Duncan, OK | Baby A — CJae Studios

When I walked into room 106 of the Birth Center at Duncan Regional Hospital, Elizabeth was working through those end of labor contractions - like a champ, I should add. Chet was right beside her for support. Her birth plan was to get an epidural, and that was taking the edge off the pain, but baby was dropping and she could absolutely feel it.

She had gone in the night before for a gentle induction and had contractions throughout the night. Her water broke that morning and contractions picked up. At 10:45am her epidural was in and she was at 4 cm dilated, and 75% effaced. At 3:49pm, I got the text that she was at an 8, and I was on my way!

For the next 30 minutes, Elizabeth’s body did exactly what it needed to do. So much so that by the time Dr. Tovar arrived, and she was ready to push, it seemed like it all happened in an instant.

One contraction, two pushes, and Annleigh was born - sunny side up, eyes to the sky!

Elizabeth was relieved and so happy, and Chet was over-the-moon.

The best nurses in the state (and I really believe that) did their care for Annleigh and Mom. Nurse Jenny was also able to get her first, teeny footprints.

Look at the froggy stethoscope, are you kidding me?

Annleigh spent her first hour earth side cuddled up to Mom, with Dad not taking his eyes off of her. After she got a good meal in, it was Dad’s turn to hold his little girl for the first time. Turns out she was a perfect fit in his arms, and rumor has it, he is still her favorite place to nap.

She was weighed and measured, while Dad fussed over the announcement board until it was exactly right. Then Big Brother, Benlee, arrived with a fresh bouquet for Mom and the softest pink bunny for his Little Sister.