Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of
a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the
activity of God, who does all things.
~ Ecclesiastes 11:5
This post comes a little late. I've been a little busy lately. That's because we joyfully welcomed our new little man, Micah Henry, on November 26th, at 9:13 am. It was a grey day. Cold, a bit overcast, like mother nature was just thinking about transitioning to Winter. I had no idea that my day would be brightened by the arrival of our beautiful baby boy. I think all birth stories are remarkable, even if there is nothing quite noteworthy or remarkable about them. Bringing new life into the world is simply amazing. I am amazed by what our bodies can do and how a child is woven together in it's mother's womb. There isn't much really to tell for Micah's birth story. But, I'm sharing it with you because maybe you find each story of birth remarkable too, and so that I can hold on to the memory of it myself. Here it is:
Tuesday, the 25th, was a typical day for me. I had not begun my maternity leave yet because I was not due for another 9 days. How blessed we are here, in Canada, to be able to take a year off for maternity leave with benefits. So, I went to work, to teach my grade 6 class at MRES and I had no idea that I would not be returning to work the next day. My family, midwife, and many others had suggested to me, that I take some time off to rest before the birth. And, I planned on doing that too, but I thought, I would finish up the work week by making Friday my last day. After all, I was 38 weeks, I wasn't due until December 5th, I felt fine, and I had a lot of classroom clean up to do before I left. So, Friday was the day I planned on saying good-bye to my students. And, the custodians and my husband planned on helping me clean up my classroom on Friday after school. But, God's plan was different than my plan.
"I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for
disaster, to give you future and a hope."
~ Jeremiah 29:11
God was in control. Having Micah just a little early, in the end, it was so good. At the time I might have felt that I was not ready. But, I know now, more than ever, that His plan was for me to be done work early, and to take care of my children. It feels so good to be home with my children.
We had our maternity photo session the weekend before, I was 38 weeks along, and I'm glad we did. Otherwise, we would not have had those wonderful photos taken. We went to the library, one of Isaac's and my favourite places to go. I will forever treasure those photos taken of our family of three, about to be four. Looking back on those photos now, I could tell that my swollen womb looked low. The baby had dropped into position. At the time, I didn't feel any different. I went to work on Monday, and one of the Educational Assistant's said to me, "You've dropped." My reaction, was "What? Doesn't that mean, the baby is coming soon?" I thought, looks can be deceiving. I'm not due for another 11 days, perhaps it was what I was wearing. Sure enough, two days later, and we had our baby.
So, I went to bed Tuesday night, totally unaware that I would be going into labour that very night, rather planning on going, with hope, to one of my last mid-wife appointments in the morning and then to work at noon. At 2 a.m. I woke up. Nothing unusual when you are 9 months pregnant. I had slight cramping sensation but just figured I needed to roll over. I did, the cramps went away and I tried to fall back to sleep, but couldn't. Sleep was all I wanted. But, 10 minutes later the same slight cramping came back. Something was different about it. It did not feel like a tightening of the womb like a Braxton Hicks contraction feels. It was just a slightly lower abdominal sensation and it was not painful. I was now aware that I was in labour, but I had thoughts creeping in hoping this was not it yet. I wasn't ready.
Every 10 minutes the same sensation occurred. After about an hour of this, tossing and turning, I decided to let Tim know I was in labour. Part of me was excited, but part of me was saying "Wait, please, little one. Just a few more days." I worried that my house was not perfectly clean, I did not get that last weekend as a family of three in, I felt that my supply teacher plans were not in depth enough, my classroom would not be emptied of my books and belongings, and I didn't get the chance to say good-bye to my students. Anxiety and the fear of not feeling fully prepared was overwhelming me. I prayed to lay my worries on my Heavenly Father and asked for a smooth and safe labour and delivery. Right away, I was given assurance that all will be well. This child does not need to arrive to a home in perfect order, but to a family that is ready to love and adore him or her. That is all.
Our plan was to have this little boy or girl at home. Isaac was born at home, and I absolutely loved my birth experience with him. So long as my pregnancy remained healthy, I knew that another home birth is what I wanted.
I decided to make the call to my mid-wife around 4 a.m. At this point, I did not know how long this could go on for, but I knew it was labour and I definitely would not be returning to work. With Isaac I was in labour for 9 hours. So, I anticipated it to be a little shorter this time, but the self conscious part of you says this could go on til past noon or longer. I let her know that I believed I was in early labour and that contractions were 8 to 10 minutes apart. She encouraged me so much over the phone, by saying "Yes, this sounds like you are progressing well. This is it, you can do this." She let me know that she would be ready to come as soon as I make my next call to her, that I should rest as much as possible for now. I couldn't sleep, for I was giddy. So, I went to the computer to write a supply teacher plan for the afternoon as I had anticipated being at work that afternoon. I emailed it off to my supply teacher. I got a drink of water anticipating how hydrated I would need to be later. And, laid back down trying to rest.
