't remember saying it, she did tell us how much it sucked, how horrible it was and to not have any children :) I'm exhausted today... I was breathing with her through every contraction helping her keep her focus and then when she was pushing (I was holding one of her legs up) every muscle in my body tensed as she pushed... so I'm tired and sore all over. I can't even imagine what she must be feeling today! It was funny, in the beginning, anytime her midwife or nurse would need to examine her or change her bedding, we would all turn away or hide in the corner. We just were not sure how comfortable she was having us all seeing her so exposed. By the time it came for her to start pushing, we were all excited to watch James' little head poking out, marveling at how much hair was on that tiny head and making sure each of us got a good look! Modesty just does not exist when you're in labor and delivery :) I can't explain it, being there for her with two other of her close female friends and Tony, her chosen family, but it felt tribal and primal, I was a part of a rite of passage... it was quite the education and I feel that much more prepared for whenever my time comes. I'm so grateful that she let me be a part of such an intense and intimate time in her life as she made the transition into motherhood! Congrats to Robyn and Tony! And welcome to the world James!