Welcoming baby Levi into the world.

After a long nine months and on his due date, my sweet baby Levi decided to make his much anticipated entrance into this world. I woke up in the early morning hours that Wednesday around 4AM thinking I had to go to the restroom. And after many attempts at doing such I realized that I felt like I had to use the restroom every 5 minutes...exactly. That is when I decided I better wake up Andy and get his opinion...for some reason I like to second guess such things. Once we were up and packing, I was at the point that I had to stop and brace myself during the now very obvious contractions. We then decided around 5:30Am to wake up Tate and get him in the car, we would call Grandmama and Grandpapa Weeks and have them meet us at the hospital to tend to Tate. As we drove (a little too slowly for my liking) to the brand new IMC hospital in Murray, Utah I was relieved to see that Tate was smiling and happy, daddy was calm, and I had time to put on my make-up and take some video. We were quickly admitted to the hospital and were in my labor room before we knew it. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw that Jennifer was going to be our nurse again (she was the same nurse we had during our lovely false alarm a couple of days prior). When she checked me around 6:30AM I was already dilated to a 7 and handling the contractions like a pro. Soon after arriving Tate's grandparents arrived and took him out to the waiting room to play with him and get him something to eat. I was very relieved to see how well my little guy was handling this early morning adventure. It seemed as long as he had his "nigh nights" (the blanket and Binky) that he was okay. By 7:00Am I got my incredibly painful epidural...(I think I might deliver my third child all natural just to forgo the painful epidural). I should have listened to the nurse who encouraged me not to get one (due to the awful experience I had getting one with Tate), she said that I would have the baby much quicker without one, but it will just be more intense and painful...I decided that we were in no hurry and maybe the last guy that gave me an epidural didn't know what he was doing. I was wrong, turns out I must have a lot more nerve endings than most people in that spot...lucky me! I was so happy to see my little sister Ashley walk through the door around 7:00Am. She has had more experience with the birthing process than me and just her presence was a powerful comfort to me. Also, Ashley was able to take the video for us, for which I was very grateful. Around 7:15Am the nurse checked my progress again, and I was already at a 9. We waited for my beloved doctor Terry to arrive because I was feeling the urge to push as they say. My doctor is an over the top nice and happy guy and a little funny side note...when he turned on the bright light (you know the one I'm referring to), it was directly in my eyes and blinded me. Then he said in a deep voice, "What were you doing nine months ago?"...as if the huge light was intended for interrogating instead of delivering. This time I could feel a lot (I think the nurses purposefully did not give me more medication near the time I was to start pushing), but Andy thought that was a good thing because I was much more successful at pushing and moving around afterwards. I pushed through two contractions and listened to the doctor's voice encouraging me and mentioning the beautiful dark head of hair. The next thing I new a miracle took place and the doctor handed me the most beautiful baby boy. I will never forget the first time we saw each other, such an amazing moment! I am always in awe at how strong the spirit is in the room of a newborn. I feel like I am holding a small piece of heaven when I hold my newborn babies. Andy kept asking me if his name was Levi, but I didn't want to commit to a name just yet. We finally decided on Levi Timothy Weeks the following day, he is named after his uncle Timothy (Andy's oldest brother and an amazing man). When Tate came into the room to meet his new baby brother and saw me holding the baby he said, "no". But that was the first and only show of disapproval to date...thank goodness! Tate came over and inspected his little brother so lovingly, I was surprised. He held the baby, kissed the baby, and told the baby, "I wove woo baby". Shortly after his arrival my older sister Anna arrived and thankfully brought her camera. She took some amazing pictures (some of which have already been posted by her), for which I am incredibly thankful! I was able to then nurse my baby, such a special moment between the two of us. He nursed so easily and efficiently (unlike older brother...this time mommy knew what she was doing). I love nursing my babies and the bond it forms from the start. Soon enough, I was being wheeled down the hall to my room, holding my second son in my arms, filled with such joy and pride that I can't explain it! It was in one word, perfect in every way. I am perfectly blessed to have such a wonderful body in which I can create, carry, and deliver in perfect health these darling little children into this world.

I love my husband! Having Andy by my side was so soothing. He was not just on the side lines watching from a distance , rather close at every whim touching, encouraging and affirming. And as painful as it was to get my epidural, I think it was just as hard to watch him watching me! (I felt bad for him as he told me how he almost passed out during that whole ordeal.)

People say I have it pretty easy when it comes to having babies, and I would have to agree (if only those darn epidurals didn't hurt me sooooo BAD)! I had all my pressure located in the vary lowest of areas...which was no fun. Luckily for me, I have a high pain tolerance and am very tough...I'm made for making babies.

Just like his big brother, the adorable little Levi didn't cry much as the nurses quickly got him cleaned and assessed.

Levi arrived at 8:04Am on Wednesday November 12th. He weighed 6 pounds 13 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Mommy was so pleased to see he had plenty of long, thick, beautiful dark brown hair...just like her!

My first glimpse into baby Levi's confused and unbelievably innocent newborn eyes, and the million unspeakable emotions that make me love being a mother.

Tate is our big boy now...no longer the baby (and that makes me cry)...one of the loves of my life, getting some quality one on one time with mommy before baby Levi joins in.

Big brother checking out little brother for the first time.

The first picture of our new...and much improved family unit.

Proud daddy with his second born son.

Grandmama and Grandpapa Weeks with our darling babies. We are so grateful that they were able to come to the hospital and take care of Tate during our hospital stay...he loves them so!

One of our (Levi and I) favorite people, my little sister Ashley. I am grateful to have her in my life...she is my best friend.