The same was true of my first baby. I knew she was a girl. I really liked being pregnant, other than the morning sickness and that last Orka fat phase. I liked feeling the baby move and just knowing that I’m participating in bringing new life into the world--it’s kind of awe inspiring."

"I went into labor on a Sunday evening. We took our daughter to our in-laws and got to PinnacleHealth Harrisburg Campus around 8 p.m. I remember being excited on the way to the hospital-- we were finally going to meet our baby. I had a little fear, too, because of painful complications with my first birth. But with that experience I remembered that every nurse was so helpful and understanding, they really gave me hope, so I was glad to be coming back to the same place."

"Although they had about 30 people in labor that night, the staff was so attentive and helpful. I got an epidural before I was in much pain, so it really was just peaceful. My husband and I played cards and did Soduku puzzles and just enjoyed having time together. My mom was on her way from Ohio, and when she arrived at 1 a.m., we slept for awhile. Then around 5 a.m., I had progressed and was ready to push."

"My mom videotaped, and my husband, who is a very affirming and supportive person anyway, went back and forth between holding my hand and watching JJ come. He kept encouraging me to move things along so we could meet JJ!"

"When JJ arrived at 5:50 a.m., he cried for maybe 10 seconds, and as soon as he was fully out they put him right on my belly, and he stopped crying immediately. That has turned out to be his personality. He’s pretty laid back."

"He was 7 pounds and five ounces and 19 inches long. He had really dark hair and eyes and eyelashes, and no eyebrows! And he had this very prominent chin. His features seemed very distinguished."

"It was a nice distraction to be able to hold him while they finished everything—especially since that turned out to be the worst of it last time. This time was much better! It was a bonus that my friend was working in labor and delivery that night, and she was there with us. And our doctor is a friend of the family, too. We were just surrounded by supportive people."

"My husband cut the umbilical cord, and we stayed there getting to know JJ for an hour or so before they took him to the nursery. In the maternity unit, I kept him in the room with me most of the time. Nurses stopped in to offer their help, or to check me or the baby out, but they gave us as much space as they could."

"I was grateful for all the support we had. It was such a peaceful and smooth experience. And I was just really touched by how everyone was so excited for us."

"I remember a couple of nurses encouraged me to savor every moment with the baby, because the time would go by quickly even though the days and nights might go slowly, and they were right!"

"It’s still rare for JJ to cry. He is a very healthy little boy--full of spunk and personality, and he laughs and smiles and is always ready to play."