All My Children

All three of them:

The Scoop

The birth

I had three wishes going into the birth of this baby:

1. Per Matt (and his work schedule), baby would come between October 1 and October 10.
2. Baby would come on its own (so I wouldn't have to be induced).
3. I would spend as much time laboring at home as possible.

Outcome:

1. Baby came a day ahead of Matt's schedule. But everything worked out fine. Matt's big project just shipped one day late, and of course the client was ok when he told them why.
2. Yay! Baby cooperated!
3. My water ruptured late at night. I knew if I called the hospital, they'd tell me to come right in, so I stalled a bit...until there was more gushing. My parents got a 1 a.m. phone call to stay with Riley, and we headed to the hospital, where I spent the entire labor process. But I was just so happy baby was coming on its own that I didn't mind revamping my original plan. And despite not laboring at home, the entire process went exactly how I wanted it to. (Except, of course, a lot more painful...)

The name

Once upon a time, I read this news article about a little Dutch boy named Wilco Conradi. When I told Matt about the article, he liked the name so much he decided we should consider it if we ever had a boy. Eight years later, it was still at the top of our list. And since it's a Dutch name, and Matt has Dutch roots, we figured why not.

Of course, here in the states, Wilco is used many other ways: it's a band name, an Oregon-based farm supply co-op, and the last name of the main character in Space Quest. But my personal favorite? In two-way radio lingo, it's the abbreviated version of "Will comply." What mother wouldn't want that namesake?

As for Joel, it's a family name, now five generations strong.

The sister

The biggest surprise of all has been Riley's reaction. She adores her brother. She was positively giddy his first few days of his life. And even now that the newness has worn off, she still loves doting on him, fetching his stuff for me, and gagging while I change his poopy diapers.

The recovery

Going great. It helps that little Wilco is very agreeable. And that I've been able to sleep in every morning. And I that haven't cooked meals, grocery shopped, or done any laundry, thanks to tons of help from friends and family. So yeah, I've been spoiled. Ask me again in a few weeks...

Welcome

Wilco Joel Richards

Born September 30, 2010 at 3:55 p.m.

7 lb 13 oz, 20.5 inches long

We're all excited he's here. Even her: