Well, what a long haul for Carrie and Mike! They induced her on Friday night about 6pm, and things started going a little bit. She had an epidural, but things moved out of place and it wasn't working. She was feeling every contraction, and was in quite a bit of pain. They called in the anesthesiologist, and he started from scratch and put in another epidural and she finally got some relief. What a trooper she was!

She was able to sleep a little Friday night, but by Saturday morning, she hadn't progressed very much. More waiting. Finally, after all the tricks in the bag, Carrie's midwife decided that a c-section was the only choice. She was prepped and wheeled in to surgery. I was bummed - they don't allow photographers into the operating room. And at 2:48pm, little Joey made his appearance into the world! And I was there to greet Mike when he walked out of the OR with his new little boy in his arms! What a proud Daddy!

We spent some time in the nursery weighing, measuring, and monitoring little Joey while his mommy was in recovery. They finally brought her to her room and I was able to watch them spend their first few moments together as a family. What beauty. Kids change your life forever, and it is such a special thing to see those first few moments of disbelief, wonder and amazement.

I want to thank Carrie and Mike for allowing me to be a part of this most special time in their lives.

I'll have the slideshow posted in a few days.