I still have no idea what I am doing!
But I guess I never will . . .
Still love this job.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Parental Experimenting
Well, I am sure that all and everything I am doing would go against any pediatrician's advice. I have made gripe water (anise, chamomile and ginger) to mix into every bottle. I also get a non-dairy probitotic into her with some Cod Liver Oil and Aloe. Weird, I know but there is this learning curve that you go through as a parent.
Before you become a parent - ok, let me back up. Before I became a parent there was this list of things on which I would and would not do. No pacifier, only organic formula, cloth diapers all the way and the list goes on. . . .
Well, Kadence has a very strong urge to suck. So much so that she would take double of what she should've been taking her first few weeks. Which lead to major spit up waterfalls. It was lovely. This over eating caused us to have to back off from feeding her so much and soothing her with a pacifier. Yes, I was reluctant but had to chose what was in her best interest. I still consider the pacifier to be the most confounding and frustrating tool in my arsenal but it helps her soothe when I can't soothe her and saves my sanity at times, too.
On top of the waterfalls, we had a very fussy baby who couldn't pass gas. We had her on a dairy based organic formula which seemed to be working great - outside of the miserable baby. So, we switched to a hypoallergenic non-organic formula. And we still add Mylicon, gripe water and the other things listed above in order for her to not scream for four hours straight.
We do cloth diapers throughout the day but at night we find it easier to just put on a plastic (disposable) because she will soak through a cloth (and layers of cloth) rather quickly. Again, just a sanity saver for us.
Sanity has a high value to new parents.
On that note, my KO is awake and I must go and love on her. :-) My favorite parts of the day is when she wakes!!
Before you become a parent - ok, let me back up. Before I became a parent there was this list of things on which I would and would not do. No pacifier, only organic formula, cloth diapers all the way and the list goes on. . . .
Well, Kadence has a very strong urge to suck. So much so that she would take double of what she should've been taking her first few weeks. Which lead to major spit up waterfalls. It was lovely. This over eating caused us to have to back off from feeding her so much and soothing her with a pacifier. Yes, I was reluctant but had to chose what was in her best interest. I still consider the pacifier to be the most confounding and frustrating tool in my arsenal but it helps her soothe when I can't soothe her and saves my sanity at times, too.
On top of the waterfalls, we had a very fussy baby who couldn't pass gas. We had her on a dairy based organic formula which seemed to be working great - outside of the miserable baby. So, we switched to a hypoallergenic non-organic formula. And we still add Mylicon, gripe water and the other things listed above in order for her to not scream for four hours straight.
We do cloth diapers throughout the day but at night we find it easier to just put on a plastic (disposable) because she will soak through a cloth (and layers of cloth) rather quickly. Again, just a sanity saver for us.
Sanity has a high value to new parents.
On that note, my KO is awake and I must go and love on her. :-) My favorite parts of the day is when she wakes!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
10 weeks young
A lot of changes happen to a baby in the span of ten weeks.
Kadence has almost doubled in weight. She is really filling out! Her facial features are becoming more defined. Some days I wake up and ask her "What changed about you last night?" She looks the same but something is a little different. I can't imagine the changes that go on inside of her that I can't see.
And so I wonder about these growing pains and this witching hour that is a good bit of our afternoon. My self-diagnosing is calling it colic, after a little internet (dangerous, I know)research. I feel like a bit of a dunder head for not catching it sooner. I figured the formula that we have her on, Alimentum, would prevent that from happening. But even breast-fed babies are colicy.
It's amazing that the experience of a colicy baby breathes a whole new dimension into that word - colic. You hear people say so nonchalantly that "He was a colicy baby." But I think the people who make it through those weeks and months should receive a metal - or a pat on the back. And the poor, inconsolable babies . . . just the relief of not having that pain has got to be reward enough.
So, I am questioning if these sleep issues we've had these past few weeks aren't due to the (self-diagnosed) colic. So, we will be moving into a whole new bag of tricks for this one. Maybe that's why all this unsolicited and solicited advice for sleep has not been as successful as we would have hoped?
Parents learn a lot in the span of 10 weeks . . .
like how important it is not only for baby to sleep but for mom and dad, too. So maybe another day is better ti expound upon this point.
Kadence has almost doubled in weight. She is really filling out! Her facial features are becoming more defined. Some days I wake up and ask her "What changed about you last night?" She looks the same but something is a little different. I can't imagine the changes that go on inside of her that I can't see.
And so I wonder about these growing pains and this witching hour that is a good bit of our afternoon. My self-diagnosing is calling it colic, after a little internet (dangerous, I know)research. I feel like a bit of a dunder head for not catching it sooner. I figured the formula that we have her on, Alimentum, would prevent that from happening. But even breast-fed babies are colicy.
It's amazing that the experience of a colicy baby breathes a whole new dimension into that word - colic. You hear people say so nonchalantly that "He was a colicy baby." But I think the people who make it through those weeks and months should receive a metal - or a pat on the back. And the poor, inconsolable babies . . . just the relief of not having that pain has got to be reward enough.
So, I am questioning if these sleep issues we've had these past few weeks aren't due to the (self-diagnosed) colic. So, we will be moving into a whole new bag of tricks for this one. Maybe that's why all this unsolicited and solicited advice for sleep has not been as successful as we would have hoped?
Parents learn a lot in the span of 10 weeks . . .
like how important it is not only for baby to sleep but for mom and dad, too. So maybe another day is better ti expound upon this point.
Thank you Lord Jesus.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Goodness
I'll try a real quick one as my girl cat-naps. When I am walking, I ponder and meditate on the Lord and conclude many great and wonderful things about how He is working in my life for His glory. But I never have anything to write these ideas on as I am in the woods (with a baby strapped to the front and a backpack on the back) . . .
In writing the last entry, I just wanted to point out the normalcy of the insanity new parents feel. I did feel it appropriate to censor a lot of that but also thought of a few more things that I could've added that wouldn't flow well into this blog entry.
I probably should've been quicker to share all the other revelations of the Lord's goodness and blessings in my life (before the dark stuff). Although, I know this is just the beginning of my journey into parenthood. I am unwrapping what His love means as He calls us His children and we get to call Him, Abba Father. Daddy.
I am grateful that He continues to reveal to me how insufficient I am. I have a very hard head and heart and He continually has to repeat lessons like that to me. It's quite an adjustment to have this whole other being so dependent upon me for every need - and frankly it wears me out (physically, mentally, emotionally)! But Jesus never tires of us - never wears down and always supplies our needs with grace and mercy.
Well, more later. . . got a little girl who is waking and needs me :-)
Thank you, Lord.
In writing the last entry, I just wanted to point out the normalcy of the insanity new parents feel. I did feel it appropriate to censor a lot of that but also thought of a few more things that I could've added that wouldn't flow well into this blog entry.
I probably should've been quicker to share all the other revelations of the Lord's goodness and blessings in my life (before the dark stuff). Although, I know this is just the beginning of my journey into parenthood. I am unwrapping what His love means as He calls us His children and we get to call Him, Abba Father. Daddy.
I am grateful that He continues to reveal to me how insufficient I am. I have a very hard head and heart and He continually has to repeat lessons like that to me. It's quite an adjustment to have this whole other being so dependent upon me for every need - and frankly it wears me out (physically, mentally, emotionally)! But Jesus never tires of us - never wears down and always supplies our needs with grace and mercy.
Well, more later. . . got a little girl who is waking and needs me :-)
Thank you, Lord.
Monday, October 11, 2010
I can't believe I am about to share this with the world . . .
Mommyhood . . .
I will tell you that the first three weeks were amazing! We were flying high and happy as can be. And then the plane crashed. Let me preface by saying we weren't entering parenthood with expectations of easy. We knew to enjoy those first few weeks! And the crash of the plane does not negate the love that we have for our daughter - nor does it diminish our faith in Jesus. I just want to share honestly what it's been like for us groping around in the dark - the blind leading the blind.
