Welcoming Regan Emma Laine Shaver: A Birth Story and Family Celebration

On October 4th, at 11:53 a.m., our precious Regan Emma Laine Shaver entered the world, weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and measuring 18 1/4 inches long. It was a moment filled with joy and overwhelming love, a feeling that instantly transported me back to the first time I held her sister, Olivia. The resemblance is undeniable – they are truly twins at heart!

(Photos by Alisha Rudd Photography)

The naming of our children is always a special process, and Regan’s name holds a unique story. Robert and I share a fondness for Shakespeare, which inspired her first name. As a former English teacher, Shakespeare’s works have always held a special place in my heart, especially his ability to create strong, female characters.

We were married on April 23rd, Shakespeare’s birthday. Olivia’s name itself was also inspired by Shakespeare, taken from the play Twelfth Night. So, when it came to choosing a name for our second daughter, we looked to Shakespeare’s female characters. Regan, from King Lear, quickly became our favorite. Emma and Laine, her middle names, honor my great-grandmother and my mother and me, respectively. And, as a fun coincidence, her initials, RELS, mirror Robert’s!

The birth experience of our daughters was remarkably different. With Regan, my water broke unexpectedly around midnight, and I initially thought I’d had an accident! I experienced no pre-labor signs. In contrast, with Olivia, I endured 16 hours of intense back labor at home, with very little progression, and my water never broke on its own.

This time around, after confirming that I wasn’t experiencing an embarrassing moment, I called my midwife. Robert and I practically danced our way to the hospital, arriving at 5:30 a.m. I had minimal contractions and was surprisingly laughing through them.

As soon as we settled into the hospital room, Pitocin was administered, and my smile quickly faded. I remember admitting to my nurse that I’m a complete wimp when it comes to pain and was ready for an epidural as soon as things got uncomfortable.

I progressed rapidly, going from 2 cm to 9 1/2 cm in just three hours without medication. I remember praying during each contraction, seeking strength and support. Robert and my mom were invaluable in the room, offering encouragement through the intense waves.

The anesthesiologist arrived 20 minutes before pushing, but the epidural only worked on one side. I felt the full force of every contraction. But there was no turning back, so I tapped into a surge of adrenaline I never knew I possessed. I felt incredibly determined, empowered, and strong. With just five pushes, our beautiful, healthy baby girl was born, and all the pain instantly melted away.

The hospital room was a whirlwind of activity, but all that mattered was the warm, squishy bundle on my chest, letting out the most beautiful cry. In the midst of the pain, there was a moment I wanted to scream. However, when it was all over, I was incredibly proud of myself. This experience taught me how much strength I truly had.

I realized that life’s challenges will come. There will be times that scare us, but in the end, we emerge stronger, having overcome them.

Regan has already taught me so much, and I eagerly anticipate the life lessons God has planned for us as her parents. When Olivia came to the hospital to meet her sister, it took some time for her to fully understand that this precious little one was her baby sister.

Now that we’re home, Olivia has become the best big sister, helping with blankets, burp cloths, and singing to Regan. Seeing them together melts my heart. I fall more deeply in love with our family of four every day.

We are incredibly grateful and blessed.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17