Parenting

August Ray Balch

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.

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  • Katie A.
    February 10, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    Congratulations 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 pm

    Congratulations!!!!!!! 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 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!
    Beautiful name!! I’m so happy for you all!

  • Erin
    February 10, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Yay! 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 pm

    Congratulations! 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 pm

    Wowee! 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 pm

    Congratulations! What a wonderful early Valentine’s Day present!

  • Rebecca @ beautiful square feet
    February 10, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    Massive 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 pm

    Congratulations on your new addition! I can’t wait to see pictures of your new bigger bunch.

  • Sasha
    February 10, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    Oh 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 pm

    Many 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 pm

    Aww, congratulations Nicole! Can’t wait to see pictures, I bet he’s beautiful!

  • Khali
    February 10, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Congratulations and welcome to baby August!

  • Christina
    February 10, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Oh how delightful! Congrat’s to you and your husband!

  • Circa1972vs1906
    February 10, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    Congratulations! 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 pm

    Congratulations 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 pm

    How 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 pm

    Aw, congratulations and blessings on you and your family of four! :-)

  • Heather
    February 10, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    COngratulations!!! Love the name. Enjoy every moment of your family of four!

  • annie
    February 10, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Congrats! 10 pounds, wow.

  • Jennifer Hamilton
    February 10, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Congratulations! Glad everyone is doing well!

  • Kerri
    February 10, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Congratulations, Nicole!! I adore his name.

  • Valentina
    February 10, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and your family :)
    I cant wait to see the pictures!

  • Beau
    February 10, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Congratulations to you, Brandon and the brand new big sister!

  • Mariela
    February 10, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Congratulations!,blessings for you and your family.

  • luuvely
    February 10, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    CONGRATS! 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 pm

    Children 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 pm

    Congrats! 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 pm

    happy birthday August!

    Congrats to you and Brandon and big sis Eleanor. :)

  • Lora
    February 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Welcome to the world, August!

  • audrey
    February 10, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    August & 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 pm

    Congratulations to you and your family!! Love the name.

  • The Distressed Mother
    February 10, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Congratulations!! Welcome to the world, precious little one xx

  • Jen
    February 10, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Congratulations!! LOVE the name you choose.

  • Erin T.
    February 10, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Congratulations! So happy to hear you are both well and get to go home soon! Love his name :)

  • Alana
    February 10, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    BIG, 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 pm

    Congrats! Love the name by the way!

  • Crystal
    February 10, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    Wow! Congratulations! Sounds lovely and nice to hear as I’m 8 weeks pregnant myself.

  • Melissa
    February 10, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Congratulations! 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 pm

    Congrats! 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 pm

    Congratulations!!!” You rock!!! Natural delivery and 10 lb baby!! Any tips??

  • katrina
    February 10, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    Congratulations! Beautiful name!

  • Sarah
    February 10, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Congratulations on a healthy baby and easy delivery!

  • Laurie @ House to your Home
    February 10, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Congrats 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 pm

    Congratulations 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 pm

    10 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 pm

    Congrats! Good job with the natural delivery :)

  • Tina Riddell
    February 10, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Congratulations to you and your lovely family!!! Welcome baby August!!

  • Naomi
    February 10, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Congratulations!!!!!! :)

  • stidmama
    February 10, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    So 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 pm

    Congratulations! 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 pm

    Congratulations 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 pm

    Congratulations Mom (and Dad)
    Welcome August Ray and Hi Eleonor Ann!

  • Laura Gaskill
    February 10, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS 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 pm

    Joyful news! Congratulations to you all.

  • amyks
    February 10, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Congratulations to you and your Lovely family, can’t wait to “meet” him.

  • Kathryn S
    February 10, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Congratulations! Welcome August.

  • Kayzie
    February 10, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Congratulations! You are a supermom!

  • Karen @Sugarspicelivin
    February 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Congrats to you and your family!! I am dying over the name. LOVE it.

  • neysa
    February 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Congratulations!

  • Josephine
    February 10, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Welcome 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 pm

    Congratulations! What a fabulous name!

  • Fernanda
    February 10, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    Congratulations to you all!
    Wishing you all the happiness
    Fernanda
    (Sao Paulo – Brazil)

  • Melissa
    February 10, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    Congratulations! Love the name!

  • Dee
    February 10, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    Congratulations! Adorable name!

  • Liz
    February 10, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    Congrats!!!! I look forward to seeing more posts on August!

  • Natalie
    February 10, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Congratulations! So happy to hear you are all doing well :-)

  • Cheryl
    February 10, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    Such 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 pm

    Congratulations!!! 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 pm

    congrats!! can’t wait to see how adorable he is.

  • Katha
    February 10, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Congratulations! What a beautiful name :)

  • Miss B.
    February 10, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Happy, 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 pm

    Congratulations 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 pm

    Congratulations! February 8th is a great birthday, trust me I know!

  • Alisa
    February 10, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS! Especially on having a big 10 pounder naturally!!! Enjoy your little newborn.
    (from Alaska)

  • gina
    February 10, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    Congratulations! I can’t wait for pictures!!

  • shannon
    February 10, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    congratulations!
    I am truly impressed that you delivered a 10 lb baby sans meds! You are a superwoman!

  • michelle
    February 10, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    congratulations to the balch family!!

  • Jett
    February 10, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to see pictures!

  • Jan
    February 10, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    Congratulations Nicole and Brandon, looking forward to seeing photos of August.

  • Jules
    February 10, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    GET 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 pm

      p.s. Did I not tell you that you were looking CRAZY low the other day?

  • Erin
    February 10, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    I 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 pm

    Congratulations. 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 pm

    Congrats, 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 pm

    Congratulations 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 pm

    WOW CONGRATS!!! You need a big trophy for that. 10 LBS??!!! Dang girl! xoxoox

  • Liz @ Law Mama
    February 10, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    Aw, 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 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!! 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 pm

    Congratulations! What a beautiful and sweet blessing. Enjoy your new family of four!

  • RD
    February 10, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Wonderful news! Congratulations to you all! He is beautiful.

  • Carolyn
    February 10, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    Oh 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 pm

    Hooray – 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 pm

    Congratulations! And I LOVE that name!

  • Lauren
    February 10, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Look at those little pink cheeks!! Congrats to you and your growing family!

  • Tatyana
    February 10, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    Congratulations to you and your family! I think August is such a great name.

  • Emmmylizzzy
    February 10, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    Yay yay yay!! Congrats on such a handsome little guy – love the name August!

  • laurajane
    February 10, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    He’s beautiful! And wow- 10lbs?!?! That’s huge- makes the natural child birth even more impressive!

  • Val
    February 10, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    Congratulations! He is beautiful!

  • Amanda
    February 10, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    OMG I am so happy for you! What a handsome baby boy, and such a quick delivery. :D

  • atout
    February 10, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    Congrats and welcome August!!

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