Kadence was the best sleeper. The first night she was home, she slept six hours. This continued on for a week or better. We figured that it would be a matter of time that we would have a few night wakings - which is really no big deal. We have stayed consistent with that routine ever since they started. She's tells us she's hungry, we feed her, change her diaper, swaddle her and she goes back to sleep. Sometimes she'll stir for a little while but never really fusses too much. She may have 2-4 wakings each night. No big deal, really.
Changes . . .
The daytime is much more difficult and has been since she was about 4 or 5 weeks old. Have you ever tied a cat up by it's hind legs and tried to skin it alive? Me neither - but you can imagine the noise that it would make, right? That's about what Kadence's screams are equivalent to - you wouldn't believe it unless you heard it yourself. It is truly unreal.
You see the sleepy eyes, the yawns, the eyes are closing but nope - not going down, not without a fight. And here is where the cat gets skinned (or skint, in the South). Usually she'll go for a good 20 or 30 minutes like this. Yes, I am sure you have all sorts of suggestions at this point and are questioning why I could let this go on. At this point, she is well-fed, well-burped, clean diaper and comfortable in every way possible - I have checked this over and over and now I can just hold her and try to soothe her. Most times she'll respond to some of Karp's 5 S's (Happiest Baby on the Block). She'll calm, but does she sleep? I guess you k(no)w the answer to that one.I can't help but feel like we have tried every method under the sun.
And this is where I attempt to explain the ramifications of sleep deprivation. Those wakings during the night are fine and well when one can take a nap during the day. You see, when you sleep at night, naps during the day let you clean, read and have down time. When no one sleeps well during the day or the night - well, that's when the issues rise. When you don't sleep, you don't reason well, your emotions are off-kilter, your nerves are frazzled and fried. It is a surreal, out of body experience. You can hear a voice talking and sometimes it takes a minute to realize that it's your own voice. And spiritually, the door is blown off the hinges for attacks. I will tell you now that our marriage over the past few weeks has been tested and by the grace of our Lord survived in Him alone. I have to say that my true self, stripped down and relying on myself alone is quite ugly and wretched.
The battle . . .
I guess it's confession time and I only pray that by my exposing myself will only allow the Lord to be glorified. Here I go . . .
There were days where I truly thought I could kill someone. I will say that I posed a serious threat to myself and others. I was poisonous with my words and my actions. I was like this big "flesh tank" taking down everyone in my path. There was a switch that went off inside of me - I just stopped caring. The words that Daniel and I exchanged were toxic. The things I told my daughter - fatal. I am beyond ashamed of that week. One night, while Kadence was (finally) asleep, we had another volatile exchange of words. He wasn't happy with whatever method we were trying to get her to sleep and I was trying to get him to give me another idea. He had none and more insults were exchanged. The exchange ended with a book flying at Daniel's head, leaving a cut across his nose and cheek. Not my proudest moment. I even went out to yell at him some more - but he had already stepped outside. What can I say? Wretched me.
That week, when I closed my eyes, the vision I had was my back against the Lord. Much of me just accepted it complacently - while there was this piece of me that was screaming to trust Him but I just couldn't figure out what that looked like at this point. That little voice was like Wiley Coyote smashed under the boulder - limbs hanging out, accordian-ed (not a real word, i know)body and all. Lies were being fed to me and I was believing them - half truths are still full lies. "You can't figure out your daughter's needs - what's wrong with you? You don't deserve this little girl. Maybe you should give her back. You're not bonded to her." Lies, lies, lies. . . and more lies. And I believed them. And even though the light has shone on them, I still fight them with Truth. It's a constant battle. One battle I believe that has been set up since my childhood, or at least middle school.
There is a darkness that wants to destroy your faith in the Lord. It is a very real battle. The Truth is the Gospel. Believing the half-truths or thinking Jesus plus _______ (fill in the blank for me it's a pity party) equals salvation - well, it perverts the Gospel. Truth is truth. It is not relative. Our God does not change - He is constant and unfailing - even when we fail. Failing is an opportunity for repentance, an opportunity for grace (as I am learning grace is a discipline) - a door that the Lord puts in our lives to grow closer to Him.
