Welcome, Jacob William Taylor

We'd like to introduce you to our newest family member. Jacob William Taylor was born at 3:04 AM on Sunday, October 1, 2006 -- one year after his parents were married. 'Jake' weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21.5 inches long

For any Mothers comparing labour experiences, Nadia's totaled 26 hours. This began at 1:15 AM Saturday, when her water broke. We arrived at the hospital soon after to monitor Nadia's condition. However, after a couple hours they sent us home until Nadia's contractions became stronger. Upon returning home (4:30 AM) Nadia's contractions did become much stronger, and spent the remainder of the morning pacing around the house and leaning on furniture every two minutes or so.

We returned to the hospital at 12:00 PM where they continued to monitor Nadia. Nadia's doctor examined her and announced that she was only 2 cm dilated -- which was very frustrating for Nadia based on her efforts thus far. During this time we were also waiting for a birthing room to come available. Nadia continued to walk the corridors of the maternity ward, plus some stair climbing, to help progress her labour.

7:30 PM arrives and we finally move into our birthing room. Another examination by Nadia's doctor determined that she was still 2 cm dilated (after 15+ hours of contractions). So, the doctor ordered Nadia on oxitocin, commonly referred as 'the drip', to better progress her labour. Nadia's contractions soon became more intense and lasted much longer. After another 5+ hours (20 hours total) of hard work, Nadia was fully dilated and was given permission to begin pushing the baby out.

The pushing phase ended up being much shorter, but equally as difficult for Nadia. After 55 minutes of pushing, Jacob William Taylor was born.

Nadia's efforts are admirable enough, but more so considering that she never once used any pain medication during the entire labour and birth (i.e., no laughing gas, morphine, or epidural).

Currently Mom and Baby are doing great. Jacob is quite content and is only interested in sleeping and feeding -- although it's unfair to assume one's character when they're not even one day old. Mom can't wait to come home on Monday, and I can't wait to spend a week at home enjoying my beautiful new Son.

Enjoy some pictures of Jake and the family...

- only minutes old

- big brother, Ethan









- new Mom with her baby