Monday October 11, 2010- 10 days past my due date
10am. Appointment with my midwife- everything is perfect- just waiting!
11:30am. Massage with my best friend Rebecca. She hits some pressure points and we pray for things to begin!
12pm. Visit my chiropractor who takes an extra long time with me doing everything he knows to get my body ready for labor. I am feeling good!
4:30pm. Arrive at my in-laws for dinner.
5pm. Start having contractions but they are sporadic and I've been having them for months so I don't pay too much attention.
5:30pm. They seem a bit close together so I ask my mother-in-law to use her watch. They are 2-3 mins. apart.
6pm. Everyone is sitting down for dinner, but I cannot sit. They are too close together and I'm uncomfortable. I walk around the house and go outside to text my mom and best friend that this may be the night.
7pm. I tell my husband that we need to go home. I really don't want to have a baby in the van!
7:30pm. We leave our 22 month old with them and we head home, but not before stopping at Tops so my hubby can get 2 energy drinks and I insist that he get me 2 yogurts for after delivery.
8pm. We arrive home and hubby is in super Daddy mode. He gets the pool set up in our bedroom, and all other preparations set. Hailey (5 years old) and I clean up the house. Contractions are still coming, but are a bit more sporadic.
8:30pm. We decide to make a birthday cake for the baby! Hailey is super excited about this!
9pm. We start watching a movie but decide it's not appropriate for Hailey, so we shut it off and go decorate the cake. Hailey loved it. I was still contracting- but they were still not too bad.
10pm. We decide to put Hailey to bed so she'd have energy to be awake when the birth was occurring. She wasn't too happy to go to bed, but was excited with the idea of us waking her up to watch her baby sister or brother being born.
I'm not really sure about the timing of everything after that. I know Peter and I got into the birthing pool together at some point and it was really relaxing and intimate. It was great to be focused together and to not have any distractions. I still was not fully convinced that this was really labor, since we had had a false alarm two weeks earlier where I was contracting all night long and then everything just stopped. So it wasn't until...
Tuesday October 12, 2010- 11 days after my due date
1am. I noticed a significant change in the intensity of the contractions and they seemed to be "deeper". Rather than in my belly they were lower in my body. I was really uncomfortable and the only relief I had was when Peter would rub my lower back. I'm not sure how close the contractions were, but it was at this point that I was fully convinced that this was indeed the "real thing."
3am. I was laying on my bed and I felt something burst (my bag of waters) and it was actually a bit painful. I let out a yelp- it sort of felt like I had been punched internally. When I felt the warmness of the water I told Peter my water had broken (good thing we had the plastic sheet on the bed!) and I got up out of bed and headed to the bathroom to pee and then got into the birthing pool.
We called the midwife and my mom, and I texted my best friend to let them know my water broke. My midwife said she was on her way. Once the water broke, the contractions were much more painful and were coming very close together. I knew the baby was making its way down. During this time I had to have Peter on his knees behind me, with his hands on my shoulders. This was the only way I could relax my shoulders and stay focused on relaxing.
3:50am. My midwife arrived and checked for the baby's heartbeat. Everything sounded great and she headed downstairs to sterilize her instruments.
