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This week was pretty epic, as we welcomed our third son. August Lukas Vang was born on February 5th at 12:29pm. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces, or 4,167 grams for our family overseas (the smallest of the three, if you can believe it!). So, this week I'm going to stray a bit from the standard format, because this event deserves more than three pictures.

This was my third C-section, and while I've never experienced an alternative birthing method and would not encourage election of this particular surgery unless absolutely necessary, I must admit there are some perks to knowing exactly when you will meet your baby. For us, it meant being able to make firm arrangements for care of the two older boys while we would be at the hospital. That task is no small responsibility, and having a plan well in advance put my mama heart at ease. In addition, several of our relatives were able to be in town for the birth, which meant Anders, Aksel, and August were all showered with an obscene amount of attention and affection. For me, an added benefit of a scheduled C-section this time around was that I got to deliver at 39 weeks. Perhaps you glossed over the previous reference to my natural proclivity to grow Sumo babies, but I'll take this opportunity to express my relief at delivering a 9 pound, 3 ounce baby at 39 weeks rather than an even larger baby at 40+ weeks. Suffice it to say this baby habitat (that's me) was uncomfortable and oh-so-ready.  Now, I feel the need to reiterate that none of these 'perks' is worth choosing to be sawed in half just to appease your Type A tendencies. But I also want to dispel the perception that a C-section can't be a magical birthing experience. I certainly didn't anticipate having a major operation the first time I was pregnant, and initially I was disappointed at the prospect. But in the end I got to hold my sweet babe in my arms, and in that moment, all was right in the world. 

So, I had a C-section. We've well-established that detail. This time, my boy was so stubborn about coming out that my doctor ended up widening my incision AND using the vacuum. I sort of feel like one of those lightbulb jokes...you know, how many Aggies does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Except it's more like...how many medical interventions does it take to get a baby out of Ashley? Thank God for modern medicine. 

I don't know if this is a normal or unique detail, but either way, it's appreciated. At my hospital, the nurse anesthetists are often gracious enough to offer to take photos during surgery. This is such a blessing because it frees Andreas to support me and bond with the baby. Plus, so many special moments are captured! So shoutout and credits go to the awesome Plano Presby staff for several of these pictures. 

I'm going to be honest, we really had no idea how Anders and Aksel would react to a new baby in the family. As far as I could tell, Aksel never really acknowledged that I was even  pregnant! We are only a week and a half in, so there's still a lot that will certainly change, but so far the big brothers have totally embraced August. Aside from the occasional over-aggressive hug (Aksel) or introduction of tiny toys (Anders), they have been so appropriate, affectionate and interested and gentle. It's so sweet to watch, and I am beyond excited to see how their friendship develops over the years. 

Wecome to the family, August. We already love you more than words can describe.