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.
Katie A.
February 10, 2011 at 1:47 pmCongratulations on your new baby boy! August is a beautiful name, and he’s a very lucky baby to have been born into your great family. <3
Sarah vL
February 10, 2011 at 1:48 pmCongratulations!!!!!!! So happy to hear you both are happy and healthy, and that the delivery was so quick!
A million congratulations to you and your family of four!
valerie
February 10, 2011 at 1:50 pmCONGRATULATIONS!!!
Beautiful name!! I’m so happy for you all!
Erin
February 10, 2011 at 1:51 pmYay! Congrats! I had a hunch when there hadn’t been an update in a while. Love his name! Our son, August Dylan, was born at home last July – also 10 pounds! It’s a family name and our favorite month – we get compliments on his name all the time! Enjoy your little one! Can’t wait for pictures!
Bethany
February 10, 2011 at 1:52 pmCongratulations! Wow, I don’t know how you did natural birth with a 10 lb baby, but I’m super happy you’re both happy and healthy!
the ravenna girls
February 10, 2011 at 1:53 pmWowee! Guess your 4-6 week project is getting cut short since yoir nrw handsome boy is here. Congrats!! Enjoy your first moments as a family of four.
Rachel
February 10, 2011 at 1:55 pmCongratulations! What a wonderful early Valentine’s Day present!
Rebecca @ beautiful square feet
February 10, 2011 at 1:55 pmMassive congratulations Nicole! August is a lovely name! So pleased you didn’t go overdue again! Well done! Looking forward to seeing pictures of him!
Marcia V. of Precious Style
February 10, 2011 at 1:55 pmCongratulations on your new addition! I can’t wait to see pictures of your new bigger bunch.
Sasha
February 10, 2011 at 1:56 pmOh happy, happy day! Congrats! So happy it went well and you are both doing well. Eleanor has lots to look forward too, being a big sister (I’m a big sis as well). Love the name too, so cute! Well wishes to your entire family :)
Krissy
February 10, 2011 at 1:57 pmMany congratulations on little August!! (Adorable name, by the way.) That’s so sweet Eleanor is already taking to him so sweetly.
Jenny
February 10, 2011 at 2:02 pmAww, congratulations Nicole! Can’t wait to see pictures, I bet he’s beautiful!
Khali
February 10, 2011 at 2:02 pmCongratulations and welcome to baby August!
Christina
February 10, 2011 at 2:04 pmOh how delightful! Congrat’s to you and your husband!
Circa1972vs1906
February 10, 2011 at 2:10 pmCongratulations! You really undertook the most harrowing of births with great aplomb! As always, your efficiency is impressive. August is a wonderful, strong name for a robust little fellow making his entrance to the world. Looking forward to the pictures. Rest, relax and enjoy your newly 4’d family!
rebecca.k
February 10, 2011 at 2:14 pmCongratulations to you and your family!
I love the name August! It is my son’s middle name :)
Renee Smith
February 10, 2011 at 2:14 pmHow fabulous!! Go mama!! 10+ pounds naturally… you are my hero. I went natural, but only delivered 7lb 6oz… You are a goddess of a mother (especially if that was not the plan, and you made it through it!). Virtual hugs and good vibes! Family of 3 was fun; family of 4 is even more fun!!
Kristen Anna
February 10, 2011 at 2:14 pmAw, congratulations and blessings on you and your family of four! :-)
Heather
February 10, 2011 at 2:14 pmCOngratulations!!! Love the name. Enjoy every moment of your family of four!
annie
February 10, 2011 at 2:16 pmCongrats! 10 pounds, wow.
Jennifer Hamilton
February 10, 2011 at 2:17 pmCongratulations! Glad everyone is doing well!
Kerri
February 10, 2011 at 2:19 pmCongratulations, Nicole!! I adore his name.
Valentina
February 10, 2011 at 2:22 pmCongratulations! I’m so happy for you and your family :)
I cant wait to see the pictures!