Those thoughts of not being prepared did not stay away. But, I tried to remain at ease with my eyes on the prize - a new son or daughter soon! At 5:30 a.m. I made the call to my principal to let her know that I would not make it in to work that afternoon, or at all for the remainder of the year. She was surprised but gave me her best wishes and assured me that she would take care of my supply teacher for the day. This, too, gave me some relief. She also assured me that she would take care of contacting Human Resources for me. At this time, my husband, Tim would be getting ready to go to work for the day. And, I suggested that he go ahead to milk the cows. I will be fine until he comes home for breakfast at around 9 a.m. Little did I know, I would need him back sooner than that. I texted my mom to let her know "This is the day" and her excited reply of "Wonderful! Are your pains far apart?" helped me feel more ready and at ease as well.
Shortly after Tim left around 6 a.m. I laid back down and tried to rest. At this point contractions were more often, between 5 to 8 minutes and becoming a little more uncomfortable. I was starting to think I should call the midwife back. I heard Isaac was awake and I was really hoping he would sleep longer. I went to get him to encourage him to go back to sleep by bringing him to bed with me. This was working, until I had a slightly more intense contraction and had to purse my lips through it. Isaac, in his half asleep state, knew I wasn't feeling well and woke up. It was 6:30 a.m., still dark outside, and that last contraction convinced me that I should call the mid-wife back. I made the call to her and she suggested I get in the tub to relax my body. I texted Tim too, to come home earlier if he could as Isaac was awake and more than I could handle right at the moment. He hadn't been to work for more than half an hour. Isaac, in his innocent and sweet way, knew that mommy wasn't feeling well and was by my side. It was an early start for him too, so he was a little clingy. He wanted carried downstairs to get breakfast and carrying him brought on a "wow" contraction right away. Good thing I made those calls.
I decided that Isaac could watch a little Thomas the Train (his favourite thing ever!) on Netflix, and gave him a banana to eat in the living room while I was in the bath. This would just have to do until Tim got home. But, being tired himself, he just wanted to be by my side. And, Tim did not get home until almost 8 a.m. When Tim arrived he saw Isaac was by my side clutching his "blankie" while I was in the tub. What a sweet boy. Tim got Isaac a better breakfast, called his mom to pick Isaac up for the day and packed his backpack for his day away with Grandma Cook.
The mid-wife arrived shortly after that. Right away the mid-wife and nurse, second birthing attendant begin their work of monitoring your blood pressure, babies heart rate, warming towels, boiling water, and setting up the necessary precautions in your room of choice to deliver. They make sure you have everything you need and they make your home environment seem a little more like a hospital environment. It feels like home, and you have the security in knowing they have made it a safe place to bring babies into the world. They are such incredible women. My mid-wife was there when Isaac was born at home too. She was there throughout my entire pregnancy, providing excellent care, and she would know well enough in advance if it was necessary to go to the hospital. In my case, I was so happy to be able to deliver another healthy child safely at home.
I was in the bath when they arrived and got out briefly for my mid-wife to check my dilation. I was already at 7 cm. I was amazed at how far along I was already. Time goes by so fast when you are in labour (for me). Contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart and I went back in the tub. The second birthing attendant poured water over my side and said "You'll let us know when you're ready to push right, Sonya?" I did not think I was near pushing time yet, as I seemed to have one hard contraction followed by lighter ones. Tim's mom came by to pick up Isaac at about 9:00 so I said my good-byes to my boy. It wasn't 5 minutes before he was out the door that I had a hard pushing contraction. I felt my water break and I needed to be moved from the tub to the bed. With the help of Tim, and the nurse, I made my way to the bed. The mid-wife checked me again, and sure enough, babies head was right there. I laid on my side with Tim rubbing my back and with two more quick pushes, he was born. I am so amazed by what our bodies can do. It happened so fast. He took a breath of air and let out his first cry, what a relief it is to hear that sound. It says, you have a healthy child and your hard work is done. It was 9:13 am. The mid-wife gave Tim the chance to announce what we had. "Another beautiful boy" he said. And, I was shocked. They moved him to my chest and I was looking into the face of a bright-eyed sweetie. I looked him over head to toe and marveled at this perfect little gift. What a beauty.
