THERE WE GROW

Our little caboose is our wild flower; beautiful and able to stand on her own; delicate yet strong.  We were excited to welcome a girl into our hearts and lives and she doesn’t disappoint.  From her dancing as a young toddler to singing her night time bible songs it is so fun to watch her beautiful spirit.

It was exciting to find out we were pregnant with a girl for we, grandparents and the boys would have a baby sister.  Amanda had been using oils and more natural approaches to health. With the experience of pregnancy and birth of our boys, things went smoothly over all. Kelly, our midwife had delivered our third and we appreciated her calm support. We looked forward to listening to her growing heartbeat and going to get a sonogram with the boys so we could all see her for the first time.

It is always exciting when the arrival is near, Amanda was having consistent strong contractions and called our photographer Anna and our midwife Kelly to let them know.  We were expecting her soon but like any wildflower you don’t usually pick the time or place and M wasn’t quite ready yet. A few days later Amanda was having strong consistent contractions again but wasn’t sure if it was time yet.  We waited patiently and anxiously (well daddy was anxious at least).  We didn’t want to call Anna and Kelly on a false alert again so we timed contractions and waited.  When I saw Amanda on her knees rocking her hips I knew this was the time. We called Anna and Kelly and let them know and they headed our way.

I filled the birth tub and began boiling water because we needed lots of hot water to add to the birth tub with #3s birth.  The boys were in bed and everything was calm, although our dog Lily knew something was going on.  Amandas contractions were getting stronger and closer and she moved to the birthing tub.  

After a few minutes and more contractions Amanda said “You’re gonna have to help me.”  I really didn’t know what she meant other than supporting her during contractions but I soon realized M was coming out!   I helped catch her and hold her in the birth tub with my head whirling.  We had the experience of the other births so once she was out I was focused on holding her, then cradling and holding her head above the water once she was up and out and untangling her cord. Her little cry was a welcome sound knowing her lungs were strong.  Amanda asked if it really was a girl (since we were used to having boys).  I was so focused on holding her up, unwrapping the cord and welcoming another baby I didn’t even check if it was a girl!

While holding our new little girl I helped Amanda get positioned outside the birth tub, still attached with the umbilical cord.  I called Kelly who was still delayed in heavy rain to let her know Baby was here.  She said she could hear M crying in the background so she said all is good.  Amanda and I enjoyed a few moments of just us with our new joy.

After Kelly arrived I cut the umbilical cord, we measured and weighed her.  I got the 3 boys up in the middle of the night to welcome her. They were all excited to meet their sister and hold her.  Soon we were all back to resting for the night and beginning our journey of 6.