Beau
February 10, 2011 at 2:24 pmCongratulations to you, Brandon and the brand new big sister!
Mariela
February 10, 2011 at 2:24 pmCongratulations!,blessings for you and your family.
luuvely
February 10, 2011 at 2:25 pmCONGRATS! and if he is anything like Eleanor he will be a beautiful little baby :) congrats again!
ps…boys are AWESOME!
Cherie
February 10, 2011 at 2:30 pmChildren are truly a blessing from God. I am looking at your daughter’s birth picture imagining a little August instead. What a sweet day for you with a new son. Eleanor has a big responsibility now being the oldest.
Congratulations to Daddy; maybe the brown will even out all that pink now.
from Psalm 127:
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Kari S.
February 10, 2011 at 2:32 pmCongrats! the second ones really do come quick! Mine 2nd did too! August is such a beautiful name! Get lots of rest and I am very happy for you all!
kirsten
February 10, 2011 at 2:36 pmhappy birthday August!
Congrats to you and Brandon and big sis Eleanor. :)
Lora
February 10, 2011 at 2:40 pmWelcome to the world, August!
audrey
February 10, 2011 at 2:43 pmAugust & Eleanor go together so beautifully, and I love all of the old-world charm in them. I named my daughter Novella – it is also an old name. Peaked in the early 1900s. :)
You sure are a trooper – blogging from your hospital bed?!! I remember those long days & white walls. I am so glad your family is there with you. <3
CONGRATS!
Brankica
February 10, 2011 at 2:44 pmCongratulations to you and your family!! Love the name.
The Distressed Mother
February 10, 2011 at 2:44 pmCongratulations!! Welcome to the world, precious little one xx
Jen
February 10, 2011 at 2:45 pmCongratulations!! LOVE the name you choose.
Erin T.
February 10, 2011 at 2:46 pmCongratulations! So happy to hear you are both well and get to go home soon! Love his name :)
Alana
February 10, 2011 at 2:47 pmBIG, SUPER, HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS to you all. Welcome to the world, August! And congrats to big sister Eleanor!
Hope that all are resting as comfortably as possible.
My best to the whole Balch family!
Rebecca A
February 10, 2011 at 2:48 pmCongrats! Love the name by the way!
Crystal
February 10, 2011 at 2:53 pmWow! Congratulations! Sounds lovely and nice to hear as I’m 8 weeks pregnant myself.
Melissa
February 10, 2011 at 2:54 pmCongratulations! you’re one of my daily websites that I visit….love your site and all that you post.
Congratulations again! All the best,
Melissa. Making it lovely super fan! : )
Beck's Chic Life
February 10, 2011 at 2:54 pmCongrats! Beautiful name, and I can’t wait to see pictures!!! I am preggo with my first, so I have loved following your journey! Thanks for sharing.
liz
February 10, 2011 at 2:57 pmCongratulations!!!” You rock!!! Natural delivery and 10 lb baby!! Any tips??
katrina
February 10, 2011 at 2:57 pmCongratulations! Beautiful name!
Sarah
February 10, 2011 at 3:08 pmCongratulations on a healthy baby and easy delivery!
Laurie @ House to your Home
February 10, 2011 at 3:09 pmCongrats to you and your lovely family!! What a beautiful name!! Ten pounds!! Wow you’re a rock star!!!
Sheryn
February 10, 2011 at 3:19 pmCongratulations Nicole, that is fantastic news. As I was born in August you can imagine how much I am loving his name.
Michelle
February 10, 2011 at 3:20 pm10 lbs.! Wow! Congrats on an amazing delivery and your new bundle of joy! I’m feeling encouraged that my baby who is measuring “large” really isn’t so bad :)
Allison
February 10, 2011 at 3:25 pmCongrats! Good job with the natural delivery :)
Tina Riddell
February 10, 2011 at 3:28 pmCongratulations to you and your lovely family!!! Welcome baby August!!
