Baby Boy Craner has finally arrived!

Well, as you know, the "due date" came and went....followed by 9 of the longest days of my life. But it was well worth the wait. Our son finally arrived Wednesday, Sept 17 at 8:12 pm. He weighs 9lb 7oz and is 21 1/2 inches long.
The birth was beautiful, although slow to start. My water began leaking at 3am, but we waited until 4pm for my contractions. Once they started, they intensified rapidly, and I was surprised when I felt the undeniable urge to push. It was a peaceful moment for Ben and the girls and me as we welcomed him into the world. He is healthy and calm and sweet, and we are so happy to have him here at last.
We're still trying names on him....hopefully we'll have a decision soon!


Kiki is so excited to be a big sister Liv put on the first diaper (with midwife Chris supervising)
He's a champion breastfeeder, even during my "porn star" stage of motherhood
Isn't he handsome?

Any day now..............


So tomorrow is the official "due date" (how I detest that term). I'm feeling so many things right now....excitement to meet my son, anticipation of how labor will start and how the birth will evolve, denial that I'm about to start over with an infant, fear that I won't be able to handle juggling three children, joy over the promise of new life, love for this small but profoundly important person, wonder at my body's ability to grow another human being, gratitude for Ben and the girls for caring so gently for me, sorrow that I'll never experience the miracle of pregnancy again, sheer awe at the power of womanhood.......

Hopefully my next post will be of the baby on the outside! I'm prepared to go a week late, like I did with both girls, but my fingers are crossed that I won't have to! Stay tuned.......

1 week to go......

Two big sisters just counting the days until they can give proper hugs and kisses.......

3 weeks to go.....

I've begun the serious countdown now. My body is ready to stop being pregnant, but my brain isn't ready to accept the intensity of caring for a newborn. He's so much easier where he is now...
My local friends had a party for me called a Blessing Way or a Mother Blessing. It's a Navajo tradition that honors the mother's journey through pregnancy in preparation for birth. It was amazing (thanks Jenn and Andie!) and made me feel like the most powerful woman on earth. The rituals consisted of energy cleansing, foot bath and massage, decorating my belly with henna for good luck, offering a bead for a labor necklace for me and a bead for a birth bracelet for the baby, and everyone brought a meal to fill my freezer. The women who were here are wearing a string around their wrists at this very moment to remind them to send me positive energy during the remainder of my pregnancy, and they have all agreed to light a candle when I go into labor to continue sending their support until the baby is born. I feel so grateful to be included in such a wonderful circle of women. And for all of my long distance friends....I lit a candle during the party in honor of all of you who continue to send your love and support across the miles. Thanks!

Fun in the Sun

I don't know about the rest of you, but we're trying to cram in as much fun as possible before summer is done. These are our latest outings......

Ben is trying match my pregnancy weight gain by taking the kids out for ice cream every night.
Liv and auntie during our camping trip to the Uintah Mtns.

It's not a coincidence that the pool is located next to the raspberry and blackberry bushes. When they finish picking (or eating rather) berries, they are purple and in definite need of a wash.

Beus Park:

Kiki and Grandpa camping in the Uintah's.

LAGOON:

Summer Highlights

Speed demon....

White Pine, Wyoming

(Did I mention Ben won the title of Wyoming State

Downhill Mtn Bike Champion?)

Cherry Hill....

Fun with Blancas family and Burnside family at the North Carolina beach house.....

Kiki's first bike.......

These are a few of Liv's favorite things.....

Fun at Grandma's house......

6 Weeks to go.......

I am due to give birth to this boy 6 weeks from today. We had a playdate today with a family that has 2 girls the ages of Liv and Kiki and an 18 mo old boy. I wonder if their mother could see the obvious panic on my face. What have I done? What have I done? That's all I kept asking myself!