Meet Rory James Shakespear!

Our little chunky boy finally made his appearance 4 days after his due date on June 30th, which his oldest brother's birthday. So, my oldest and my youngest get to share their special day! 

My husband woke Weston up at about 6:30 on that morning. He said, "Happy Birthday." Weston mumbled, "Thanks." 

His dad said, "You are Rory are going to share your birthday." 

Well, that really woke him up! He jumped up and ran upstairs. He grinned at me and wanted to know what was happening. It was the cutest thing. 

We left him to sleep on the couch and be in charge of his four younger siblings when they woke up and then we zipped to the hospital. 

Our little Rory showed up at 3:27 in the afternoon. He weighed 9 lbs. 15 oz. And 21 inches long.

Yes. That's right. One ounce shy of 10 pounds. He is a whopper of a wonderful baby!

It was my hardest labor. This little (I mean, BIG) guy's shoulders got stuck. Laurie Hansen (my nurse midwife) was very firm with me. She got in my face. She told me I had to push. The epidural had worn off. And I was not the happiest camper. 

But I pushed. And I screamed. And I cried. 

And then it was over. 

They plopped him onto my belly. His slimey wet tush and legs were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. 

It wasn't until after that I learned he was in danger, that this labor could've ended very very badly. 

I'm so grateful to have him, to have him here safe. 

It's been an adjustment though. Getting used to taking care of a newborn again. All the feeding and diaper changing and rocking and getting up in the night. 

Wooh. I'm worn out.

But, of course, it's absolutely fantastic, too.

I love watching the kids with him. They adore him.

There are many hands to take him, to hold and snuggle him.

This little one is well-loved.