He was weighed at 6 lbs 13 oz and handed back over to me to try nursing right away and like a pro he latched on instantly. I had a bite to eat, and a drink, prepared for me by the nurse. And, after feeling ready to get up and move, I went to the tub to soak in the healing herbal bath (see the recipe below). My baby joining me. How wide-eyed and alert they look in the tub.
After bathing, he was dressed in his first clothing, a cute little blue sleeper, and promptly drifted off to sleep. We made a few phone calls to family and friends. When we called Grandma Cook, and she let Isaac know that he had a baby brother, we were told his words were "baby brother, love you." How sweet is that?! I'm sure that Isaac knew all along what was going on and that he knew he would have a baby when he returned home that night. We didn't have a name chosen right away.
Our mid-wife team did some more monitoring of my blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and all the lovely necessaries for Micah as well, Everything was in working order and the mid-wife team left us to our own devices. Having done this before, we definitely felt more at ease with being left on own. But, with Isaac gone for the day, we had yet to figure out what parenting two children would be like. We spent the day resting in bed treasuring our new little one's cuddles and feeding time. We welcomed a few visitors and debated name options. Finally we agreed upon Micah Henry.
Isaac came home that evening and was a very adoring big brother from the start. I was so happy to see him and squeeze his little - but not so little now compared to his baby brother's - body. I think he always knew that something was up. Our day did not start out as a typical day. He went to grandma Cook's for the day instead of daycare and he knew that he would be coming home to a new baby. He is still such a loving and caring big brother. He loves to kiss and cuddle Micah and always asks "I hold Micah on the couch?" It's a busy time of our lives, with a two year old and a newborn. I'm learning every day how to juggle having two. I'm still cherishing those late night feedings, because I know they won't last. I'm enjoying this time and my boys so much.
The after birth care with a mid-wife team is absolutely the best. It makes caring for a newborn so much easier. The mid-wife continues to do home visits with you every day (or every other day if all is going well) for a week. They, then continue to visit once a week for 3 weeks. At 6 weeks, you have your last visit with them in their clinic. From that point on care is transferred over to your family doc. What a blessing it is to not have to bundle up your little one(s) and travel to the clinic yourself for check-ups. It is absolutely one of my favourite parts of having a mid-wife.
There is such amazingly beautiful growth and development that happens in the womb. But, it is incredible to watch the growth that takes place when they have left the safety of your womb to be a part of this crazy world. Obviously inside their mother is (supposed to be) the safest place for a child the size of an olive to be. Some children are born much earlier, but there is a reason we are meant to be in our mother's womb for 9 months. It happens every day, every minute, every second even, babies being born. But, it is a miracle of life. There is nothing quite like witnessing the birth of a child, and watching your children grow up. You don't know how much you are capable of loving until you love your children. And, the love we experience here on earth is miniscule compared to the love our Heavenly Father has for us. It is through loving my own children, that I have been given just a glimpse of how deep the Father's love is for us - "how vast beyond all measure."
We have had 10 special weeks with our new addition, Micah. He's grown so much already, over double in size already. I am getting the hang of mothering two littles now and Tim is a great dad. It's crazy in our house at times. My world has slowed way down yet sped way up at the same time. If it weren't for a few of my friends planning playdates and my Coffee Break Bible study group, I'm sure there would be some weeks where we did not get out of the house. It's magic watching Isaac and Micah grow up together. So far they are BFFs. Let's hope it stays that way.
"Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations." ~ The Inifinite Power of Hope by Deiter F. Uchtdorf
Herbal Bath for After Birth by Wellness Mama
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
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| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
Every 10 minutes the same sensation occurred. After about an hour of this, tossing and turning, I decided to let Tim know I was in labour. Part of me was excited, but part of me was saying "Wait, please, little one. Just a few more days." I worried that my house was not perfectly clean, I did not get that last weekend as a family of three in, I felt that my supply teacher plans were not in depth enough, my classroom would not be emptied of my books and belongings, and I didn't get the chance to say good-bye to my students. Anxiety and the fear of not feeling fully prepared was overwhelming me. I prayed to lay my worries on my Heavenly Father and asked for a smooth and safe labour and delivery. Right away, I was given assurance that all will be well. This child does not need to arrive to a home in perfect order, but to a family that is ready to love and adore him or her. That is all.
This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches,
which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:19
Our plan was to have this little boy or girl at home. Isaac was born at home, and I absolutely loved my birth experience with him. So long as my pregnancy remained healthy, I knew that another home birth is what I wanted.
