They chose a name. Holly and Tim's baby girl is: Aspen Mackenzie Miller. Born November 18th, 2006. 6 pounds, 8 ounces, 21 inches long.

She is the most beautiful creature I've ever seen.

Mom and baby are doing well. Holly's milk came in last night, so that hurdle is now over. I'm getting ready to leave the house and return to my normal life - I have to work tomorrow and wednesday, and then A and I leave late Wednesday night for NYC. We'll be staying for a week with Timothy and his mommas.

This has been a good weekend.

Yesterday afternoon at around 3:00, Holly called to tell me that she was experiencing 'bloody show,' one of the very first signs of labor and the opening of the cervix. I had plans to travel to Steamboat Springs the next day, and didn't want to go if birth was immenent.

Last night, A and I joined Mark and his friend for some movie hopping. Watched Borat, which is one of the most offensive films I've ever seen. After Borat we snuck into Casino Royal. At around 11:00, I got a call from Tim that Holly's waters had broken. We decided that I would leave directly from the theater, and A would get a ride home and bring the RV with clothes and supplies for the two of us.

When I arrived a little before 1:00am, Holly's midwife Flame had not quite arrived, and preparations were still being made for the birth - plastic sheeting, filling the birthing tub, etc. Tim, Joye (Holly's mother) and I alternated supporting Holly during her contractions. It took a while for her to find a position that was really comfortable. She labored quite a bit while standing against the wall with Tim.

Flame arrived at around 1:30 am, and very patiently began her preparations for the labor and delivery. We were all a little surprised when she checked Holly at 2:00 and found that she was completely dialated.

At some point, Holly and Tim moved into the tub, where Holly labored until the pumpkin's head could be seen. We moved her onto the bed so Flame could better help her to stretch and avoid tearing.

At this point it was a little after 3:15, I think. Holly was finally in a position where she could feel the baby's head. I can't even describe what it's like to see a body opening so wide. We moved her around a bit, and finally at the end she stood on the floor at the edge of the bed, with Tim supporting her from behind so she could squat. Several pushes later, the head was completely out, and we could see her squished, red, and perfect little face. I remember Tim asking me to hold the mirror so he could see her. Her face was turned in my direction, so the angle was just perfect. It was at this time that the tears began to flow.

Once the head had come out, the rest of the body followed very quickly, and Flame placed the Pumpkin low on Holly's belly. The baby started breathing all on her own, and her eyes were opening as soon as she came out. They sat on the edge of the bed like this for several minutes while Flame checked the pumpkin, cleaning her off just a little, and checking the length and condition of the cord.

It was 3:58 when the pumpkin slid out, as calm and wide awake as could possibly be expected. We moved all three further back in the bed and prepared for Holly to deliver the placenta. The pumpkin was already attaching herself to Holly's breast; not yet nursing, but still practicing. There were a few short, but lung-opening cries.

I assisted Flame in delivering the placenta and caring for Holly's body immediately afterwards. The placenta was totally intact, and quite amazing. We placed the placenta in a wrapping and zip-loc bag, placing it near Holly until they were ready to cut the cord.

I have never seen so much blood come out of a person. Holly was doing so well at this point - exhausted but smiling. helping the pumpkin learn how to suckle. We moved Tim and Holly around a bit more at this point, trying to make them comfortable while starting to clean up the mess. We covered Holly and video taped Tim cutting the cord, which we did about an hour after the delivery.

5 hours of labor - what an amazing feat, especially for a first birth. Holly did it all without drugs or tearing her perenium, and both momma and baby were just perfect when I fell to the couch for sleep at 6:00 am.

It's a bit later than when I started this post, and Holly and Tim are awake. I've cleaned the kitchen and done some laundry. A has disappeared, and I think he's in the RV sleeping. I'll stay up for another few hours and will probably nap a bit later in the evening. Photos to share when I can get them from Tim.

What an amazing thing, life.