Calvin Edward Balch

Calvin Edward Balch

I joked on Wednesday evening that I had just bought some fancy flowers to photograph in my entryway for an upcoming post, thereby guaranteeing that I would go into labor before being able to take pictures the next day. Well?

Calvin Edward Balch

Calvin Edward Balch was born at 8:18 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2014. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces (the smallest of our three), and measured 21 inches long. He has fuzzy brown hair with a polka dot of a blonde spot, right in the center on top, and very dark blue eyes that make it impossible to predict what color they will stay.

I’d given birth before without an epidural, so that part of the experience wasn’t new, but this delivery was the first that was free of complications (thank goodness). Calvin and I are happy and healthy, and our family of five is doing well!

Comments

115 responses to “Calvin Edward Balch”

  1. Jen H. Avatar
    Jen H.

    He is beautiful and perfect. Huge congratulations to you and your family! Welcome to the three-kids club. :)

  2. RebeccaNYC Avatar
    RebeccaNYC

    You sure do make pretty babies…And he looks just like his brother and sister!! .CONGRATULATIONS!!

  3. Karen L. Avatar
    Karen L.

    Soo happy for you, Calvin, and your whole family! So adorable and love that all went well for both of you. What a cutie-pie of a son! Love his name, too. Thanks for sharing such a sweet picture of your beautiful baby. Blessings on all of you!

  4. Vanessa Avatar

    Aw, congratulations! He’s beautiful! Love his name.

  5. Chrystal Avatar

    Congratulations! Calvin is adorable. :)

  6. Heather Avatar

    Aww. He is so cute. Congratulations!

  7. Kimberly Avatar
    Kimberly

    Yay! Congratulations. Nicole and family! So glad to hear your beautiful boy is here safely!

  8. Gretchen Avatar

    Huge congratulations!!!! He’s beautiful…and you’re great at naming babies, a trait I much admire (says the mother of another August ;))

  9. Amanda B Avatar
    Amanda B

    Incredibly happy for you and your family! What a beautiful boy! Hope your family is enjoying their new little brother!

  10. Grace @ sense and simplicity Avatar

    Congratulations. He looks adorable.

  11. Kelly K Avatar
    Kelly K

    So happy for you! Our third baby seemed to round out our family beautifully – I bet Calvin will do the same for your’s. He’s just lovely!

  12. nancy50 Avatar
    nancy50

    Congrats to you and Brandon on your new little blessing – he’s a cutie!

  13. liz @ btb Avatar

    He’s perfect! What a sweet little face. Congrats y’all!

  14. Priscilla Avatar

    Congratulations! So glad you & Calvin are doing well! What a sweet name :)

  15. Hannah Avatar
    Hannah

    I’m a silent reader of your blog, but thought this was worth a comment. Congrats on Baby Calvin, he’s a beauty!

  16. Nat @ This Little Yellow House Avatar

    Nawww that is awesome news. Congratulations and I love his name.

  17. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Oh he is just beautiful. Congratulations to you and your family. Enjoy every moment.

  18. Cindy Avatar

    Congrats on the newest. Addition to your family! Glad to hear all went well!

  19. Katie Avatar

    Congratulations! I know a couple of people with dark hair and blond spots. Our neighbor’s child has a blond spot right on top of his head and our neighbor likes to say that it was God giving him one more kiss before he came down.

  20. Gina Avatar
    Gina

    Congratulations! He is beautiful!

  21. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    He’s wonderful. Congratulations!

  22. Audrie Avatar

    Congratulations! He’s just beautiful!

  23. AnnMarie Avatar
    AnnMarie

    Congratulations! He looks so snuggly and cute and just downright adorable. ^_^

  24. CK Avatar
    CK

    Congratulations to your family!

  25. kristin Avatar

    Oh he’s so precious and beautiful! Love his name too, you guys have great taste in names. :) So glad to hear you didn’t have any complications with this guy, that will make the newborn period that much sweeter. Take care and enjoy your THREE kids!! It’s a trip at the beginning!

  26. Line Avatar
    Line

    Congratulation to all of you :) He looks absolutely wonderful.

  27. Sana Avatar

    Congratulations, Nicole, and welcome to little Calvin!

  28. poulattitude Avatar

    Congratulations ! What a cuteeee baby :)
    Enjoy !!!

  29. Becci Avatar

    Congratulations! He’s adorable! <3
    Many greetings from Germany
    Becci

  30. sandi m Avatar
    sandi m

    What a cutie!! Now hope he stays this quiet….
    Congratulations to all!

  31. Brie Avatar
    Brie

    Congratulations! He’s precious. :)

  32. elicia Avatar
    elicia

    He’s beautiful! Congratulations to you all.

  33. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    He’s beautiful! Congratulations! :)

  34. Julie. Avatar
    Julie.

    Oh my gosh Congratulations and welcome to little Calvin!!! My son had a little polka dot of a blonde spot on the back of his head when he was a baby and he’s 9 now and still has it – I love it!