Can I always figure out what my daughter needs? No.
Does that make me a bad mom? No.
Do I deserve this little girl? No. I am worthy only of the death and suffering of Jesus Christ but praise Him! He paid that debt so YES! Kadence is my daughter - part of His love and grace being being showered upon me. He put her in my life for His glory.
Am I bonded to her? Yes, yes, yes.
(Please note that there are far more knots to undo, more lies that run very deep in me. I feel as though I have this life giving artery that has a foothold of darkness dumping poison (lies) into it but the Lord has graciously given me enough light to see what I need for this part of the journey. This will be one of my weaknesses that prove His grace is sufficient and His power is perfect in my weakness. This will continue to draw me closer to Jesus. )
Will I continue to fall? Yes. But what a gracious, merciful and loving God to serve that His arms are always open - that He would reach down and pick you up.
On grace and forgiveness . . .
After the night of the flying book, Daniel was the first to come to me and apologize. He was the first to show grace, as my pride was still a stumbling block for me. It wasn't until that morning that I noticed the wound I had inflicted on my husband. Ouch! Visible evidence of my wretchedness! We have repented, forgiven and are reconciled - thank the Lord for that! In confiding this to friends and family - they have been gracious and met us in this with humor and the love of the Lord.
Although we still haven't figured out this nap thing with Kadence, I am resting in Jesus all the way. He is the way, the truth and the life.
I will tell you that the first three weeks were amazing! We were flying high and happy as can be. And then the plane crashed. Let me preface by saying we weren't entering parenthood with expectations of easy. We knew to enjoy those first few weeks! And the crash of the plane does not negate the love that we have for our daughter - nor does it diminish our faith in Jesus. I just want to share honestly what it's been like for us groping around in the dark - the blind leading the blind.
Kadence was the best sleeper. The first night she was home, she slept six hours. This continued on for a week or better. We figured that it would be a matter of time that we would have a few night wakings - which is really no big deal. We have stayed consistent with that routine ever since they started. She's tells us she's hungry, we feed her, change her diaper, swaddle her and she goes back to sleep. Sometimes she'll stir for a little while but never really fusses too much. She may have 2-4 wakings each night. No big deal, really.
Changes . . .
The daytime is much more difficult and has been since she was about 4 or 5 weeks old. Have you ever tied a cat up by it's hind legs and tried to skin it alive? Me neither - but you can imagine the noise that it would make, right? That's about what Kadence's screams are equivalent to - you wouldn't believe it unless you heard it yourself. It is truly unreal.
You see the sleepy eyes, the yawns, the eyes are closing but nope - not going down, not without a fight. And here is where the cat gets skinned (or skint, in the South). Usually she'll go for a good 20 or 30 minutes like this. Yes, I am sure you have all sorts of suggestions at this point and are questioning why I could let this go on. At this point, she is well-fed, well-burped, clean diaper and comfortable in every way possible - I have checked this over and over and now I can just hold her and try to soothe her. Most times she'll respond to some of Karp's 5 S's (Happiest Baby on the Block). She'll calm, but does she sleep? I guess you k(no)w the answer to that one.I can't help but feel like we have tried every method under the sun.
And this is where I attempt to explain the ramifications of sleep deprivation. Those wakings during the night are fine and well when one can take a nap during the day. You see, when you sleep at night, naps during the day let you clean, read and have down time. When no one sleeps well during the day or the night - well, that's when the issues rise. When you don't sleep, you don't reason well, your emotions are off-kilter, your nerves are frazzled and fried. It is a surreal, out of body experience. You can hear a voice talking and sometimes it takes a minute to realize that it's your own voice. And spiritually, the door is blown off the hinges for attacks. I will tell you now that our marriage over the past few weeks has been tested and by the grace of our Lord survived in Him alone. I have to say that my true self, stripped down and relying on myself alone is quite ugly and wretched.
The battle . . .
