Oops! I guess I should rotate pictures first, huh?
Here is some of the requested information on William's birth:
Yes, 31 hours to be exact. Water broke at 11:30 at night Tuesday, and he was not born until 9:25 AM Thursday.
Yes, you would think by number 9 that they would emerge faster! However, William seemed to have his head askew, thus not putting enough pressure to increase the intensity of contractions. We labored with contractions anywhere from 5- 10 minutes apart for most of that time. He has slightly swollen right side of his face and eye. We assume that his position is responsible for the late pregnancy back pain I experienced.
Midwives are FABULOUS. Mine was with me form 4 am Wednesday until noon Thursday. We had 2 follow up visits at our home over the next few days, one of which included her bringing us dinner (oh, and she brought dinner for our neighbors who lovingly took our kids over the whole of labor as well). How is THAT for healthcare reform????? Not to mention that our birth cost approximately 1/5th the cost of a typical hospital birth...
No, they don't keep getting bigger. Our largest babies are still Joseph and David at 9- 2 and 9- 4. William was only 8-15 =)
He looks like our other dark haired babies.. Cute. Fuzzy head. Puffy cheeks. Little old man look. I assume he will get cuter with age ;)
Lastly, but perhaps most significant, the name...
William was named quite early if he had just been a girl! We were blessed with a new van earlier this year, and Bob promptly suggested the name Grace if the baby was a girl. God is so lavish and undeservedly good to us. It fit. One of my favorite and most influential ladies I've known was my grandmother... Grace Margaret. So, it was decided...
A boy's name that came close... hmmm... that was harder!
The name John means God is gracious. John Newton wrote perhaps one of the best known hymns around... Amazing Grace. He was a slave trader before coming to faith in God... by his own admission, not a nice guy. He struggled with his sinful nature even after coming to Christ. Perhaps it is those who truly know from what they have been saved who are most grateful for their salvation?
William means defender, and for us directly refers to William Wilberforce... who not coincidentally was greatly influenced by John Newton. He fought a losing battle in Parliament for 20 years to outlaw slavery in England. His perseverance changed history.
It is our prayer that our son would know the grace of God, and that he would be ready to stand for what is right, no matter how long or hard the battle gets.
Thus, William John.
Ok, we are still working on the picture thing. His first few days were kind of blotchy and purpley ;) His color has improved greatly, as has his puffy eye... maybe tomorrow we'll get better pictures up! Here are a few from day 1... one of these days I'll remember to rotate first...
Here is a view of the back yard... the sun was on its way down... hence the shadows and poor lighting...
Christiana enthusiastically embraced the concept of throwing leaves and jumping in =)
Joshua is still anti- camera. 
Noah =)
Everyone's favorite duck, Lookie. By the way, 6 eggs yesterday! woo hoo! How did 5 girls produce 6 eggs? hmmmm....
Erin still enjoys the leaves (and posing...)
More leaf throwing...
Is that a great smile, or what?
William had to come out and enjoy some fresh air, too! Isn't he just kissable?
Back inside for a tea party!