I decided to make the call to my mid-wife around 4 a.m. At this point, I did not know how long this could go on for, but I knew it was labour and I definitely would not be returning to work. With Isaac I was in labour for 9 hours. So, I anticipated it to be a little shorter this time, but the self conscious part of you says this could go on til past noon or longer. I let her know that I believed I was in early labour and that contractions were 8 to 10 minutes apart. She encouraged me so much over the phone, by saying "Yes, this sounds like you are progressing well. This is it, you can do this." She let me know that she would be ready to come as soon as I make my next call to her, that I should rest as much as possible for now. I couldn't sleep, for I was giddy. So, I went to the computer to write a supply teacher plan for the afternoon as I had anticipated being at work that afternoon. I emailed it off to my supply teacher. I got a drink of water anticipating how hydrated I would need to be later. And, laid back down trying to rest.
Those thoughts of not being prepared did not stay away. But, I tried to remain at ease with my eyes on the prize - a new son or daughter soon! At 5:30 a.m. I made the call to my principal to let her know that I would not make it in to work that afternoon, or at all for the remainder of the year. She was surprised but gave me her best wishes and assured me that she would take care of my supply teacher for the day. This, too, gave me some relief. She also assured me that she would take care of contacting Human Resources for me. At this time, my husband, Tim would be getting ready to go to work for the day. And, I suggested that he go ahead to milk the cows. I will be fine until he comes home for breakfast at around 9 a.m. Little did I know, I would need him back sooner than that. I texted my mom to let her know "This is the day" and her excited reply of "Wonderful! Are your pains far apart?" helped me feel more ready and at ease as well.
Shortly after Tim left around 6 a.m. I laid back down and tried to rest. At this point contractions were more often, between 5 to 8 minutes and becoming a little more uncomfortable. I was starting to think I should call the midwife back. I heard Isaac was awake and I was really hoping he would sleep longer. I went to get him to encourage him to go back to sleep by bringing him to bed with me. This was working, until I had a slightly more intense contraction and had to purse my lips through it. Isaac, in his half asleep state, knew I wasn't feeling well and woke up. It was 6:30 a.m., still dark outside, and that last contraction convinced me that I should call the mid-wife back. I made the call to her and she suggested I get in the tub to relax my body. I texted Tim too, to come home earlier if he could as Isaac was awake and more than I could handle right at the moment. He hadn't been to work for more than half an hour. Isaac, in his innocent and sweet way, knew that mommy wasn't feeling well and was by my side. It was an early start for him too, so he was a little clingy. He wanted carried downstairs to get breakfast and carrying him brought on a "wow" contraction right away. Good thing I made those calls.
I decided that Isaac could watch a little Thomas the Train (his favourite thing ever!) on Netflix, and gave him a banana to eat in the living room while I was in the bath. This would just have to do until Tim got home. But, being tired himself, he just wanted to be by my side. And, Tim did not get home until almost 8 a.m. When Tim arrived he saw Isaac was by my side clutching his "blankie" while I was in the tub. What a sweet boy. Tim got Isaac a better breakfast, called his mom to pick Isaac up for the day and packed his backpack for his day away with Grandma Cook.
The mid-wife arrived shortly after that. Right away the mid-wife and nurse, second birthing attendant begin their work of monitoring your blood pressure, babies heart rate, warming towels, boiling water, and setting up the necessary precautions in your room of choice to deliver. They make sure you have everything you need and they make your home environment seem a little more like a hospital environment. It feels like home, and you have the security in knowing they have made it a safe place to bring babies into the world. They are such incredible women. My mid-wife was there when Isaac was born at home too. She was there throughout my entire pregnancy, providing excellent care, and she would know well enough in advance if it was necessary to go to the hospital. In my case, I was so happy to be able to deliver another healthy child safely at home.
I was in the bath when they arrived and got out briefly for my mid-wife to check my dilation. I was already at 7 cm. I was amazed at how far along I was already. Time goes by so fast when you are in labour (for me). Contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart and I went back in the tub. The second birthing attendant poured water over my side and said "You'll let us know when you're ready to push right, Sonya?" I did not think I was near pushing time yet, as I seemed to have one hard contraction followed by lighter ones. Tim's mom came by to pick up Isaac at about 9:00 so I said my good-byes to my boy. It wasn't 5 minutes before he was out the door that I had a hard pushing contraction. I felt my water break and I needed to be moved from the tub to the bed. With the help of Tim, and the nurse, I made my way to the bed. The mid-wife checked me again, and sure enough, babies head was right there. I laid on my side with Tim rubbing my back and with two more quick pushes, he was born. I am so amazed by what our bodies can do. It happened so fast. He took a breath of air and let out his first cry, what a relief it is to hear that sound. It says, you have a healthy child and your hard work is done. It was 9:13 am. The mid-wife gave Tim the chance to announce what we had. "Another beautiful boy" he said. And, I was shocked. They moved him to my chest and I was looking into the face of a bright-eyed sweetie. I looked him over head to toe and marveled at this perfect little gift. What a beauty.