I guess it's confession time and I only pray that by my exposing myself will only allow the Lord to be glorified. Here I go . . .
There were days where I truly thought I could kill someone. I will say that I posed a serious threat to myself and others. I was poisonous with my words and my actions. I was like this big "flesh tank" taking down everyone in my path. There was a switch that went off inside of me - I just stopped caring. The words that Daniel and I exchanged were toxic. The things I told my daughter - fatal. I am beyond ashamed of that week. One night, while Kadence was (finally) asleep, we had another volatile exchange of words. He wasn't happy with whatever method we were trying to get her to sleep and I was trying to get him to give me another idea. He had none and more insults were exchanged. The exchange ended with a book flying at Daniel's head, leaving a cut across his nose and cheek. Not my proudest moment. I even went out to yell at him some more - but he had already stepped outside. What can I say? Wretched me.
That week, when I closed my eyes, the vision I had was my back against the Lord. Much of me just accepted it complacently - while there was this piece of me that was screaming to trust Him but I just couldn't figure out what that looked like at this point. That little voice was like Wiley Coyote smashed under the boulder - limbs hanging out, accordian-ed (not a real word, i know)body and all. Lies were being fed to me and I was believing them - half truths are still full lies. "You can't figure out your daughter's needs - what's wrong with you? You don't deserve this little girl. Maybe you should give her back. You're not bonded to her." Lies, lies, lies. . . and more lies. And I believed them. And even though the light has shone on them, I still fight them with Truth. It's a constant battle. One battle I believe that has been set up since my childhood, or at least middle school.
There is a darkness that wants to destroy your faith in the Lord. It is a very real battle. The Truth is the Gospel. Believing the half-truths or thinking Jesus plus _______ (fill in the blank for me it's a pity party) equals salvation - well, it perverts the Gospel. Truth is truth. It is not relative. Our God does not change - He is constant and unfailing - even when we fail. Failing is an opportunity for repentance, an opportunity for grace (as I am learning grace is a discipline) - a door that the Lord puts in our lives to grow closer to Him.
Can I always figure out what my daughter needs? No.
Does that make me a bad mom? No.
Do I deserve this little girl? No. I am worthy only of the death and suffering of Jesus Christ but praise Him! He paid that debt so YES! Kadence is my daughter - part of His love and grace being being showered upon me. He put her in my life for His glory.
Am I bonded to her? Yes, yes, yes.
(Please note that there are far more knots to undo, more lies that run very deep in me. I feel as though I have this life giving artery that has a foothold of darkness dumping poison (lies) into it but the Lord has graciously given me enough light to see what I need for this part of the journey. This will be one of my weaknesses that prove His grace is sufficient and His power is perfect in my weakness. This will continue to draw me closer to Jesus. )
Will I continue to fall? Yes. But what a gracious, merciful and loving God to serve that His arms are always open - that He would reach down and pick you up.
On grace and forgiveness . . .
After the night of the flying book, Daniel was the first to come to me and apologize. He was the first to show grace, as my pride was still a stumbling block for me. It wasn't until that morning that I noticed the wound I had inflicted on my husband. Ouch! Visible evidence of my wretchedness! We have repented, forgiven and are reconciled - thank the Lord for that! In confiding this to friends and family - they have been gracious and met us in this with humor and the love of the Lord.
Although we still haven't figured out this nap thing with Kadence, I am resting in Jesus all the way. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Monday, September 20, 2010
August 7, 2010 (written Sept.20 2010)
Kadence Ella Owens was born on August 7, 2010 at 9:36pm.
We rejoice and thank the Lord for her - and for her birthparents.
We received a call on Friday August 6th from b-dad saying that b-mom was having contractions but not consistently timed out. The doctor said that they would induce that following Monday if there was no change by that Monday. On Saturday, Daniel and I did some running around and got home to a late lunch. We decided while we were fixing lunch that we could call and see how b-mom and b-dad were doing. Well, during lunch we got a call from b-dad saying that they were being admitted and b-mom was 4cm.