Naomi
February 10, 2011 at 3:37 pmCongratulations!!!!!! :)
stidmama
February 10, 2011 at 3:40 pmSo pleased for you and your family. I hope that you can take some down time now, and enjoy!
Janey
February 10, 2011 at 3:43 pmCongratulations! August is such a nice name – very unusual! I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we are looking forward to seeing some photos! xx
Claire
February 10, 2011 at 3:43 pmCongratulations to your beautiful family! Also, LOVE the name. August is on my ‘best names’ list for our 3rd boy, expected in early June.
Hooray for healthy boy and mama. Whoa, you are amazing.
Wishing you the peace and comfort returning home always brings.
Claudia
February 10, 2011 at 3:46 pmCongratulations Mom (and Dad)
Welcome August Ray and Hi Eleonor Ann!
Laura Gaskill
February 10, 2011 at 3:48 pmCONGRATULATIONS NICOLE AND BRANDON!! Sorry for the all-caps, I just want to shout from the rooftops :D Wow, Mama, you are incredible!!! Lots of love coming from my corner to you and your newly expanded family.
Welcome to the world, dear August Ray!!! xoxo Laura
Lori
February 10, 2011 at 3:48 pmJoyful news! Congratulations to you all.
amyks
February 10, 2011 at 3:49 pmCongratulations to you and your Lovely family, can’t wait to “meet” him.
Kathryn S
February 10, 2011 at 3:55 pmCongratulations! Welcome August.
Kayzie
February 10, 2011 at 3:56 pmCongratulations! You are a supermom!
Karen @Sugarspicelivin
February 10, 2011 at 4:03 pmCongrats to you and your family!! I am dying over the name. LOVE it.
neysa
February 10, 2011 at 4:03 pmCongratulations!
Josephine
February 10, 2011 at 4:06 pmWelcome to August Ray ;-) He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s a lucky, lucky boy! I hope you all settle in well together!
Georgina
February 10, 2011 at 4:07 pmCongratulations! What a fabulous name!
Fernanda
February 10, 2011 at 4:08 pmCongratulations to you all!
Wishing you all the happiness
Fernanda
(Sao Paulo – Brazil)
Melissa
February 10, 2011 at 4:14 pmCongratulations! Love the name!
Dee
February 10, 2011 at 4:19 pmCongratulations! Adorable name!
Liz
February 10, 2011 at 4:35 pmCongrats!!!! I look forward to seeing more posts on August!
Natalie
February 10, 2011 at 4:41 pmCongratulations! So happy to hear you are all doing well :-)
Cheryl
February 10, 2011 at 4:42 pmSuch good news! Glad to “hear” you are dong well… Eleanor’s baby brother is here! All the best wishes to you and Brandon and the babies. I honestly don’t know how you manage all that you do! AMAZing… August :D
Liz Hernandez Nunez
February 10, 2011 at 4:48 pmCongratulations!!! Oh, I’m soo happy for you. It’s funny but I read your blog often but have never left a comment. Yet I felt such joy to hear that your baby boy was born and that you are doing well! Through the blog I feel connected to your happiness….
God Bless You and your family..
justine @ you're so martha
February 10, 2011 at 4:50 pmcongrats!! can’t wait to see how adorable he is.
Katha
February 10, 2011 at 4:52 pmCongratulations! What a beautiful name :)
Miss B.
February 10, 2011 at 4:52 pmHappy, Happy Day! Congrats to the Balch family and what a perfect name:)
P.S. Such a dedicated professional writing your blog from your hospital bed;)
K
February 10, 2011 at 5:01 pmCongratulations to the Balch family and way to go all natural, mama! Especially with a 10 pounder, phew! I just had an almost 9 lb son (a pound bigger than my daughter was) in December totally naturally with just a 5 hour labor, and I was so grateful for the experience. It was amazing! Don’t you feel justified in feeling like you had a massive baby out front, too? I know I did! Surprised me how big mine was – see, everyone, why my back hurt? Anyway, congrats again and enjoy your sweet newborn snuggles! :)
Ashlee
February 10, 2011 at 5:04 pmCongratulations! February 8th is a great birthday, trust me I know!
