August Ray Balch was born on Tuesday, February 8 at 4:38 in the late afternoon. He weighed in at 10 pounds, 1 ounce, and measured 22 inches long.
You may notice that my last update in the 4-6 Weeks Project is missing an entry for February 8. I’m writing this from the hospital, so I haven’t been home yet to edit and write the photo from that day.
My water broke at 2 o’clock in the afternoon while I was napping with Eleanor. I called Brandon to have him take me to the hospital and his parents came to stay with Eleanor. August was born less than three hours later in an unmedicated, natural delivery (all ten pounds of him). I was fully in favor of receiving an epidural, but I progressed so quickly that by the time the anesthesiologist had finally arrived, I was ready to deliver. Thankfully it was speedy!
August and I are doing well. Eleanor has already met him and she was very sweet to her little brother. I’m looking forward to going home tonight to my family of four.
donaville
February 10, 2011 at 11:12 amhuge congrats! here’s to a swift recovery for you! can’t wait to see photos :)
Kari
February 10, 2011 at 11:13 amWow, a 10 pounder! That’s a healthy baby, and you are my hero. Congratulations to the whole family!
Michelle
February 10, 2011 at 11:14 amSo many congrats to you and your family!!
Sarah K
February 10, 2011 at 11:14 amCongratulations!
Amy
February 10, 2011 at 11:14 amCONGRATULATIONS!!!
Catherine
February 10, 2011 at 11:14 amHUGE congratulations to you and your family (of four!).
Kelly
February 10, 2011 at 11:14 amhooray! congrats to you all! xo
Christina
February 10, 2011 at 11:14 amCongrats Nicole, Brandon, and Eleanor!
amber of theambershow.net
February 10, 2011 at 11:15 amCongratulations! I’m so happy for you, and I love his name! Is he going to be called Gus?
Jenny at LGN
February 10, 2011 at 11:15 amCongratulations, Nicole and family! You deserve some JEWELRY after a 10-pounder!! Wow! :)
heather
February 10, 2011 at 11:15 amCongratulations! Can’t wait to see the newest member of your family and glad to hear you are all happy and healthy too!
Amanda @ willful/joyful
February 10, 2011 at 11:15 amGlad to hear you and baby are doing well! I love the name and can’t wait to see pictures :)
katek
February 10, 2011 at 11:15 amcongrats! glad everything went smoothly…and hope your newest family of four member gives you a little shut eye so you can rest!
Ronnie
February 10, 2011 at 11:15 amSounds like a big healthy boy!! Congratulations to all of you!!
Carol
February 10, 2011 at 11:16 amYAY! Nice job, Nicole! Can’t wait to see him~
Christa M
February 10, 2011 at 11:16 amCongrats to all of you! August is a family name (and the month of my birth) so I am a HUGE fan of his name! Blessings to all of you! I almost cried….tears of joy!
kaelva
February 10, 2011 at 11:16 amCongratulations!! I’m glad you are both doing well!
hannah
February 10, 2011 at 11:16 amCongratulations! My nephew named August was born last year so of course I LOVE your name choice. I’m sure he’s beautiful!
Beth
February 10, 2011 at 11:17 amHooray! And you chose such a beautiful name for him. (I was kind of skeptical of “Frederick.” Haha.)
Anyway, big congratulations to the Balch family, and prayers for a speedy recovery for you. I cannot BELIEVE that after all that, you still made time to blog! Can’t wait to see photos, but rest easy and enjoy your new baby boy. <3
thais
February 10, 2011 at 11:17 amcongratulations!
and august is a BEAUTIFUL name.
Candy
February 10, 2011 at 11:17 amCongratulations to your wonderful little family!
Cliona
February 10, 2011 at 11:17 amYey! Congratulations, Best wishes at this very special time :)
liz @ btb
February 10, 2011 at 11:18 amHappy Birthday baby August! I’m in shock… 3 hours?? I was a ten pounder at birth too. By the time my mom asked for meds, it was too late. congrats Momma! You are Super Woman!
lala
February 10, 2011 at 11:19 amHooray! Best wishes to the Balch family!
casey
February 10, 2011 at 11:19 amI LOVE the name!! and congratulations on your family of 4! So glad to hear all went well… looking forward to many more updates!
Jen @ RamblingRenovators
February 10, 2011 at 11:19 amCongratulations Nicole, Brandon & Eleanor! August – such a perfect handsome name. Sorry to hear you had some complications Nicole but it sounds like the delivery went well. And 10lbs naturally – you’re awesome! Hoping you heal quickly. Can’t wait to see pics of your family of four.
Ashley
February 10, 2011 at 11:19 amWelcome to the world August Ray!!!
Congrats!!
Kat
February 10, 2011 at 11:19 amCongratulations on August! Can’t wait to see pictures!
Molly
February 10, 2011 at 11:20 amWhat a happy day! Congratulations to you and your family!
