Neither Kayla Stillas nor her family was expecting to head to the hospital early Sunday (Jan. 2) for the birth of her third son, unofficially named Lucas Stillas. She wasn't due until between Jan. 14 and 20, but luckily her midwife was ready nonetheless.
Weighing six pounds, seven ounces, Squamish's first 2011 baby opened his dark brown eyes and was welcomed into the world at 9:42 a.m. after 2 1/2 hours of active labour.
Stillas said her water broke late Saturday night and her midwife, Lydia Szymanski, came right away.
"I called my midwife and we waited it out at home until 7 a.m. or so and that's when we went to the hospital," she said. "I was already halfway there and it went fast from there on in."
Lucas is Stillas's third child but it's the first time she's had a midwife and she said she would highly recommend having one.
"My birthing experience was pretty amazing - I had a midwife, which is something I've never tried before and it was a really great experience," she said. "It's more comforting. She really made me feel at ease while I was in labour."
Stillas said she's happy to be a mom again and her family is just as excited.
"My family wasn't expecting him at all, not for another two weeks, so it was a real surprise but they're very happy," she said.
"It's a new experience because they haven't had a baby around for a while, not since my first son, who's now nine."
Stillas and her other two sons lived in Williams Lake until a few months ago, when Stillas decided she wanted to be near her parents, who live in Squamish, when her third boy was born.
The day after Lucas's birth, Stillas was debating whether to name him Lucas or Conor, but since both her sons liked Lucas, she's pretty sure that will be his name.
Her two sons are staying in Williams Lake to finish the school year and the family will reunite this summer in Squamish.
"I'm looking forward to introducing him to my sons," she said. "My dad spoils all my sons and with him as the youngest, I expect no different."
Nonetheless, she said her mom would likely be the most influential person in young Lucas's life.
"She just loves him to pieces," said Stillas.
When asked what aspirations she could have for one so young, she said it was simple.
"I just hope that he remains healthy," she said, all the while gazing lovingly at his sleeping face. "All I know for sure is that he'll always be a little brother and there's no doubt he'll be well-loved."
