I'm An Aunt!!

      You know that "Little Bit" that Brinley was painting for in the last post? Well last week Shannon was still pregnant with Little Bit last week. I mean REALLY pregnant:

      My Mom flew out to South Carolina on the 4th in order to be there for the arrival of her new grand baby. I was waiting and waiting for news of contractions, water breaking, labor pains, baby dropping, etc. 
      On Monday June 13th I got a text message from my little sister saying "I think this is really it. My water broke at 4:45am." Let's just say that from that point until June 14th at 2:28am (South Carolina time) I got NO sleep and they got texts every ten minutes- "News? News?". The first response I got from her husband was "Shannon wants to know if these contractions are going to get worse because if not-- she thinks you're a wuss!" I responded with a "Just you wait, little sis, just you wait. I mean... it'll be easy-- you'll do great!" :-D

Shannon at just over 6cm and 90%.
Still smiling!

       As the evening progressed I got responses more along the lines of "Contractions getting more intense" and "She's 6cm, 90%... still waiting for her urge to push to kick in" and "She's really struggling... not sure she can go on". So I gave her all the long-distance encouragement I could (just wishing I could be there with her) and continued waiting for the call I've waited nine months to get.
        Now, I have been convinced that Shannon was having a baby girl. I just KNEW in my heart that inside that gigantic belly was a little girl ready to be covered in bows and ribbons. So I stocked Shannon up on bows, hair accessories, pink sunglasses, cute little sandals- the works. Then I got the call.....

Yes sirreeeeeeee-- that's a boy!

I am so happy to announce the birth of my nephew: 

Evan Aust Winter

June 14th, 2:28a 7.77lbs

And now on to the photos:

15 minutes old

7.77lbs

His first diaper change ;-)

Heading home!

      Now not only did Shannon grow this beautiful baby boy in her gigantic tummy but she also delivered him.... naturally! She had some moments when she didn't think she could go on but she toughed it out and did what she decided was best for her baby. I am so proud of you, Shannon. So proud of you for researching, making a goal and sticking to it (even when it really sucks). You are already making the tough and selfless decisions for your baby. And what did she have to say after the birth? "I would do it all over again". What a Mommy!

 Love you THREE!       
-The Bakers

ps- Great job Ryan, too. He helped to pull Evan out!
pps- He's going to have to be one TOUGH little guy in order to pull off those pink sunglasses!