  35. Ragnhild Avatar
    Ragnhild

    Congratulations!
    I am so happy for you.
    Lots of love from long timer reader, first time commenter from Norway

  36. Bonnie Avatar

    I found you through the Chicago Tribune when Eleanor was a newborn. Now there is sweet Calvin to join her and August in the patter of little feet around the Victorian. Joy!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

  37. Juli Avatar

    congratulations!! what a sweetheart.

  38. Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! That was worth all of the unnecessary exclamation points. :)

    He is so beautiful and I am so excited to see how he grows up in the lovely home you have made with your family. Enjoy the early days, hate to say it, but before you know it he will be in college! What am I saying, I’m only 16 and it feels like 4192 years until I go to college.

    Much love to the whole family! Can’t wait to see how the nursery comes along!

    Sarah

  39. Jenny G. Avatar
    Jenny G.

    He’s beautiful! Congratulations! Get some rest and enjoy your new family of 5.

  40. Amy Avatar

    Congratulations! 8 lbs 9 oz is your smallest baby?! You deserve some pretty fantastic Mother’s Day breakfasts for the rest of your life! ;)

  41. Diane@InMyOwnStyle Avatar

    So precious- Congratulations to you and your family. I am looking forward to watching him grow through your posts.. XO

  42. Jennifer Avatar

    He’s perfect! Congratulations! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

  43. Brittony Avatar

    congrats! what a beauty he is.

  44. Cynthia Avatar
    Cynthia

    What a beaut! Congrats to all and kudos to the parents for another stellar name pick!

  45. LeeAnn Avatar

    He is a perfect, beautiful baby! Congratulations!

  46. Anne@itsabaltimorelife Avatar

    Ahhh congratulations! I love his name. He is the same birth size and weight that my daughter was…how freaky is that!!!

  47. Eleni Avatar
    Eleni

    Congratulations to your family for the new baby!

  48. Mary Kay Nelson Avatar
    Mary Kay Nelson

    Congratulations! He is absolutely beautiful!

  49. lsaspacey Avatar

    Congrats! His photo looks so much like the one you took of Eleanor! You know with a name like Calvin to expect a lot of stuffed tiger toys for presents, right?

  50. Raquel Avatar
    Raquel

    Congratulations! He is adorable–such clear, perfect skin for a newborn!

  51. Amie M Avatar
    Amie M

    Congratulations! I am waiting for mine to pop out any second. Any second now. C’mon baby.

  52. Jacole Avatar
    Jacole

    Congrats to your family! What a great day to be born…my birthday too! :)

  53. Allison Avatar

    Congratulations to you and your family!

  54. Erika Avatar
    Erika

    Congratulations! And what a lovely name!

  55. Ariane Avatar

    Félicitations ! He looks perfect – just like his sister and brother :) Take care.

  56. Tonia Avatar
    Tonia

    Congratulations! He’s just adorable. I’m so glad all is well with you both!

  57. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Congrats!

  58. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    Congratulations! He’s beautiful — take care!

  59. Nadine Avatar
    Nadine

    Congratulations! He’s adorable.

  60. Deb Avatar
    Deb

    So happy everything went smooth for you and Calvin! Congrats to you and your family!!

  61. Desiree Fawn Avatar

    Yay!! Congrats :D

  62. wendy Avatar
    wendy

    Amazing. Congratulations on the family expansion.

  63. Marcee ... ILLINOIS Avatar
    Marcee … ILLINOIS

    Mazel Tov! ;)) May Calvin bring you naches! At first glance, I thought it was Eleanor. For sure, August and big sister will absolutely adore their baby brother. P.S. Everyone get some sleep!

  64. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Congratulations, he’s perfect! Also, glad to hear that they delivery went just fine without complications!

  65. Alison Avatar
    Alison

    Congratulations!! Both on the beautiful baby, and also on the labour going well — what a relief!

  66. Libby Avatar

    Congratulations! So happy for you and your lovely family – Calvin looks gorgeous!

  67. Peaches Avatar

    Welcome welcome welcome Baby Calvin! Hugs and rest to you all :)

  68. Laura Avatar

    Awwww – he looks perfect! Congrats mama, and glad to hear the birth was complication-free!

  69. Mary Ann Avatar

    He’s perfectly gorgeous!

    Congratulations on your handsome new boy, and thanks so much for sharing – it’s a delightful way to start a new week!

  70. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    What a beautiful Boy. We are so happy for you and your adorable Family. Love from all of us. We have followed you since you were carrying Eleanor and enjoyed your writing and wonderful Creativity.

  71. Sasha Avatar
    Sasha

    How exciting! He is just precious. Congratulations to your family, on your newest addition!

  72. Tina Slocum Avatar
    Tina Slocum

    Congratulations to you and your Family! Welcome Baby Calvin! He is a Beautiful Balch Baby for sure! So glad all went well, Nicole.

  73. Ursula Ellis Avatar
    Ursula Ellis

    Congrats! He is beautiful.

  74. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Congrats! We also named our son Calvin, so I love and endorse the name. And though I say we also used the same name, we’ve never run into another Calvin, so it’s unique without being odd, and no worries that he’ll ever be 1 of 6 Calvin’s in his class.

