Maxson is Here!

Maxson Dean, our perfect baby boy, was born Sunday, November 14th at 2:59 pm. It was an absolutely gorgeous, sunny, brisk Calgary day. Ben and I watched a spectacular sunrise from our balcony while I was in early labor, and I just knew that this was our baby's day to finally join us. His timing was perfect, because the next day brought a snow storm, and a few days later Calgary was recorded as the second-coldest place in the world (only behind the South Pole), so we have loved being cozy at home with Max!

He weighed in at 6 pounds 14 ounces and 20.5 inches long (he is already taking after his dad with long legs and big feet and hands!) My labor was long, but it was amazing. I feel so incredibly lucky to not only have a healthy baby boy, but that I also had the birth experience of my dreams. I am so proud to say that it was 100% natural from start to finish. I have the most amazing husband in the world, who was - and continues to be - my rock through everything, easing me through the early stages of labor so that I was able to cope. I am amazed to say that the thought of an epidural or any other sort of pain management NEVER crossed my mind!

Labor is not as bad as everybody makes it out to be. Yes, it is VERY hard work, but if you have the frame of mind and a great support team, which I am so lucky to have had, it can be totally manageable. Not only was Ben calm, soothing and so strong for me, but I also had a doula, Leanne, who gave me the extra boost of strength and positivity that I needed as I entered the final stages.

Our midwife team was beyond anything I could have hoped for - nurturing, efficient, calm and so encouraging. And finally, bringing Max into the world in a birth center rather than a hospital is an opportunity I will be forever grateful for. During his first moments in this world, he was surrounded by a cozy environment with calm, nurturing people around, our favorite music and a relaxed mom and dad - I was oblivious, but Ben tells me that "Amber," a lovely, mellow song by the band 311, was playing when Max was born, so clearly that song now has new meaning for us!!

Without any drugs in my system, Max arrived wide-eyed and incredibly alert! Shortly after delivery, I was able to take a bath with Max, and we relaxed together and he had his first meal. He was awake for HOURS after his birth, just looking at the world all around - most babies fall asleep after one hour, so we treasured that extra time to bond with him.

Life is forever changed, and I am so, so happy for it. I never could have imagined the love I feel for Max and how overwhelming and all-encompassing that is.