Mason Parker: My Beautiful Nephew

59 hours. That’s how long my sister was in labor for this sweet baby boy (she’ll tell you he was totally worth it, though).

I got the text that Morgan’s water had broken when I was on my way to Georgia for a proposal shoot. I was immediately devastated because I knew there was NO way I was going to be able to be back in time to be with Morgan and see Mason come into the world.

I was totally wrong about that one.

My sister had been planning her birth for months with her doula, Debbie Perdew, (never have a baby without this woman!), and she had decided she wanted to try a drug-free, natural approach. In a nutshell, her body was not cooperating with her. Contractions slowed and she wasn’t dilating any further even though her water had already broken. The decision was made to give her a drug called Cytotec to help thin out her cervix so baby Mason could come and the contractions would increase and start doing their job. Since she was delivering all-natural, the intense pain the contractions brought by inducing labor was more than she could bear after 5 hours of fighting. I wasn’t there for this part of, but I could tell by my sister and Drew’s recollection of the night before that it was heartbreaking to watch.

What I was there for, though, was 1 epidural, that epidural wearing off and her feeling contractions as intense as before again, getting a new epidural, getting more meds pumped through the epidural because the others weren’t working (3 times), befriending 4 incredible nursing staffs, 5 and a half hours of pushing, and the birth of this precious baby boy, Mason Parker. My sister is a super hero. She was so strong and such a fighter. I have never been more proud of her!

It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced, watching life be given. Like Irma, Morgan’s mother-baby nurse said, “it’s like all of God’s grace wrapped up into one tiny face.”

Mason is 8 lbs. 4 oz., 21 inches tall, loves to be swaddled, feeds so well already, is already going through diapers like a champ, and LOVES being cuddled by his auntie Dem 🙂

 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14.

Drew was the most supportive guy and so incredibly sweet and caring through all of Morgan’s labor. I loved watching my soon to be brother love my sister so well and become a daddy!

Sherria was Morgan’s favorite nurse! I love this precious moment of her supporting Morgan through the tougher parts of her labor. There was a point when Morgan just cried and said, “please come Mason.” It was the saddest and sweetest thing.

Baby Mason is only a few seconds from being here!

Morgan was in total shock! She said, “I never actually thought he’d come out!! I have a baby!!” It was so cute 🙂

Look at Drew… oh my goodness! Tears!

Debbie Perdew, you were such an incredible doula and cared so much for my big sister! Thank you so much for all of your love and help! Before she left, she kissed Morgan and told her she loved her and how proud she was of her.

Grandpa’s first look at baby Mason!!

 

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