He was weighed at 6 lbs 13 oz and handed back over to me to try nursing right away and like a pro he latched on instantly. I had a bite to eat, and a drink, prepared for me by the nurse. And, after feeling ready to get up and move, I went to the tub to soak in the healing herbal bath (see the recipe below). My baby joining me. How wide-eyed and alert they look in the tub.
After bathing, he was dressed in his first clothing, a cute little blue sleeper, and promptly drifted off to sleep. We made a few phone calls to family and friends. When we called Grandma Cook, and she let Isaac know that he had a baby brother, we were told his words were "baby brother, love you." How sweet is that?! I'm sure that Isaac knew all along what was going on and that he knew he would have a baby when he returned home that night. We didn't have a name chosen right away.
Our mid-wife team did some more monitoring of my blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and all the lovely necessaries for Micah as well, Everything was in working order and the mid-wife team left us to our own devices. Having done this before, we definitely felt more at ease with being left on own. But, with Isaac gone for the day, we had yet to figure out what parenting two children would be like. We spent the day resting in bed treasuring our new little one's cuddles and feeding time. We welcomed a few visitors and debated name options. Finally we agreed upon Micah Henry.
Isaac came home that evening and was a very adoring big brother from the start. I was so happy to see him and squeeze his little - but not so little now compared to his baby brother's - body. I think he always knew that something was up. Our day did not start out as a typical day. He went to grandma Cook's for the day instead of daycare and he knew that he would be coming home to a new baby. He is still such a loving and caring big brother. He loves to kiss and cuddle Micah and always asks "I hold Micah on the couch?" It's a busy time of our lives, with a two year old and a newborn. I'm learning every day how to juggle having two. I'm still cherishing those late night feedings, because I know they won't last. I'm enjoying this time and my boys so much.
The after birth care with a mid-wife team is absolutely the best. It makes caring for a newborn so much easier. The mid-wife continues to do home visits with you every day (or every other day if all is going well) for a week. They, then continue to visit once a week for 3 weeks. At 6 weeks, you have your last visit with them in their clinic. From that point on care is transferred over to your family doc. What a blessing it is to not have to bundle up your little one(s) and travel to the clinic yourself for check-ups. It is absolutely one of my favourite parts of having a mid-wife.
There is such amazingly beautiful growth and development that happens in the womb. But, it is incredible to watch the growth that takes place when they have left the safety of your womb to be a part of this crazy world. Obviously inside their mother is (supposed to be) the safest place for a child the size of an olive to be. Some children are born much earlier, but there is a reason we are meant to be in our mother's womb for 9 months. It happens every day, every minute, every second even, babies being born. But, it is a miracle of life. There is nothing quite like witnessing the birth of a child, and watching your children grow up. You don't know how much you are capable of loving until you love your children. And, the love we experience here on earth is miniscule compared to the love our Heavenly Father has for us. It is through loving my own children, that I have been given just a glimpse of how deep the Father's love is for us - "how vast beyond all measure."
Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is
revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~ Romans 8:39
We have had 10 special weeks with our new addition, Micah. He's grown so much already, over double in size already. I am getting the hang of mothering two littles now and Tim is a great dad. It's crazy in our house at times. My world has slowed way down yet sped way up at the same time. If it weren't for a few of my friends planning playdates and my Coffee Break Bible study group, I'm sure there would be some weeks where we did not get out of the house. It's magic watching Isaac and Micah grow up together. So far they are BFFs. Let's hope it stays that way.
 |
| Photography by Heather Dietz Photography |
Think of the worth of this eternal gift, [hope]. 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him.'
~ 1 Corinthians 2:9
"Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations." ~ The Inifinite Power of Hope by Deiter F. Uchtdorf
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| Mike and Ike on Christmas Day |
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| Trying to catch some Vitamin D on a sunny Winter day. |
Herbal Bath for After Birth by Wellness Mama
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Comfrey Leaf
- ½ cup Lavender Flowers
- ¼ cup Plantain Leaf
- ½ cup Red Raspberry Leaf
- ¼ cup Yarrow Flower
- ¼ cup Calendula Flowers
- ¼ cup Shepherd's Purse
- ¼ cup Uva Ursi Leaf
- ¼ cup Sea Salt or Epsom Salt
Instructions
- Mix herbs in a glass container or plastic bag. I used a half gallon mason jar. The proportions don't have to be exact. Store for up to a year in a cool, dark, place.