Jennifer
February 10, 2011 at 11:20 amCongratulations!!! I’m glad to hear that everyone is well.
carrie
February 10, 2011 at 11:20 amcongratulations!!!
Tracy
February 10, 2011 at 11:20 amCongratulations! That’s our little girls birthday as well. It’s a good day for a birthday. :o)
Carolyn
February 10, 2011 at 11:21 amCongratulations!
Rae
February 10, 2011 at 11:21 amCongrats on the new little one. God is so good!The fact that you even made time to blog about it is amazing in itself. I hope you get some much needed rest, and enjoy your new family! :)
molly
February 10, 2011 at 11:22 amWelcome August Ray! And congrats to you and your family, Nicole!
Katie
February 10, 2011 at 11:22 amSo glad you are both well! Congratulations!
KT @ KT's Refinishing School
February 10, 2011 at 11:22 amCongratulations!! August is a family name for us so I love it! Enjoy this special time together :)
Bethany
February 10, 2011 at 11:22 amCongrats! I’ve heard it said that boys are early, girls are late…
Caitlin
February 10, 2011 at 11:23 amCongratulations! Welcome to little August Ray!
Elle
February 10, 2011 at 11:23 amCongratulations to you and your beautiful family!
vika
February 10, 2011 at 11:23 amOHMYGOODNESS!! A million congratulations to you!! I pushed out an 8lb11oz, I can’t imagine pushing out a 10lb baby, in 3 hours nonetheless! I’m glad you had such a quick labor.
Can’t wait for photos.
BTW – August is such a lovely name!
Stacy
February 10, 2011 at 11:24 amWow congratulations! I follow your blog very closely and this was such a nice surprise. I had the same placenta problem with my first baby. Having someone grope around in your uterus after you’ve given birth is one of the most unpleasant experiences.
The Maiden Metallurgist
February 10, 2011 at 11:25 amCongratulations!
gen
February 10, 2011 at 11:26 amwow, nicole, congratulations! i can’t wait to see the pictures! :)
NancyV908
February 10, 2011 at 11:26 amSo happy for you & the family! Sorry for the complications, but the result sounds perfect! Can’t wait for pix.
Amanda
February 10, 2011 at 11:26 amCongrats! How exciting for your whole family.
Arin
February 10, 2011 at 11:26 amCongratulations! (And great name choice!)
Megan
February 10, 2011 at 11:27 amCongratulations! I had a feeling something was up when I didn’t see any posts for yesterday! You just broke the stereotype that 10 lb babies can’t be delivered naturally, and that’s amazing! I hope you’re having a ball with your newest addition!
Kathleen
February 10, 2011 at 11:27 amCongratulations! I’m so excited for your growing family. Best to all of you!
Manda
February 10, 2011 at 11:28 amCongratulations!! I can’t wait to “meet” him!!!!
Pati
February 10, 2011 at 11:28 amTen pounds!! Wow way to go Nicole! So happy for you and glad everything went well. Thanks for posting this.
Sarah
February 10, 2011 at 11:29 amCongrats!!
Jenny
February 10, 2011 at 11:29 amAUGUST!!! Yay!!! Congratulations to the whole happy family. :) Blessings for many beautiful days ahead…
Love!!!
MegRuth
February 10, 2011 at 11:30 amCONGRATULATIONS, Nicole!!! So happy for you and the fam. Can’t wait to see photos of your bundle.
Janice
February 10, 2011 at 11:30 amCongratulations, and welcome to the world to your new little man!!!!!!!!!!!! Now rest up Mama!
Terri
February 10, 2011 at 11:32 amCongratulations!
Vicky
February 10, 2011 at 11:33 amCongratulations to you, Brandon and Eleanor. Wow ten pounds naturally, well done to you!
Catherine
February 10, 2011 at 11:33 amCongratulations! I’m so glad you’re all doing well!
Alice
February 10, 2011 at 11:33 amCongratulations, Nicole! I love his name and can’t wait to see a picture. So sweet to hear the Eleanor is already the loving big sister we all knew she would be!
Melanie
February 10, 2011 at 11:33 amCongratulations!
Dawn
February 10, 2011 at 11:34 amCongratulations to you all! So happy to hear that his delivery went well. Good luck to you settling into your expanded family life. Thank you for sharing it with us. D.
holly | bijou lovely
February 10, 2011 at 11:34 amCongratulations! Glad everything went smoothly. I love the name August, can’t wait to see photos!
Nikka
February 10, 2011 at 11:34 amCongratulations! August is a wonderful name for your new boy :)
As a longtime reader, i have been looking forward to this post, and can’t wait to see pictures! Rest & relish in these moments! Congrats again!
Karen
February 10, 2011 at 11:35 amCongratulations! What a terrific name for what should be an adorably dapper little boy.
Angela
February 10, 2011 at 11:35 amCongratulations!
