At 37, Nina Tassel finally became pregnant after years of hoping. She was thrilled — but early on, she noticed her belly was growing far faster than expected. Strangers asked if she was having twins. Doctors reassured her it was just one healthy baby, but even they were surprised by the size of her bump.

As her due date neared, Nina struggled with intense discomfort. Walking, sleeping — even breathing — became tough. Then, when labor hit, things moved fast. There wasn’t time to reach the hospital. Paramedics arrived just in time to assist during her exhausting 12-hour home birth.

Nina blacked out several times from the pain. But finally, with one last push, her baby boy arrived — all 13.2 pounds and 24 inches of him. The room fell silent in awe.

Doctors later said gestational diabetes likely caused his unusual size. Thankfully, both mom and baby were healthy.

Now, Nina is recovering and soaking in the joy of motherhood. Her body aches, but her heart is full. Holding her son reminds her of her strength — proof that love and resilience can carry a mother through anything.