4:20am. I can remember praying in between the intense contractions and asking God for His strength. I told my midwife to go wake up Hailey. I reached inside myself and felt the head about 1 inch away from being out of me. I knew I would be pushing soon. I got into a comfortable position squatting and leaning over the side of the pool. I wanted to gently and slowly let my body do the work instead of forcing it like I had done with my last child. I reached down and felt the baby's head coming out and I just held it there and tried to breathe until the next contraction came. I talked to my baby telling him/her that we were going to do this together and we were going to see each other soon. My midwife said to "Ease your baby out." So I kept saying "easy, easy." When the baby's head was completely out, I let out a scream of relief. It felt so good to be past that point. My husband didn't even know the head was coming out until it was completely out and he saw it. He reached in and helped me pull the baby up onto my stomach. Our sweet baby was out. It was amazing! My midwife put a towel around the baby and I lifted the baby's leg to discover that it was a girl! Our third baby girl! She was so calm and peaceful and never let out a cry at all. In fact, she was so relaxed on me that she started to fall asleep. Hailey was so excited to meet her new sister and kept saying how cute she was. Peter kept saying how awesome I did and was right by my side adoring our little Patience Anne. I decided to get out of the pool and deliver the placenta in my bed. It was taking a while since I wasn't able to nurse the baby due to her short cord. It was at least 20 mins. later when I delivered the placenta. It ended up being folded in half, so when it came out, it was like giving birth again. We left the placenta attached to Patience for about 2 hours. Every last drop of blood that she could have received from the cord got to her. The cord was completely white and totally empty when Hailey cut it. Patience Anne weighed 9lbs 4 oz. and was 20 1/2" She was completely healthy and nursed like a champ! This birth was amazing. I am so grateful to have such a supportive husband who was with me every step of the way through this labor and delivery. He took care of all the clean up from the birth and took such good care of me while I was recovering. Praise God for His enormous blessings that I do not deserve!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Pregnancy Thoughts
I cannot wrap my head around the fact that tomorrow is the day this baby is due. No one imagined that he or she would be inside me for this long. I feel very grateful to know that this baby is healthy and growing, and is going to be nice and pudgy when it comes out. I am so jumping out of my skin excited to meet them and hold their little hand and kiss their soft cheeks and watch them be completely satisfied at my breast.
Although my stomach is so huge, and my thighs are bigger than they've been in a looonng time, I have never felt more beautiful. My stomach is round and tight and smooth- there is no loose skin, there is no sagginess. My breasts are full and plump, ready to do their job. I am in awe of the miracle of life. The beautiful intimacy that God created to be shared between a husband and wife. I recently heard conception described as "a mommy and daddy's love for each other just spilling out and it makes a baby." What a sweet description for a child to grasp how it really is love.
I am so blessed to be surrounded by the family that I'm in. My husband is so attracted to me and my plumpness and he tells me daily. He is constantly touching my belly and telling this baby to "come out now!" He says how he can't wait to hold the naked baby with his shirt off and get that special skin on skin contact.
Hailey is so excited and has been the most amazing big sister and helper. Last night I was holding onto Peter's shoulders for support through a contraction (15 mins apart for over 4 hours- then nothin) and Hailey came over to us and he told her to go sit down and finish her cookie. She said, "But in the book, the Mommy is holding onto the Daddy and the little girl is rubbing the Mommy's back." It was sooo sweet and innocent and she truly wanted to be a part of that moment. The name of the book is "We're having a homebirth." Rebecca let me borrow it and the girls both love it. It has great pictures and it talks about the midwife coming to the house and how mommy makes lots of good noises like an elephant.
Trinity definitely knows that something is going on. She knows there's a baby in my belly, but I don't think she knows that it's coming out soon. She has been acting out and being nasty to her sister and I think it's just the tension in the air from our patience being stretched to the limit! She can be so funny when her sister isn't around. She really tries to entertain us, walking around with her tongue hanging out and waddling like a duck. She knows she's funny too which makes it even cuter!
I am struggling with feeling guilty for sending my kids off to people's houses while I try to rest and let my back rest. I have had such back pain and I think part of it is taking care of the girls and the house and the other part of it is the baby's positioning. I want to enjoy the last bit of time with Hailey and Trinity as my only two children- and I want to have one on one time with each of them, but I have to do what's best for everyone, and I am no good to anyone if I cannot move! I love when the girls cuddle up on what's left of my lap and I read to them.
