My Darling Girl

I have so enjoyed these first five days with my little sweetheart. I cannot believe the myriad of ways that God has blessed and guided me throughout the pregnancy, labor, and delivery of my baby girl. The birth was so much better than I ever dreamed of; I stand in awe of God's great faithfulness. I cannot wait to share more...but I need to wait a bit longer, as I need to spend this time snuggling with my precious girl. Blessings!

Introducing.....

                                                        Olivia Grace8 lbs.22 1/2 inches Born 3/14/201010:35 am 4 1/2 hours of labor

Seven Years Ago

Seven years ago, today, my heart first swelled with more love than I ever thought was possible. Seven years ago, today, my first child, Lily Marie, was born.

Mommy and Lily

 Daddy and Lily

Lily- Six years old

Lily- seven years old

Lily         Marie
"Pure Flower"  "Child of our Wishes"

Lily is:

-A Proud Big Sister   She is very maternal towards her siblings and all little ones. She loves reading to her little siblings.
- Baker/Chef  The kitchen is her favorite place to be.

-My Right Arm  Lily often tells me that she wants to do all of the chores, and that she doesn't want me to lift a finger.
- Natural Explorer Her favorite spot outside, is climbing trees. She would live outside, if she could.
-Doula During my month+ of contractions, Lily has sweetly and faithfully filled up my water bottle for me, heated up my corn pack, and very lovingly given me foot and back massages.
-Child of God Nothing warms my heart as much as seeing my little one doing her best, with God's Grace and enablement, to do what is right. When she makes mistakes, she is quick to ask for forgiveness. She is quite an example to me.

Thank you, Lord, for this precious gift, from you! Please help us to raise her for Your Glory.

41 Weeks: Enjoying the Time

Today, I am 41 weeks. I have never carried a baby, this long before. It is easy to be emotional when you are 41 weeks, but I am trying to keep my eyes on Him. One of my favorite verses is,

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." - Isaiah 26:3

I need not worry about anything, as long as I turn and trust in Him. I am enjoying this day with my three blessings, as I do not know when this little one will make his/her debut. Tomorrow is my eldest daughter, Lily's, seventh birthday. We are making strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. 

I am so thankful that God has given us gorgeous weather, for this entire week. It is such a blessing to be able to walk outside. Many Blessings, dear friends!

One more reason why it is wise to wait....

New Moms at Risk

Week 40 Day 4

Yesterday was my 40 week pre-natal appointment. My midwife has been such a huge encouragement and inspiration. I appreciate how she takes the time to listen to any of my concerns, and allows me to make my own decisions. Baby is measuring at 38 weeks. This does not mean that I am 38 weeks along; it is common because baby is so low in my pelvis. Baby's heart rate is great (130-139 bpm), so all seems to be well. Because I did not have an ultrasound during this pregnancy, my midwife said that it is completely normal to go up to two weeks early or two weeks late. I so appreciate your prayers. I am still getting over this cold, so I appreciate your prayers that I will have energy and be healthy for the birth. Many blessings, dear friends.

Not Done Baking

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today, according to my midwife's calculations, I am week 40 day 1. I must say, I believe so firmly that birth will happen in God's perfect time. Yet, I am weak....and hormonal. I am surprised that seeing my due date come and go was that surprising to me. After all, it is the third time (out of four) that I have seen it go by. I know that only 5-10% of babies are born on their due dates. And yet, it still surprised me. When one isn't induced, the normal due date is week 41 day 1. I have had quite a few friends give birth one or two weeks past their due date, this year. It is normal, when one isn't coerced into induction by a pushy ob or midwife.
I have had 3 1/2 weeks of contractions and an achy back. Sometimes I wonder if they ever will grow stronger. (Though they are definitely painful enough.) Yet, I remember that I have to trust in Him; even though my faith is so weak. Please pray that I would be joyful and rest in Him.

A Few Blessings from Today:
1. I am still recovering from a yucky cold. Hopefully, most of it will be over before I birth this sweetie.
2. Having no pressure whatsoever, from my birth team about induction. My midwife kindly said that "Baby still needs to bake".
3. Being pregnant on bathroom cleaning day is a huge perk....only a pregnant lady wants to clean a bathroom that thoroughly, and actually enjoys it. :)
4. Having one more day to savor time with this little one within.

I am extremely grateful for Dr.Robert Bradley's wise words in Husband Coached Childbirth:

Chapter 10: When will the Baby Come?

The question can be accurately answered in three words: "God only knows." As doctors we are far more concerned with how it comes than when it comes. As a husband you have, we realize, a special interest in the when. This is like pointing to a particular green apple developing on an apple tree and asking, "When will that particular apple fall off the tree?" The appropriate answer is, "When it's ripe." Good farmers wait for the fruit to ripen. Good farmers do not "pick green apples". A good obstetrician has been defined as one equipped with a broad rear end and the good sense to sit calmly on it and let nature take its course.