A Birth Story

The long awaited day has finally come and gone! I was starting to think I would be pregnant forever but I knew he eventually had to come out, no matter how comfortable he was in there! I love hearing other women's birth stories so I am excited to share with you all the details of mine(well maybe not all) Every birth is a miracle and I never want to take them for granted.

This Christmas time has reminded me of the humble birth story of our Savior. He came to earth as a helpless little baby.  He could have  came any way he wanted but he chose to come as we do into the world and experience all of our weakness', temptations and pains.  He was God yet at the mercy of men. Eventually he grew into a man and was killed for our sins at the hands of men but in the ultimate will of God.  He defeated death and was raised up into heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God. We wait now for him to make all things new!

This is my hope in bringing a new life into the world!

 I have looked with much anticipation to the birth of my fifth child but I have also been dreading it.

I have been extremely blessed to have had all natural births with no complications but I don't pretend to like the pain that comes along with it. So at the end of my pregnancy I just wanted to get it over with.

My due day came and went; which was nothing new for me since all of my children have been late. It actually gave me some extra time to get everything ready but I was driving everyone and myself crazy trying to keep everything perfect, so I was ready to finally bring my baby home to his perfect abode...whether he realized it or not!

At my last appointment with my midwife I wad 3 cm, so I knew it had to be soon. I have been 3centimeters with all my pregnancies before going into labor.

I was very thankful to make it past Thanksgiving( who wants to eat  hospital food on Thanksgiving?) but my birthday was coming up and truth be told...I didn't want to share it. What can I say? I like having a day all about me.

                          

On my eighth day overdue I worked out in the morning(hoping to get things moving), went for a long walk that night and even ran into target for some necessities. I couldn't fall asleep until 12:00 and then at 3:00, I started getting some regular contractions.  I didn't want to get my hopes up and tried to rest but they started getting stronger. I woke my husband up and he started timing them and we knew this was it! 

Yes, it was my birthday but I didn't care! I was so excited to finally hold my baby in my arms! I was happy to let him steal the show!

The contractions weren't really painful, just uncomfortable. We called my  mother in law to come over and watch the kids( thankfully she lives only a block away) and got ready. I was hesitant to go to the hospital right away but my husband was insistent since I have always gone very quickly.

We arrived at the hospital at 4:30. My contractions weren't that consistent but  they were getting stronger and more uncomfortable, but still not painful.  The nurse checked me and I was already 6 centimeters!! By the time they got me hooked up to the monitor and filled up the birthing tub it was 6:00. Yay! I was almost there! I was starting to get anxious the tub wouldn't be ready in time but thankfully it was. The midwife finally got there and asked me if I wanted my water broken, which I declined since my last 2 births my water didn't break and they both came out in their sack. Those were also my easier births, slower and not so intense in between contractions.

At 6:30 my water broke and my contractions started getting harder, where I was starting to really moan and groan.Transition was upon me! I think I only had about 5 really hard contractions and then he was there, ready to come out! I couldn't believe it! My Pandora was playing "Revelation Song" and boy was he ready to be revealed!!

At the point where the baby is crowning I pretty much black out and just want that baby out. I don't know how some mothers actually pull their babies out themselves! My midwife's only big job is getting the baby out and I am happy to let her do it!

Yes, I pushed but not that hard... I was focused on not tearing and I knew the baby would eventually come out. His shoulders got a little stuck, so she had me stand up and my husband held me up. I gave one strong push and he was out!!!

I couldn't believe it!! That was it??

God totally answered my prayers above and beyond what I imagined! Wow! I think I could do this again! After my last birth I said, I never wanted to do that again, of course my husband said don't think about that right now. I am glad I changed my mind and was able to have this beautiful experience. No, it wasn't completely free of pain, but like I prayed, it was as painless as possible.

There he was on my chest!!!

 Brand new and so full of life!!!

I have to say the moment I push that baby out relief  and joy fills my being!!! It is such an amazing experience! I always thought I would cry when I saw my babies for the first time but with each one I am just in awe and excitement. All I can do is  gasp with joy," Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus!!!" I think I am pretty much in shock. That extra weight I have been carrying around this whole time is actually a precious little person! It is such a miracle!!

The best birthday present ever!!

Little Luke! You have to admit he is a looker!

The best Daddy ever!

At that moment when I am holding my precious baby, only minutes old...I  am reminded why my husband and I keep doing this... its all worth it!!...all the pregnancy hormones, the extra weight, the looks from strangers, the tighter living space, the sleepless nights...bringing a new life into the world is one of the most rewarding and joyful experiences!

When my husband and I are in our home together with our children around us, we are filled with love for each other, our children and thanksgiving to God for all He has blessed us with! God gives the best gifts... far better then we could ever plan or imagine!!

                              

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." James 1:17