A quick recap of the main event

We checked in to the hospital around 5:30 to see if Katie's water had actually broken. Saturday nights are typically quiet in labor and delivery at George Washington and last night was no different. After confirming amniotic fluid and measuring in at 5 cm and 90% effaced, the nursing staff gave us a room, and we waited...


Our primary labor and delivery nurse, Mary Kamara (from Sierra Leone via London via Los Angeles) put us at ease. She's delivered more babies than she can count in her 36 years as nurse. Mary was calm and cool--a perfect fit for us.


The entire support crew arrived soon after--Bob, Nancy, and Tatman. We talked, laughed, and listened to music. After the epidural, Bob and Katie compared notes about walking with numb legs. I watched some of the Laker game. Supportive calls, texts, and FB comments poured in from around the world. Between our crew at the hospital and my parents' house party in San Jose, we had a pool going of the expected sex, weight, and time that that Littlest Tackett would arrive.



At about 11:45, the doctor did an exam and Katie had progressed to 9 cm. She did another exam a few minutes later and it was time to push. After only 30 minutes of pushing, Ben made his grand appearance.


Katie was beautiful, strong, and amazing through the entire experience.


And Ben is awesome.


He is still adjusting to his new surroundings,...


... but his parents couldn't be happier and prouder. We're looking forward to lots of bonding...


and rest in the next few days.


Thanks so much for all the love. Momma, Ben, and the entire crew are doing well. More soon...