One week ago today Chelsea gave birth to Gabriel.
I was honored to be at the birth which was at a natural clinic in Paris.
Gabriel, you came with one glorious push, sliding into this world with a ribbon around your neck and under your arms
that slide off the instant you were born.
Your mother who was on her knees scooped you up and held you close saying over and over again in the gentlest voice,
"I love you, I love you, I love you..."
Martin held both of you and washed you with his joy.
For the next couple of hours, your parents cradled you in their bed flesh touching flesh, coo-ing to you in music that is made for love birds.
Earlier on when your journey first started I asked the heavens that the prayers, thoughts, wishes, words, notes, expression of love sent to you from family, friends, and acquaintance surround you and bring you safely to our side.
I thank all of you for your many loving notes I felt your presence during Gabriel's birth.
One week. One glorious week that felt like a lifetime and a nanosecond combined.
I am returning to Provence to led a French la Vie Group. It was planned before I knew Chelsea was pregnant. After which Chelsea and Co. will be staying with us for two months. Sacha comes for a holiday July 9th. It is going to be the best summer ever!
I wept with joy hearing this beautiful recounting of the birth of baby Gabriel. I (like I'm sure all your readers) wait with baited breath for each day's post and each days news (and photos!) of the wee one. Your happiness is being spread around the world! How joyous.
PS Chelsea...you look AMAZING!
Posted by: Jacklynn Lantry | 23 June 2019 at 01:49 AM
What a beautiful beginning. So glad your entire family will be all together soon. Enjoy this time
Posted by: Star | 23 June 2019 at 02:07 AM
Another beautiful photo; I cannot believe how Chelsea has snapped back into shape in only one week and after delivering such a Bonny boy....incredible genes!!
Posted by: LeighNZ | 23 June 2019 at 02:13 AM
Surely this boy will grow to be a wonderful man, his start has been so gloriously filled with love!
Posted by: pc Brown | 23 June 2019 at 03:02 AM
Gabriel looks like his gorgeous Mama. What a glorious summer
Posted by: Gayle | 23 June 2019 at 04:51 AM
I start to tell everyone I know about Gabriel, only to remember none of my friends would know who I was talking about. So I keep Gabriel to myself and look forward to all the photos. Chelsea looks fabulous.
Posted by: JennieQuinn | 23 June 2019 at 06:47 AM
It seems such a miracle to see what was just one week ago, inside, now outside. Gabriel is so robust and thoughtful in his photos, and Chelsea, as well. Blessings to your entire family.
Posted by: Irene | 23 June 2019 at 06:52 AM
Beautiful mother and child. What a blessed boy he is.
Posted by: Marilyn M | 23 June 2019 at 06:55 AM
Chelsea looking very fit for one week out! Corey thanks for sharing this experience with your readers.
Posted by: Diogenes | 23 June 2019 at 07:25 AM
So happy for you all, I can already imagine what a fabulous summer it is going to be x
Posted by: Our French Lifestyle | 23 June 2019 at 07:31 AM
What a wonderful birth story! Do many pregnant French couples chose to give birth to their children in a natural clinic? What is a natural clinic called in French? How amazing it is to compare the photograph of Chelsea at 0830h last Saturday (posted on her Instagram account) with this photograph. 😘
Posted by: Leslie in Oregon | 23 June 2019 at 08:53 AM
Cannot get over how trim Chelsea looks!! Fit and fabulous!Beautiful photo!
Posted by: Kathleen | 23 June 2019 at 11:55 AM
HA I have the same issue with my friends, so i refer to her as my invisible friend!
Posted by: TEXAS francophile | 23 June 2019 at 01:18 PM
Oh my goodness. I just can’t believe how beautiful Chelsea looks. Obviously her prenatal fitness regime paid off. What a love story this is. Corey you and Yann are so deserving of the summer you are about to embark on. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: TEXAS francophile | 23 June 2019 at 01:22 PM
Beautiful story for Gabriel to cherish as he's older. I suspected that Chelsea would soon look as if she hadn't even given birth.
Posted by: Linda Piazza | 23 June 2019 at 01:27 PM
So sweet! Happy tears!
Posted by: sugar | 23 June 2019 at 01:48 PM
All. the. feels. ♥️
Posted by: Tracy | 23 June 2019 at 03:04 PM
So happy for all of you. Chelsea and Gabriel are so beautiful.
Let the fun times begin....
Ali
Posted by: Ali | 23 June 2019 at 03:16 PM
Blessings to all. So much love surrounds everyone.
Posted by: charland | 23 June 2019 at 04:48 PM
Beautiful story! Chelsea looks amazing!!
Posted by: Teri Severson | 23 June 2019 at 05:06 PM
Absolutely wonderful💕💕💕
Posted by: Martina | 23 June 2019 at 05:20 PM
How fortunate that they will be with you for two months! You are right. What a wonderful summer it will be! I don’t need to say this but enjoy every minute!
Nina in Michigan
Posted by: Nina | 23 June 2019 at 06:55 PM
OMG Chelsea looks terrific! Perfect photo - love and health! Wonderful.
Posted by: Ann of Avondale | 23 June 2019 at 07:18 PM
Blessings to all. Thank you for sharing the joy.
Posted by: Paula Tyner | 24 June 2019 at 12:35 AM
Just the thought of this beautiful birth brings tears to my eyes. Before you know it this little guy will be returning the love with hugs and kisses of his own for each of you. What sweetness!
Posted by: Marilyn | 24 June 2019 at 01:47 AM
Gabriel is so lucky to have these words of yours! Make sure he will be able to read them when he is able! Baby Beautiful
Posted by: Annette (Toni) Mason | 24 June 2019 at 03:21 AM
So very happy for you and all the joy he will bring💕
Posted by: Liana Munden | 24 June 2019 at 06:50 AM
Félicitations! Your post so beautifully expressed the bliss you are so
deserving of. Thank you for enriching our lives as well, sharing this glorious event.
Posted by: Sfpami | 24 June 2019 at 08:13 AM
My heart is so full after that beautiful post. Again, so grateful for you sharing your wonderful family with us all. Blessings
Posted by: Cynthia Thompson | 24 June 2019 at 01:31 PM
all your words are lovely, loving and wonderful.
i am grateful for God's blessings upon your family. and i am gushing with joy for you! xoxo jody in fl
Posted by: jody | 24 June 2019 at 03:50 PM
Okay, the spigot of tears was turned on as I read this. You really have a way of capturing moments. It took me back 48 years ago when our first born son came into the world. Moments like no others. Thanks for letting us have a window into glimpses of your family. Very special reminders of how much we all have in common as we journey thru this life.
Posted by: Cherry | 25 June 2019 at 04:12 PM