Dear Simon,

Your birth day, November 9, 2006, was an eventful one! I was so honored and excited to be a part of your mom’s pregnancy and your birth.

Unlike with your three older brothers, your mom’s labor started with her water bag breaking at 9:00 AM, which was a surprise to all of us, especially your mom! But once it broke her contractions began and we knew you were on your way. At some point in the days before you were born you had passed meconium into your amniotic fluid, so from the time our apprentice Lea Ann and I arrived (at 10:05 AM) until you were born we were very careful to watch your heart rate to be sure you were ok during your journey through labor and birth. And you were! You did great… and so did your mom!

Your mom worked very hard to relax and allow her body to open in the best possible way. She walked around outside and visited the horses, she sat on the birth ball, relaxed by leaning against your dad, and floated in a pool of warm water for several hours. Your dad supported her and your brothers cheered her on as it got closer to the time of your birth. She even did not mind too much when your two-year-old brother Elijah did a belly flop into the birth pool, splashing water all over the kitchen! At one point, she asked that the family pray for her to have strength and your brothers bowed their heads and prayed for you and your mom. I will never forget that sweet moment.

Then at 3:27 PM your mom began to push you out so we all could meet you. She pushed and pushed and pushed some more. You had a big head and it took some time for you to make your way. She took a break from pushing for a contraction and said “I’m having a stretching moment.” It was beautiful to watch her do exactly what she needed to and we knew she had the wisdom and strength to birth you.

We decided to help your mom out of the birthing pool so that she could use gravity to help her push you out. In the middle of the kitchen, with your Grandma Joanne and two-year-old brother Elijah close by, your dad supported your mom in a deep squat position and ten-year-old Lucas and six-year-old Noah sat right beside me and watched as your head started to appear. They were so excited to tell your mom “Wow, mom we see his hair!!” Noah told her that your head was “getting rounder” and he touched your head as it emerged. When I pointed to your little ear Lucas said, “It’s squished!” You s-l-o-w-l-y came all the way out of your mom at 4:40 PM and. Your other midwife Jennifer and I used a special suction to be sure to clear your airway really well, and then you went right into your mothers arms. She was SO happy to meet you! Lucas was very proud to cut your umbilical cord.

But I have to say, the biggest surprise of the day was when we weighed you and found out that you were 10 pounds 12 ounces! You are one of biggest and strongest babies I have helped to bring into the world.

Your birth was very special to me. Being with your family, kneeling on the kitchen floor with your brothers and helping you into the world Simon will be an experience I will not forget. Both Lucas and Noah were born into my hands and to have them by my side as my little assistants at your birth was an incredible and moving experience for me. The memories I have made with your family are etched on my heart. May you always know how special and loved you are. Welcome to the world Simon…

Love one of your midwives,

Alisa Voss