We didn't waste anytime. We loaded up our already packed bags, took care of our mini-farm and made our way out the door towards Kennestone hospital. We stopped to pray and take a deep breath. So many emotions played in our hearts and so many thoughts rushed through our minds during the drive while we called family and friends to share in our joyous news.
We arrived at the hospital, the exact time, I can't remember but it was mid to late afternoon. B-mama and b-daddy were getting settled and working on finding a groove or rhythm to get through each contraction. B-mama hadn't had much rest since very early Friday morning and had been unable to keep any food in her stomach. Even the purple popsicle she ate some of didn't stay down very long. All the techniques we learned in the birthing class were out the window. She stated that they were great for her during the first stage of her labor. So all she could do was walk around the room with b-dad's support. And the walking only happened because the nurse encouraged it by saying, "If you just want to lay there then I think we should keep you hooked up to the monitor." Which is apparently very uncomfortable.
Daniel and I just did what we could to support and encourage them as they walked through this. I wanted so badly to do more than we were doing so I just kept praying in my head and my heart for the three of them. They had downloaded some music for this occasion. In the background we listened to the Beatles (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Band), Lauryn Hill, Eminem, Van Morrison and a few other artists over the next several hours. B-daddy's mom arrived not too far behind us which seemed to comfort them even more.
When the midwife came in to check her progress, around 7:00pm or so, we stepped out. They had decided, since she was still at 4cm to go ahead and break her water. B-mama was determined to have this little girl with as little intervention as possible. After the breaking of the water, her contractions greatly intensified and came much quicker. B-mama and b-daddy had found a rhythm and worked beautifully together. When a contraction came, she would hook her arms into the bed and they would make eye contact and he would talk her through. The three of us would sit on the sidelines and just 'cheer' them on and continue to encourage them.
The nurse came in several times to check on her and offered drugs and she would say no. But once the nurse walked out she would look at b-daddy and say 'I don't think I can do this, I want drugs'. And his words would pull her through the next few contractions.
When the midwife came back to check her around 9:00pm, she and the nurses started to pull everything together and get ready for the delivery. As private parts became not-so-private, Daniel made his way to the waiting room. Her urge to push was so strong but they needed her to wait a little bit longer. But soon they had her positioned and pushing. There I stood, at her right with b-dad at her left as she pushed. Even through this part of labor, her humor still remained. I couldn't tell you how many times she pushed but soon there was a baby resting on her belly and b-mama's eyes were as big as saucers. I was so awestruck I couldn't cry - or do much of anything - except step out of the way of the nurses. B-mama's eyes followed that beautiful baby as they went to clean her up and take care of her.
Honestly, my eyes bounced back and forth between baby and birthmama. I wanted so badly to hold onto both of them at once. As I stood between them staring at b-mama stare at our little girl, b-mama looked up at me, pointed to her and said, ' Go see your baby '. I snapped out of my awe momentarily to step back into a few steps away at the hospital bassinet. B-daddy's mom joined me as I continued to stare and get lost in the moment. I don't know how much time passed before she lovingly reminded me about my husband, who was still in the waiting room. I practically floated out there to get him.
While they took care of b-mama on the other side of the curtain, we held our little Kadence for the first time, taking pictures. Once they had b-mama taken care of, we joined them on the other side of the curtain as we awaited the move to the next floor. We gushed over baby girl and how awesome b-mama and b-daddy did during labor and delivery. We met two of b-daddy's sisters, a brother-in-law and niece that night.
B-mama was worn out but more hungry than tired. Thankfully the cafeteria had opened for the night shift. It was close to midnight by the time we got to the new room and the guys went to go get food. We ate with them and continued to gush over our little miracle. We left them to get some rest, bringing Kadence into the nursery on our way out. We left to go sleep at at Justin and Anne's house that night, if you want to call it sleep.
We were up bright and early the next day, grabbing breakfast and flowers for b-mama. We met them at the hospital and stayed with them a few minutes before we got Kadence out of the nursery. Inside, I was clawing to get her in my arms again but I wanted to connect with b-mama and b-daddy some, too. To speak of the thoughtfulness of these two, they had the opportunity to be discharged on Sunday. However, if discharged, Kadence stays in the nursery until her discharge on Monday. And we weren't allowed in the nursery. I am sure that they wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, too. But they wanted us to be with her as well.
