Clarke William is here!!!

On April 30th we started the induction process due to decreased fetal movement & slowed heart rate. I was obviously so nervous that something was going to happen to him, so I was relieved to get the process started. I labored with basically no progress for 24 hours...I was stuck at 4cm but having insane contractions with no breaks. I had the best labor nurse EVER. She truly was amazing and really helped me manage my pain. She sang along to the worship songs on my labor playlist, and was just totally amazing. I finally asked for the epidural & I went from a 4 to a 10 in only 2 hours!!! My nurse told me not to push and they were calling a resident & then doctor in. In my mind, I thought that meant he was about to fly out any second..... HAHAHAHA NO. This little guy wanted to make an entrance... i pushed for 3 hours & I have never felt so exhausted. They finally used the vacuum to get him out because he was stuck on my pelvic bone... two pushes with the vacuum & Clarke William was born on May 2nd!!! 🌈✨🙌🏻  they put him on my chest and he laid there staring at me for over an hour. he is amazing & healthy & such a content baby!! I only needed a few stitches and am mostly just trying to get my tailbone to heal from delivery! John & my mom were the best support system I could have asked for during labor. I am so thankful for them!! 

We are so excited to introduce you to our son... 

Clarke William Merkel 

7lb 5oz 

20.5 in long

May 2nd @ 6:35am

He is truly a miracle & I am so lucky that he is ours!!!!!!