here he is :)

here he is, sweet thing! we can't believe he is finally here - although at the same time it feels like he always has been...

friday night we were sitting in our living room with mick's brother phill and his wife jane (who will be providing my children with a cousin in 11 weeks time, yay!) by the fire chatting away. i had literally just said to jane 'oh, my waters won't break - that only happens in the movies' as we were talking labour and baby talk, and then suddenly POP - um...my waters just broke! mick thought i was joking...then quickly called my midwife when he realised i was not!

it all began very quickly after that - my lovely midwife michelle arrived and all the worry of the head being in a funny position was put to rest - time to get on with labour! i spent some time in the kitchen by the fire leaning and singing and rolling my hips - someone pressing on my back during a contraction was very helpful. mum and mick were busy filling the tub in the living room and it was bliss to finally get in it after a few hours.

as it got more and more intense i noticed my shadow on the wall in the candlelight - crazy dreadlocks sticking out everywhere, i thought i looked like a lioness and used that energy to roar my way through! it was crazy and painful but empowering and wonderful at the same time - i am still trying to process it all, what an amazing experience. as his (gigantic!) head emerged, mum woke the girls to come and see their little brother entering the world - surrounded by love.

it has been a real healing for me as i planned to birth ivy in the very same room almost 7 years ago but ended up with a hospital transfer (yindi was also born in hospital in LA)...i can't begin to explain how lovely it is to stay in my own home and feel cosy with my family.

thankyou so much for all the well-wishes! mum printed them off for me to read and i will bind them into my pregnancy journal to keep forever!

(ivy the baby whisperer - singing banjo off to sleep - i may have to wake her at 3am to bust out a tune and let me get some rest tonight!)

Comments

[jodii]

He is gorgeous and you did such a great job as he was a whopper. Congrats to you all and can't get a more aussie name than Banjo

[carole]

beautiful drenching tears here :) mwah xxxxx Carole

[Rachel - New Zealand]

He is gorgeous and well done to you! Almost, lol almost makes me clucky again!
All the best for your early days.

[Leonie - Australia]

Congratulations on your sweet little boy, may he bring you much happiness!

[Michelle]

Congratulations. He is just gorgeous. I hope you have a wonderful babymoon..

[jenni jones]

What a beautiful, peaceful,loving world baby Banjo was brought into. You did an amazing job Em, it is not easy giving birth to a baby over 10lbs, believe me, I know! My 10 pounder is now a 6foot 2in 27 year old policeman. I am, and always have been so proud of my big strong boy.
Enjoy the journey.

[Kelly]

What a beautiful story, it brought tears to my eyes! congratulations, ya did good!

[Tula]

Congratulations. You have another gorgeous baby and such a wonderful story. Wishing nothing but tons of happiness to you and your beautiful family.

[nadene, wa]

ah bless your new little west aussie!
such a precious bundle to ♥

[Holly C.]

He's a beautiful sight to behold!

So happy for your whole family!☺

[Alison Gibbs]

He is so beautiful. How wonderful that you were able to have him at home and that the girls could join in the experience. Love the photo of Ivy and Banjo - you have a wonderful little babysitter in the making
Alison

[Georgia]

Tears. SO LOVELY. Glad you finally got the birth that you wanted. I know how important that is. Doing it your way is the most empowering thing there is! Congratulations. And seriously, LOVE THAT NAME. Wish I'd thought of it. He's gorgeous. I hope his feet aren't as big as his head and his booties fit!

[Chelsea]

oh bless... what a darling. He looks like Mick already!! I have been hanging out waiting for this post, checking a million times a day! Love ya xoxo

[Caitlin]

Congrats Em! He is a little darling. :)

[Nathalie]

I read your blog regularly and find it very inspiring, although I never leave any comments. However here I wish to send you my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to all the family. He is a gorgeous little boy.

Nat

[Kell Wicks]

Oh Em! He is absolutely beautiful!!! Maybe i am extra mushy because my sister just gave birth to my first nephew a couple of weeks ago, but I am so happy for you, mick, ivy and yindi :) Makes me want to go and sew some baby things (not for me, for you and my sis lol) Congrats from the other side of the country (Blue Mountains)!!!

[Sandy]

Absolutely adorable!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm really looking forward to get pregnant again soon.

Yet, Ivy the baby whisperer is very welcome to our home if she ever decided to visit Finland. Soon, I hope! :)

[Ruby]

42 years ago I gave birth to a 10 pound baby girl, in a hospital with medical people -- WOW I am so impressed! What a beautiful boy - Ivy looks so sweet "whispering" him to sleep - What was Yindi's reaction? I can't wait to see more photos - you have a beautful family -- God has blessed you!!

[hanna]

Aww! I'm so glad you were finally able to experience the birth you've always wanted. He's beautiful and perfect just like the girls. Congratulations again!

[Alicia]

Congratulations from Spain! Your family is wonderful.

[SusieJ]

What a gorgeous boy! Well done Em on achieving the birth you wanted.
Love and hugs to you all.
Sue xx

[Christie]

What a beautiful story! Congrats to all of you.

[Emily]

He is perfect! You did an awesome job bringing him into the world! So happy you were able to bring him in the way you'd hoped! Enjoy every little baby moment!

[Tara]

Absolutely beautiful! It's really brought me back to a few years ago. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Christine]

Big Banjo is amazingly beautiful. He looks like Yindi as a baby. Congratulations on a job well done now enjoy your new addition!
Christine