We spent the day Sunday and Monday with them. We got the opportunity to meet b-daddy's youngest sister and dad during this time. Justin and Anne brought us lunch and met their niece - even though it was discouraged from our agency for us to not have our relatives or friends, our b-mama gave the green light.
We had spent a few hours every week with them since the end of May and the Lord cultivated a deep love for them in us. The time we got to spend with them over those days in the hospital really means so much to me, and I believe to Daniel also. The Lord used it to deepen our love for b-mama and b-daddy. We continue to pray for them and thank the Lord for them in our lives.
I am sure there are many details that I have left out as I have a limited amount of time to spend here at the computer with a six week old baby. Maybe soon, or in a few more weeks (or months), I will share more as this adventure continues to unfold daily.
I feel there is a lot I want to share about the mountains and valleys of motherhood. And I also want to continue to share with you how the Lord is working in me and in my family.
I hope, too, to be able to update you on b-mama and b-daddy. I know that they recently adopted a dog and b-mama has gone back to work but that's about it. I know they have a lot of grief and mixed emotions to work through and we will continue to leave the door open for them when they are ready to get together.
We rejoice and thank the Lord for her - and for her birthparents.
We received a call on Friday August 6th from b-dad saying that b-mom was having contractions but not consistently timed out. The doctor said that they would induce that following Monday if there was no change by that Monday. On Saturday, Daniel and I did some running around and got home to a late lunch. We decided while we were fixing lunch that we could call and see how b-mom and b-dad were doing. Well, during lunch we got a call from b-dad saying that they were being admitted and b-mom was 4cm.
We didn't waste anytime. We loaded up our already packed bags, took care of our mini-farm and made our way out the door towards Kennestone hospital. We stopped to pray and take a deep breath. So many emotions played in our hearts and so many thoughts rushed through our minds during the drive while we called family and friends to share in our joyous news.
We arrived at the hospital, the exact time, I can't remember but it was mid to late afternoon. B-mama and b-daddy were getting settled and working on finding a groove or rhythm to get through each contraction. B-mama hadn't had much rest since very early Friday morning and had been unable to keep any food in her stomach. Even the purple popsicle she ate some of didn't stay down very long. All the techniques we learned in the birthing class were out the window. She stated that they were great for her during the first stage of her labor. So all she could do was walk around the room with b-dad's support. And the walking only happened because the nurse encouraged it by saying, "If you just want to lay there then I think we should keep you hooked up to the monitor." Which is apparently very uncomfortable.
Daniel and I just did what we could to support and encourage them as they walked through this. I wanted so badly to do more than we were doing so I just kept praying in my head and my heart for the three of them. They had downloaded some music for this occasion. In the background we listened to the Beatles (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Band), Lauryn Hill, Eminem, Van Morrison and a few other artists over the next several hours. B-daddy's mom arrived not too far behind us which seemed to comfort them even more.
When the midwife came in to check her progress, around 7:00pm or so, we stepped out. They had decided, since she was still at 4cm to go ahead and break her water. B-mama was determined to have this little girl with as little intervention as possible. After the breaking of the water, her contractions greatly intensified and came much quicker. B-mama and b-daddy had found a rhythm and worked beautifully together. When a contraction came, she would hook her arms into the bed and they would make eye contact and he would talk her through. The three of us would sit on the sidelines and just 'cheer' them on and continue to encourage them.
The nurse came in several times to check on her and offered drugs and she would say no. But once the nurse walked out she would look at b-daddy and say 'I don't think I can do this, I want drugs'. And his words would pull her through the next few contractions.