Alisa
February 10, 2011 at 5:08 pmCONGRATULATIONS! Especially on having a big 10 pounder naturally!!! Enjoy your little newborn.
(from Alaska)
gina
February 10, 2011 at 5:10 pmCongratulations! I can’t wait for pictures!!
shannon
February 10, 2011 at 5:13 pmcongratulations!
I am truly impressed that you delivered a 10 lb baby sans meds! You are a superwoman!
michelle
February 10, 2011 at 5:17 pmcongratulations to the balch family!!
Jett
February 10, 2011 at 5:29 pmCongratulations! I can’t wait to see pictures!
Jan
February 10, 2011 at 5:30 pmCongratulations Nicole and Brandon, looking forward to seeing photos of August.
Jules
February 10, 2011 at 5:34 pmGET OUT! I was wondering why I didn’t hear from you! Your August and my Nico are 3 years, 364 days apart in age. :)
Jules
February 10, 2011 at 5:34 pmp.s. Did I not tell you that you were looking CRAZY low the other day?
Erin
February 10, 2011 at 5:34 pmI don’t know if I have ever commented on your blog before, but the most heartfelt congratulations to your family! I am pretty sure you have the most adorable, hippest fam bam known to man!
Licia
February 10, 2011 at 5:35 pmCongratulations. I am glad that, in spite of the road bumps, you and your son are healthy. Best to you as you embark on the adventures of being a mom to two!
claire
February 10, 2011 at 5:46 pmCongrats, congrats, congrats!!! What a nice little family you have now!!! Can’t wait to meet him internet style!!! Happy everyone is doing well.
Alison
February 10, 2011 at 5:49 pmCongratulations to you and your now family of four! Thank you, also, for sharing your maternity fashion guide. I’m 4.5 months and drowning in what-to-wear. I really needed it. THANK YOU!
tracy
February 10, 2011 at 5:53 pmWOW CONGRATS!!! You need a big trophy for that. 10 LBS??!!! Dang girl! xoxoox
Liz @ Law Mama
February 10, 2011 at 5:56 pmAw, I just popped over here thinking you might have delivered, and you did! Congratulations!!
Tanya from dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com
February 10, 2011 at 6:09 pmCONGRATULATIONS!! What exciting, wonderful news! So sorry to read about your complications, but happy to hear you are doing well now.
Robin
February 10, 2011 at 6:10 pmCongratulations! What a beautiful and sweet blessing. Enjoy your new family of four!
RD
February 10, 2011 at 6:13 pmWonderful news! Congratulations to you all! He is beautiful.
Carolyn
February 10, 2011 at 6:15 pmOh my goodness! Congratulations! He is beautiful (and big!) and you are a rock star for the getting through the labor and delivery!
Grandpa & YiaYia
February 10, 2011 at 6:15 pmHooray – good job Colie – can’t wait to see both of our grandbabies again soon. Love ya’ – bye.
Katie G.
February 10, 2011 at 6:17 pmCongratulations! And I LOVE that name!
Lauren
February 10, 2011 at 6:20 pmLook at those little pink cheeks!! Congrats to you and your growing family!
Tatyana
February 10, 2011 at 6:21 pmCongratulations to you and your family! I think August is such a great name.
Emmmylizzzy
February 10, 2011 at 6:29 pmYay yay yay!! Congrats on such a handsome little guy – love the name August!
laurajane
February 10, 2011 at 6:30 pmHe’s beautiful! And wow- 10lbs?!?! That’s huge- makes the natural child birth even more impressive!
Val
February 10, 2011 at 6:33 pmCongratulations! He is beautiful!
Amanda
February 10, 2011 at 6:34 pmOMG I am so happy for you! What a handsome baby boy, and such a quick delivery. :D
atout
February 10, 2011 at 6:34 pmCongrats and welcome August!!