Yesterday Peter juiced a TON of apples and it's the best apple juice you have ever tasted! It tastes a bit more like apple cider than apple juice- not at all like the juice you buy in the store- maybe more like the organic all natural juice, but i've never had that to compare it. While he did that, I made an apple pie as a "birthday cake" for the baby. I got out a huge bag of shoes for the girls and Hailey kept putting different shoes onto Trinity and then bringing her in to show us "how pretty." Trinity would just light up to hear us say, "Oh Trinity that's sooo pretty." Hailey would say, "ok, let's go get different shoes on." This went on for over a half hour. It was so sweet. I love it when they play together without fighting and I love to see how much they truly love each other.
It's amazing to me how God has continually met our needs. I am blessed beyond belief to have a church body who is so willing to help our family. Whether it's taking the girls, bringing us a huge box full of loaves of bread (my freezer is overflowing!) or bringing us meals, they are more than willing to meet a need when it exists. Also, my mother-in-law, what an amazing woman! God has given her the gift of being a servant. Knowing I can count on her for practically anything is such a blessing. I don't even have to ask most of the time she just offers or just does it. I hope someday I am able to take care of her and her needs like she has for me.
Despite the recent craziness of life, homeschooling is going surprisingly well. There have been 1 or 2 days that we have missed, but over all, I am really pleased with her progress and with all the new concepts she is grasping so quickly! She read a book to me yesterday- the whole thing- and was so proud of herself! I pray that things continue to go this well after baby arrives and my attention is demanded elsewhere.
I started reading "To Train Up a Child" again for some much needed refreshing. I am looking forward to some good training sessions! I have totally been depending on discipline and ignoring training. It was good to read and remember what the difference is, and how to be intentional in training- and keep the goal in mind- working toward Godliness (me and my kiddos!)
Although my stomach is so huge, and my thighs are bigger than they've been in a looonng time, I have never felt more beautiful. My stomach is round and tight and smooth- there is no loose skin, there is no sagginess. My breasts are full and plump, ready to do their job. I am in awe of the miracle of life. The beautiful intimacy that God created to be shared between a husband and wife. I recently heard conception described as "a mommy and daddy's love for each other just spilling out and it makes a baby." What a sweet description for a child to grasp how it really is love.
I am so blessed to be surrounded by the family that I'm in. My husband is so attracted to me and my plumpness and he tells me daily. He is constantly touching my belly and telling this baby to "come out now!" He says how he can't wait to hold the naked baby with his shirt off and get that special skin on skin contact.
Hailey is so excited and has been the most amazing big sister and helper. Last night I was holding onto Peter's shoulders for support through a contraction (15 mins apart for over 4 hours- then nothin) and Hailey came over to us and he told her to go sit down and finish her cookie. She said, "But in the book, the Mommy is holding onto the Daddy and the little girl is rubbing the Mommy's back." It was sooo sweet and innocent and she truly wanted to be a part of that moment. The name of the book is "We're having a homebirth." Rebecca let me borrow it and the girls both love it. It has great pictures and it talks about the midwife coming to the house and how mommy makes lots of good noises like an elephant.
Trinity definitely knows that something is going on. She knows there's a baby in my belly, but I don't think she knows that it's coming out soon. She has been acting out and being nasty to her sister and I think it's just the tension in the air from our patience being stretched to the limit! She can be so funny when her sister isn't around. She really tries to entertain us, walking around with her tongue hanging out and waddling like a duck. She knows she's funny too which makes it even cuter!
I am struggling with feeling guilty for sending my kids off to people's houses while I try to rest and let my back rest. I have had such back pain and I think part of it is taking care of the girls and the house and the other part of it is the baby's positioning. I want to enjoy the last bit of time with Hailey and Trinity as my only two children- and I want to have one on one time with each of them, but I have to do what's best for everyone, and I am no good to anyone if I cannot move! I love when the girls cuddle up on what's left of my lap and I read to them.