    1. Marcee ... ILLINOIS Avatar
      Marcee … ILLINOIS

      The baby’s name is really lovely. I had a friend named Calvin in art school. Everyone called him “Vin” though. A cool nickname.

  75. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    What wonderful news! I wish you and your family all the best.

  76. raeleneb Avatar
    raeleneb

    Wahooooo! He’s adorable. Welcome to the world, little Calvin. So happy to have you!

  77. Maegan Avatar
    Maegan

    I don’t usually comment, but I’m a long time stalker and just had to today….. he is ADORABLE! I LOVE LOVE the name! Congratulations!

  78. chris Avatar

    congratulations! what a great name. enjoy!

  79. jbhat Avatar
    jbhat

    Wonderful news, and congratulations to all of the B5! I love Calvin’s name, and am glad his “birthday party” went smoothly for you. :)

    jbhat

  80. Tara Jane Avatar
    Tara Jane

    Congratulations, he is beautiful. Great name!

  81. Aoife Avatar
    Aoife

    I’ve never commented here before but Calvin is just so gorgeous I had to say congratulations!

  82. Noelle @ Noelle Mullins Design Avatar

    Congratulations! So exciting and such a sweet name. The first few weeks are so extra special, enjoy it!

  83. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Congratulations! Calvin is a lovely name for such a beautiful baby boy.

  84. Jan Avatar
    Jan

    Congratulations! He looks just like Eleanor.

  85. Nikole Avatar
    Nikole

    Congratulations! I’m so thrilled for you and your family :)

  86. Katherine Avatar
    Katherine

    Congratulations to you and your family! He’s perfect!

  87. erin Avatar
    erin

    He is SO handsome, his name is PERFECT, and I’m so very glad you didn’t have any complications! Congrats, Balch Family!

  88. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    He is adorable! I love his name. Congratulations :)

  89. Maggie Avatar
    Maggie

    Congratulations!!

  90. Kathryn Avatar
    Kathryn

    Congratulations Balch family! What a sweet and handsome boy he is.

  91. Tanja Avatar
    Tanja

    Congratulations!!!! And I wish you a very nice and peaceful first time altogether!

  92. marij Avatar
    marij

    Congratulations!! He looks adorable. I hope the family is doing well.

  93. Morgan Wilson Avatar
    Morgan Wilson

    He is seriously perfect! Congratulations!!

  94. itziar Avatar

    Congratulations!
    The new in the family is so adorable!

  95. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    Congrats on that bundle of perfection. Your oldest two cuties are almost the exact same ages as my two boys. This is making me want another!

  96. CTDC Avatar
    CTDC

    Congratulations! He looks perfect. Good job, Mama!

  97. Haley J. Avatar
    Haley J.

    Congratulations, Nicole! He is absolutely beautiful!

  98. Debren Avatar
    Debren

    wow, Nicole, you sure do make beautiful babies! Many congratulations! Calvin looks so peaceful and mellow. Looking forward to watching him grow with his siblings….

  99. Dee Avatar

    He is SO very lovely. Perfect, even. I love how you choose such good, solid names as opposed to way “out there” names kids would probably be tempted to change when they come of age. A beautiful family you have! Can’t wait to see more Calvin Edward!

  100. Shauna Avatar
    Shauna

    Félicitations! Gorgeous child!

  101. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    Congratulations!! He is such a precious little sweetie!

  102. Sarah F. Avatar
    Sarah F.

    Congratulations! Calvin is beautiful. And I’m glad to hear things went smoothly for you. Enjoy this special time!

  103. Jessica Avatar

    Congratulations! I’m glad there were no complications this time.

  104. Margie Avatar
    Margie

    Congratulations. He’s beautiful.

  105. Eva Avatar
    Eva

    What a beautiful baby! Congratulations! BTW, our oldest had dark blue eyes when he was born, and they turned into dark brown eyes after a couple of weeks.

  106. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    He is beautiful. Congratulations!

  107. Sava Avatar
    Sava

    Congratulations! He is a cutie.

  108. v.j. kohout Avatar
    v.j. kohout

    Congratulations to you both. He is all Eleanor, well, with a little distinction.

  109. […] their best. They were much prettier four days prior to being photographed, but then, you know… I went into labor! By the time I was out of the hospital and able to set my camera up, the pink dahlia had just about […]

  110. Kristin Avatar

    Congratulations! He is beautiful, and I am glad that you are both doing well. I have three kids too (7, 5 and 2) and I wish you luck! I found it to be a bit of a circus once the baby started to walk and all of a sudden it seemed like 2 adults was not quite enough to manage 3 kids. But now that our youngest is 2 it has settled down and we are in a good groove. It is sometimes a circus at our house, but it’s always lots of fun. Congrats!

  111. Cindy Wick Avatar

    i love October 2nd! My 4th one just turned 21 on that day. He’s an amazing kid, traveling in Europe right now. I predict the same ‘amazingness’ for Calvin. So glad everything went well for you. :)

  112. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Congratulations!

  113. cassidy Avatar
    cassidy

    Congrats! I saw his little face and instantly thought of Eleanor — a click back to an old post confirmed the impression. You do make them cute :)

  114. qlkowa Avatar

    Congratulations:)