Samantha Soleil Cote

Our second miracle arrived safe and sound this morning, October 14, 2008 at 3:45am. At 8lbs. 1oz. she's a tad heavier than her older sister. Sam was a homebirth baby and I must admit, if we could deliver Miki over again and IF we have a 3rd (doubt it), our first choice would be a birth at home. It was so comfortable for all of us and best of all it allowed Miki to continue slumbering in her own bed while Mama, Papa, our 2 midwives (Margaret & Yvanne) and our amazing doula (Lorie) buckled down to the business.

At around 8:45pm the night before the 3 of us climbed into bed for what Ericka and I suspected would be a rather short-lived nap. An hour later Ericka was downstairs on the couch breathing thru some early contractions. I joined her at 10:45pm, started a fire in the woodstove, took a bath and brewed some tea for the long night ahead. Around this time Ericka made the calls to the midwives and the doula. The first midwife arrived at midnight and I set about "prepping" the house. Lorrie arrived at 1am and by this time E was firmly in labour. We all busied ourselves quietly in the dimly lit house, encouraging Ericka and helping her find best positions. At around 3:00am E announced that she felt ready to relocate to a more suitable room. Midwifery "accoutrements" were unpacked and set in place and at around 3:30am E began pushing. 18 minutes later she was holding Samantha, cord still attached, on her lap.

For those of you in the know, this scant 20 minutes is quite mind boggling seeing as how her older sister took almost a full 4 hours!

Miki woke up soon after I cut the cord and I carried her downstairs to see her new sister. She was visibly pleased, happy and excited. Straight away she wanted to hold her.

At around 5am this morning the midwives took their leave and at 7am Lorrie departed. I gave Miki some yogurt & raisins and then the 2 of us climbed into our bed with a sticker book and a pen, her entertainment and my ploy of distraction for a meager 20 minutes of sleep. Mama & Sam reclined on the couch in front of the fire.

Needless to say, the rest of the day was rough going on such little proper sleep. It's now 8:45pm, 24 hours hence, Ericka & Sam are sleeping on the couch, Miki is crashed out upstairs in her bed and I'm headed for my mattress.

Thanks to all the family and friends who phoned us this afternoon with their thoughts and congratulations.

Good night...