Benjamin James Van Fleit

Ben arrived 3 weeks early - just in time for Christmas (and beating out his cousin who will arrive next Tuesday). After a very long labor and four hours of pushing, he arrived weighing in at a whopping 7 pounds 11 ounces, and 20 1/2 inches long. According to the doctor, he would have been a 9 pound baby at full term.

Colleen’s water broke at 6:00 a.m. and she went to the hospital – arrived at already 4 centimeters and 70% effaced – everything progressing well. She was pushing by 3:00 and then little Ben hit a brick wall – or rather her pelvic bone. After 4 hours of pushing, it was evident that he couldn’t get his head under that pelvic bone and into the birth canal, so she was taken back for a c-section. I saw Colleen’s doctor talking to Carrie and hearing how Nolan was born with two broken collarbones and Carrie’s subsequent c-sections and knowing they were sisters, I don't think it took long for them to make the decision.

So, as the nurse put it last night – Colleen suffered from a double whammy. She is recovering from an exhausting labor and now abdominal surgery. But right now, she doesn’t seem to care one bit. She’s got a BIG smile on her face this morning and she keeps telling EVERYONE who will listen just how “stinkin’ cute” that baby is…and she’s right! Her request for today…a mocha frappacino from Starbucks.