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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / family / Welcome to the world baby Landon!

Welcome to the world baby Landon!

July 10, 2018 · 9 Comments
Filed Under: baby #4, family, Landon

Our family grew by one little person in June, and our hearts grew by one thousand!

On Thursday, June 14th at 3:51 am we welcomed Landon Craig David (named after both grandfathers) into our family. He was my second biggest baby, weighing 8 lbs 13 oz and measuring 21 inches. All four of my children have given me different deliveries, though slightly similar at times. With Landon, it was one of those moments where I knew it was time to go to the hospital to give birth but I was still second guessing it’s really time to give birth! My mom arrived Wednesday afternoon which allowed me to go to an OB appointment, and just a few hours later Zack and I were driving to the hospital. It’s like my body knew to wait until my mom arrived into town to help!

Once labor started it was very intense! This was my third natural birth, with Max I had a c-section, and just like the girls active labors I remember thinking during contractions, when the pain had mostly subsided, “I don’t really need to go through with this, I’m OK to stay pregnant just a little bit longer.” I mean, giving birth is crazy hard!

Like with all four of our children, we had high anticipation whether this baby would be a BOY or GIRL. Once it was time to push I felt this surge of empowerment to deliver our baby quickly. I appreciated being able to feel the contractions and what my body was doing during pushing. I remember a friend encouraging me to let my body “do it’s thing” during labor, and when the contractions came I tried my best to relax all of my muscles, even though relaxing is when the pain washed over me the most intensely. In the moment I kept reminding myself to relax. Also: eyes shut tight, and Zack please don’t let go of my hand! :)

Suddenly my stomach would contract in an effort to push out our baby. It was almost “meet baby time”, andZack coached me so well. In just fifteen minutes I felt the warm weight of our precious Landon on my chest — it’s a BOY, Zack said! It is now 3:51 am. Wow. Our fourth baby!!!

There really is no pain like the pain of natural childbirth, but the contrast of joy after delivering a baby is incredible. There’s nothing else like it, and God is so good to give us that joy to look forward to!

We’ve been at home for three weeks now. The first week felt like sleepy town. Baby Landon and I were basically twins in that we ate a lot and slept a lot, repeat x7 days. The big kids were thrilled Zack was home from work, so the four of them played hard together. Weeks two and three were a fast progression into reality: everyone has a lot of needs, and everyone is struggling to communicate what they need. I mean, really! Zack had a second week at home with us which we all benefited from. That man, he really treats us like gold.

All of the children are adjusting very well to little Landon. Yay! What feels the hardest right now is doing our best to meet everyone’s needs. It’s been good to forget about the should/could/woulds and instead focus on what is most important: loving each other well through our actions and physical/emotional care.

We are all very much in love and happy to be a family of six :)

Here are a few more photos…

PS. here are the birth announcements for Maxwell, Natalie, and Marigold

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9 Comments
Filed Under: baby #4, family, Landon

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Comments

  1. Barbara Storey says

    July 10, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    Dear Maggie… what a special treat to hear from you today! Baby Landon is beautiful and looks like he fits right in the family. Max looks mighty proud to have his brother and just wait a few years, they will entertain you and Zack
    with their “boy antics”!
    The girls are growing up so fast too. I am just thrilled beyond measure to hear all about your family today!
    Take care dear girl and please give Mr.
    Zack a hug from Grambarb.

    Love you all so very much!
    Grambarb

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      July 10, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      Thank you sooooo much Grambarb!

      Reply
  2. April says

    July 10, 2018 at 6:29 pm

    I am so impressed that you did 3 natural child births after a c-section! I didn’t even think that was possible. So glad you guys are settling in nicely. Beautiful family!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      July 10, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      I think it’s quite impressive myself ;) thank you April!

      Reply
  3. Cindy says

    July 10, 2018 at 11:00 pm

    Wow. Wow. Wow. Such a beautiful incredible family. Loooooooove

    Reply
  4. Renee says

    July 13, 2018 at 11:38 am

    Welcome Landon! I love reading birth stories. Never gets old. I’m glad the gender was a surprise. It’s so great finding out the sex of the baby time they are born. (Although with Ethan I just “knew” he was a girl. The nurse knew that piece of information, too. So when he was born I asked, “What is it?” She replied, “Well, it’s not a girl!”) I’ve watched my girl adjust to life with four children. It’s hard!! I have a new appreciation for moms of four or more. I know you’ll rock this adventure like you do everything else. Have fun and get some rest when you can.

    Reply
  5. Sarah Larsen says

    July 20, 2018 at 12:35 am

    Maggie,
    I adore reading what you write on your blog. You are amazing for giving birth naturally and waiting to be surprised. My hubby & I have been surprised with our last three babes and it is better than Christmas morning! With babe #4 I had a natural labor. It was an empowering experience! Keep pressing forward. You are a wonderful example to us all mama!

    Reply
  6. Tara says

    November 28, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    congratulations! and you have a Lewis burp cloth peeking through — i used to work for that company!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 28, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      Yes! :) It’s a swaddle blanket, one of my favorites! What did you do while working there??!

      Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in northern Michigan. She has been writing online since 2008.
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