Diana Smith
February 10, 2011 at 11:35 amWOW you are a brave woman! Natural labor?!?! My goodness, you deserve an award for the especially a 10 pounder!! You are awesome!!
Kristina
February 10, 2011 at 11:36 amBIG congrats! Natural delivery to a 10 pound baby boy, a mere seven days after a blizzard? That must be a record of sorts!
Lily
February 10, 2011 at 11:36 amBeautiful date for a birthday. congratulations!!
karen @ our slo house
February 10, 2011 at 11:36 amcongratulations & hugs.
I’m glad to hear everyone is doing well.
p.s. Love the name “August”.
Kelly P
February 10, 2011 at 11:37 amCongratulations to the whole family! What a wonderful name. Can’t wait to see pictures :-)
Christine
February 10, 2011 at 11:38 amYay!!! Huge congratulations to you and your family! 3 hour labour? I can only hope that is me one day. Enjoy your new little babe.
love the name “August” :)
Katie W
February 10, 2011 at 11:38 amCongratulations! What a wonderful early surprise. I’m glad everyone is well and hope you find some time to rest in the upcoming weeks!
Jessica
February 10, 2011 at 11:38 amCongratulations!
Nicole
February 10, 2011 at 11:39 amSuper! Enjoy your arrival home!
Christine
February 10, 2011 at 11:39 amp.s. 10lbs 1 oz!!? You are a trooper.
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d
February 10, 2011 at 11:39 amCongrats Nicole, Brandon and Eleanor! That’s so exciting! I’m sure you’re happy this one was early!
Amanda
February 10, 2011 at 11:40 amCongratulations! Many Sweet Blessings to you and yours!
raya
February 10, 2011 at 11:40 amI was just thinking about you this morning and wondering. Congratulations – I adore the name : ) Rest & snuggle…and can it be my turn now? xoxo
amanda james
February 10, 2011 at 11:40 amcongartulations to your little son and your family of four!!!
meta
February 10, 2011 at 11:41 amFélicitations! I’m following you: first girl, now baking a boy :) Speedy recovery!
tia
February 10, 2011 at 11:41 amawww congratulations nicole, brandon and eleanor! and welcome to baby august ray :)
Heather Maynard
February 10, 2011 at 11:41 amCongrats! So glad to hear you’re both doing well! February 8 – August and I share a birthday!
Jen @ homeinthecountry
February 10, 2011 at 11:42 amCongratulations!
Catherine
February 10, 2011 at 11:43 amCongrats!!!! And if you didn’t buy that lapel medal…I think you might have just earned it! 10lbs naturally-wow!!!
Valerie
February 10, 2011 at 11:43 amCongrats, to you, Nicole, and your entire family! Can’t wait to see pictures of the cutie pie! Great name for a robust baby boy!
Emily
February 10, 2011 at 11:43 amSo happy for you and excited that you chose August. I voted for it when you polled… it was my great-grandfather’s name. Although I never met him, I have some beautiful watercolors he painted.
jbhat
February 10, 2011 at 11:44 amThis is thrilling news. Congratulations to all of you! August is splendid name.
jbhat
Lauren
February 10, 2011 at 11:44 amI am sure I am not the first person to say this, nor will I be the last but natural birth of a 10 pounder? You are a ROCK STAR! Congratulations and I love his name!
Anu
February 10, 2011 at 11:45 amCongrats & have a restful weekend.
Allison
February 10, 2011 at 11:45 amCongratulations!! Best wishes for settling in comfortably as a family of four and good luck with the ongoing basement renovations!
Scraps
February 10, 2011 at 11:45 amCongrats on your family of four! (and, wow, 10 pounds naturally? you are awesome!)
JLR
February 10, 2011 at 11:49 amCongrats – and August is a fab name for a little boy
shalini
February 10, 2011 at 11:49 amCongratulations! Wow, 10 lbs and a natural delivery, that’s quite something.
Sherri
February 10, 2011 at 11:49 amI’ve been following you for a while but have never left a comment… I became hooked because of your darling idea of how you photographed Eleanor… my daughter is due to have her first baby (Yay!) and so all of a sudden baby things are on my mind. CONGRATULATIONS!!! There is nothing like ‘four’!!! Enjoy they grow up fast!!!
Tara Jane
February 10, 2011 at 11:49 amCongratulations! August is a great name, will you call him “Gus”? Hugs to your family.
Kristin
February 10, 2011 at 11:49 amCongratulations on your family of 4! Absolutely love the name too. :)
Kim
February 10, 2011 at 11:50 amWOW! You are wonderwoman :) Congratulations!!
adrienne
February 10, 2011 at 11:52 amAwww… Congratulations!
My friend at work just had an August too, but he calls him Gus…
Get some rest!
Ana@Rearranged Design
February 10, 2011 at 11:52 amCongratulations Nicole!
Tânia
February 10, 2011 at 11:55 amCongratulations Nicole! :D I’m really happy for you. Wish you a really happy home return and only good thinks to you and your family. :D