This sweet girl is the fourth addition to this beautiful family following two big brothers and one big sister. She spent the week before her arrival, teasing her mama, who was convinced she was going to come early. Good thing she waited though because she chose a very special day to make her way earth-side. Early in the day on July 30th, this mama knew little miss was ready to meet her family. It was also this Mama's Aunt's birthday. Her heart was filled knowing that her and her Memaw labored on the same day! What are the chances? Mama labored through the day and called that evening for me to head her way as things were starting to pick up. When I got there, the cicada songs filled the warm summer air. Shooting stars danced across the sky as a double meteor shower took place. It was the perfect day for a birthday. I was kindly greeted by one of her midwives out front and directed to head in. What I walked into was pure serenity. Everyone was quietly yet excitedly chatting as mama worked through her contractions almost effortlessly. The calmness this mama kept was empowering. She made it look so easy! As the waves of contractions moved closer together, her birth team and husband worked together to get her birth pool filled where she could find some relief. Although the intensity of her contractions grew, she never wavered. Her babies enjoyed their late bedtime while playing and giggling down the hall. Dad stayed close, sweetly stroking her hair and watching intently with admiration. Things began to move quickly and mama took every wave to pray for strength and the safe arrival of her babygirl. After just a few short pushes little miss Lively made her grand entrance, at home, into the warmth of the birth pool. She was born 30 minutes after midnight on July 31st. She too, was as calm as her mama, as she quietly snuggled in before her first big cry. Dad went and grabbed her oldest brother and her sister, both of which had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. The youngest brother had finally fallen asleep. Those proud siblings were head over heels for her and had so many adorable questions. To say it was heart warming is an understatement! After a bit, mama was helped to her bed where she could comfortably watch her new baby be measured. She was 8 lbs and 4oz of pure perfection! Little miss Lively Iris not only shares her labor day, but also her middle name which was passed on as a reminder of someone very special to this family. The birthday of this sweet girl was everything you would imagine a dream birth being. It was the perfect example of how powerful yet delicate birth can be especially when surrounded by people you love. From the determination yet softness that this stoic mama held, to the support from her loving husband and amazing midwife team to the uncontainable excitement of her siblings, this birth will always hold a special place in my heart!