The newest member of Cheddar Hollow has arrived!

and, ohhhh what a day it was! Edam went into labor very early yesterday morning. when I awoke I could hear her quietly moaning. Roquefort was amazing. He was so attentive and made sure that she had everything she needed, even back rubs!

After many long hours of laboring at home Edam was concerned that her labor wasn't progressing as it should be so they opted to go to the hospital to have Dr. Asiago examine her to make sure everything was okay.

and indeed, after the exam he discovered that baby was not in an optimal position for a home birth so Edam was correct in her assumption and very happy to be in the hospital in case she needs further assistance.

Nurse Ricotta encouraged her to change her position to encourage baby to move int the right position for birth. It was about this time that Edam noticed that Roquefort was looking a bit green and moments after that he was on the floor. Dr. A and Ricotta got him to a patient room and gave him some medication to help ease his anxiety. Meanwhile Edam got on the phone and called Fontina and asked if she and Camembert could come to the hospital to lend a hand.

Within a few minutes they had arrived and Camembert was sitting with Roquefort while Nurse Ricotta checked on him.

Meanwhile Fontina encouraged Edam to try the birthing pool hoping it would help relax her and enable her to get down to business. Edam was loving the warm water and joking that she and Roquefort really needed to consider getting a hot tub at some point...

A few hours passed and the next time we checked in on Edam this is what we discovered....

and Fontina was correct! Poor Edam could barely catch her breath between contractions...time to have this baby! Sadly, Dr. A still didn't feel comfortable with Babys' position so he felt a water birth wasn't safe.

Dr. Asiago checking on Roquefort and letting him know it's time!

It's time to push! but notice the wheel chair isn't too far away just in case Roquefort starts to feel woozy again.

Edam is a pro...this baby will be here very quickly at this rate.

and . . . he is here! A beautiful and perfect little boy! Edam is exhausted but we are happy to announce that Roquefort managed to stay vertical throughout the entire birth. Now for some skin to skin time... while mama and baby have some special time together.

Time for an examination from Dr. A to make sure this new little one is healthy and strong. He is perfect! Dr. Asiago is especially thrilled because this little one is the first baby to be born at the Cheddar Hollow Cottage Hospital and it's Edam's baby so it's extra special.

The new family is back in the mother/baby room and getting to know each other. Edam has already started nursing and both she and baby are doing wonderfully. Roquefort has a whole new appreciation for his beautiful wife and loves her even more after he witnessed her first hand working so hard to bring their little boy into the world. But now it's time to let them all rest...the photographer will be at the hospital bright and early this morning to take photos for their announcement and to share his name with everyone!