Yesterday Peter juiced a TON of apples and it's the best apple juice you have ever tasted! It tastes a bit more like apple cider than apple juice- not at all like the juice you buy in the store- maybe more like the organic all natural juice, but i've never had that to compare it. While he did that, I made an apple pie as a "birthday cake" for the baby. I got out a huge bag of shoes for the girls and Hailey kept putting different shoes onto Trinity and then bringing her in to show us "how pretty." Trinity would just light up to hear us say, "Oh Trinity that's sooo pretty." Hailey would say, "ok, let's go get different shoes on." This went on for over a half hour. It was so sweet. I love it when they play together without fighting and I love to see how much they truly love each other.
It's amazing to me how God has continually met our needs. I am blessed beyond belief to have a church body who is so willing to help our family. Whether it's taking the girls, bringing us a huge box full of loaves of bread (my freezer is overflowing!) or bringing us meals, they are more than willing to meet a need when it exists. Also, my mother-in-law, what an amazing woman! God has given her the gift of being a servant. Knowing I can count on her for practically anything is such a blessing. I don't even have to ask most of the time she just offers or just does it. I hope someday I am able to take care of her and her needs like she has for me.
Despite the recent craziness of life, homeschooling is going surprisingly well. There have been 1 or 2 days that we have missed, but over all, I am really pleased with her progress and with all the new concepts she is grasping so quickly! She read a book to me yesterday- the whole thing- and was so proud of herself! I pray that things continue to go this well after baby arrives and my attention is demanded elsewhere.
I started reading "To Train Up a Child" again for some much needed refreshing. I am looking forward to some good training sessions! I have totally been depending on discipline and ignoring training. It was good to read and remember what the difference is, and how to be intentional in training- and keep the goal in mind- working toward Godliness (me and my kiddos!)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Life is Grand!
I really have an awesome life! I am so grateful to be able to stay home with my two girls and spend everyday teaching them, and learning from them. My third child is growing quickly, I'm more than 1/2 way through this pregnancy- yeah! 21 weeks exactly today. I can feel him/her moving everyday and the prods and kicks are getting a bit stronger.
Hailey just decided to decorate herself and her sister with little red spots. Fun. At least it's not permanent this time!
We have 6 chickens who are growing rapidly and we are anxiously awaiting the fall when we can enjoy fresh brown eggs!
The pool will be going up soon- hopefully this weekend- I cannot wait to float my big belly in that water! Peter planted 2 pear trees last week- they won't produce for 2-4 years. We'll be planting the garden soon- Dick and Pat will be doing half and we'll do half. Can't wait for fresh garden picked produce! We got a sandbox given to us and so we bought sand yesterday and the girls both love it!
We ordered a video camera- which should be here in 4 days- I am so thrilled to have footage of all our adventures! The girls are so cute together and Trinity is doing so many new things. Her latest words are "cup", "down", "nite nite", she also will tell you what a cow, cat, dog, and duck say. She loves to eat and will outeat her sister anyday! She just started coming down the stairs on her butt instead of her belly which makes Mommy a bit nervous!
I set up the sprinkler in the yard today and Hailey loved it- Trin wouldn't go near it! We were all getting a bit red so we had to come in- the weather is beautiful, but us fair-skinned people can't take too much of it.
Trinity is walking around right now with one of my sandles on. She is such a girl~ looooves shoes! And she gets so mad if one of her shoes falls off- it's hilarious.
Well, I'm about to do a color so bye for now!
Hailey just decided to decorate herself and her sister with little red spots. Fun. At least it's not permanent this time!
We have 6 chickens who are growing rapidly and we are anxiously awaiting the fall when we can enjoy fresh brown eggs!
The pool will be going up soon- hopefully this weekend- I cannot wait to float my big belly in that water! Peter planted 2 pear trees last week- they won't produce for 2-4 years. We'll be planting the garden soon- Dick and Pat will be doing half and we'll do half. Can't wait for fresh garden picked produce! We got a sandbox given to us and so we bought sand yesterday and the girls both love it!
We ordered a video camera- which should be here in 4 days- I am so thrilled to have footage of all our adventures! The girls are so cute together and Trinity is doing so many new things. Her latest words are "cup", "down", "nite nite", she also will tell you what a cow, cat, dog, and duck say. She loves to eat and will outeat her sister anyday! She just started coming down the stairs on her butt instead of her belly which makes Mommy a bit nervous!
I set up the sprinkler in the yard today and Hailey loved it- Trin wouldn't go near it! We were all getting a bit red so we had to come in- the weather is beautiful, but us fair-skinned people can't take too much of it.
Trinity is walking around right now with one of my sandles on. She is such a girl~ looooves shoes! And she gets so mad if one of her shoes falls off- it's hilarious.
Well, I'm about to do a color so bye for now!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
WOW
Ok where has time gone? I am so grateful for a husband who loves me the way God tells him to...washing me with the water of His Word! Eph. 4:25. His perseverance to do this daily is such a testimony of how God truly changes a person by his renewing his mind with the Word!
I am so thrilled to be going to TX is less than 6 weeks! I made a paper link chain to count down the days with Hailey. She takes a link off everday.
God has been teaching me so much lately. Mostly it's around and around the circle of "I'm all you need Rachael!" DUH! January is always hard when my inlaws leave me for 4 months and my family being so far...then I am reminded- God is all I need.
I was reminded by the Holy Spirit today how I have such a powerful weapon...PRAYER. How often do we put down that weapon and pick up worry, doubt, and let our minds wander away down the wide path. I don't have to do that! I am His child- I CAN PRAY! So that's what I did. And will continue to do.
I am so encouraged that my daughter is hiding God's Word in her heart. She came up to me today and said "Hey mom...necessary edification!" And so I said " OH yeah, are you learning the same verse that we're learning in church? And she said it with me..."Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer." She has also memorized the Lord's Prayer- her Daddy does it with her every night before bed. She's got it down! Praise the Lord! Nothing better.
Another thing God has been showing me is that we are to glorify Him in every decision we make every day...How difficult is that to flesh out? Not so if we are walking in the spirit...we won't fulfill the lust of the flesh. Gal. 5
Thank you God so much for my accountability partner who challenges me and asks me the tough questions and encourages me with scripture. I have learned so much through her humility and grace.
Joyful suffering. That's what the Bible Study has been about on Tuesday mornings. Not rejoicing in spite of a trial- but rejoicing because of a trial. Romans 5:3...Want hope? You must persevere through a trial first, and then recieve endurance- and then our character will be strengthened through His Word- His Spirit.
I am so thrilled to be going to TX is less than 6 weeks! I made a paper link chain to count down the days with Hailey. She takes a link off everday.
God has been teaching me so much lately. Mostly it's around and around the circle of "I'm all you need Rachael!" DUH! January is always hard when my inlaws leave me for 4 months and my family being so far...then I am reminded- God is all I need.
I was reminded by the Holy Spirit today how I have such a powerful weapon...PRAYER. How often do we put down that weapon and pick up worry, doubt, and let our minds wander away down the wide path. I don't have to do that! I am His child- I CAN PRAY! So that's what I did. And will continue to do.
I am so encouraged that my daughter is hiding God's Word in her heart. She came up to me today and said "Hey mom...necessary edification!" And so I said " OH yeah, are you learning the same verse that we're learning in church? And she said it with me..."Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer." She has also memorized the Lord's Prayer- her Daddy does it with her every night before bed. She's got it down! Praise the Lord! Nothing better.
Another thing God has been showing me is that we are to glorify Him in every decision we make every day...How difficult is that to flesh out? Not so if we are walking in the spirit...we won't fulfill the lust of the flesh. Gal. 5
Thank you God so much for my accountability partner who challenges me and asks me the tough questions and encourages me with scripture. I have learned so much through her humility and grace.
Joyful suffering. That's what the Bible Study has been about on Tuesday mornings. Not rejoicing in spite of a trial- but rejoicing because of a trial. Romans 5:3...Want hope? You must persevere through a trial first, and then recieve endurance- and then our character will be strengthened through His Word- His Spirit.
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