When the midwife came back to check her around 9:00pm, she and the nurses started to pull everything together and get ready for the delivery. As private parts became not-so-private, Daniel made his way to the waiting room. Her urge to push was so strong but they needed her to wait a little bit longer. But soon they had her positioned and pushing. There I stood, at her right with b-dad at her left as she pushed. Even through this part of labor, her humor still remained. I couldn't tell you how many times she pushed but soon there was a baby resting on her belly and b-mama's eyes were as big as saucers. I was so awestruck I couldn't cry - or do much of anything - except step out of the way of the nurses. B-mama's eyes followed that beautiful baby as they went to clean her up and take care of her.
Honestly, my eyes bounced back and forth between baby and birthmama. I wanted so badly to hold onto both of them at once. As I stood between them staring at b-mama stare at our little girl, b-mama looked up at me, pointed to her and said, ' Go see your baby '. I snapped out of my awe momentarily to step back into a few steps away at the hospital bassinet. B-daddy's mom joined me as I continued to stare and get lost in the moment. I don't know how much time passed before she lovingly reminded me about my husband, who was still in the waiting room. I practically floated out there to get him.
While they took care of b-mama on the other side of the curtain, we held our little Kadence for the first time, taking pictures. Once they had b-mama taken care of, we joined them on the other side of the curtain as we awaited the move to the next floor. We gushed over baby girl and how awesome b-mama and b-daddy did during labor and delivery. We met two of b-daddy's sisters, a brother-in-law and niece that night.
B-mama was worn out but more hungry than tired. Thankfully the cafeteria had opened for the night shift. It was close to midnight by the time we got to the new room and the guys went to go get food. We ate with them and continued to gush over our little miracle. We left them to get some rest, bringing Kadence into the nursery on our way out. We left to go sleep at at Justin and Anne's house that night, if you want to call it sleep.
We were up bright and early the next day, grabbing breakfast and flowers for b-mama. We met them at the hospital and stayed with them a few minutes before we got Kadence out of the nursery. Inside, I was clawing to get her in my arms again but I wanted to connect with b-mama and b-daddy some, too. To speak of the thoughtfulness of these two, they had the opportunity to be discharged on Sunday. However, if discharged, Kadence stays in the nursery until her discharge on Monday. And we weren't allowed in the nursery. I am sure that they wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, too. But they wanted us to be with her as well.
We spent the day Sunday and Monday with them. We got the opportunity to meet b-daddy's youngest sister and dad during this time. Justin and Anne brought us lunch and met their niece - even though it was discouraged from our agency for us to not have our relatives or friends, our b-mama gave the green light.
We had spent a few hours every week with them since the end of May and the Lord cultivated a deep love for them in us. The time we got to spend with them over those days in the hospital really means so much to me, and I believe to Daniel also. The Lord used it to deepen our love for b-mama and b-daddy. We continue to pray for them and thank the Lord for them in our lives.
I am sure there are many details that I have left out as I have a limited amount of time to spend here at the computer with a six week old baby. Maybe soon, or in a few more weeks (or months), I will share more as this adventure continues to unfold daily.
I feel there is a lot I want to share about the mountains and valleys of motherhood. And I also want to continue to share with you how the Lord is working in me and in my family.
I hope, too, to be able to update you on b-mama and b-daddy. I know that they recently adopted a dog and b-mama has gone back to work but that's about it. I know they have a lot of grief and mixed emotions to work through and we will continue to leave the door open for them when they are ready to get together.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August 1, 2010: Mixed Emotions
Well, today is our birthmother's due date.
We sit with a lot of fear and joy in front of us. It's hard to wade through all of these emotions that we are experiencing right now. Well, I guess for me it is. I shouldn't speak for Daniel.
We received the news last Tuesday that there wouldn't be a baby this week and that the midwife would be seeing the still ever-so-pregnant b-mom again this Tuesday for another exam. This brought on an interesting mix of disappointment and relief for me.
I am nervous about the job of being a birth partner. I do not want to violate her modesty, get on her nerves or get in the way of the bonding of the b-mom and b-dad. Being a part of the birth experience really makes me jittery. Although I am very honored and excited at the same time.
I am nervous that they will change their minds and decide to parent. We have become very attached to our b-mom and b-dad and to the life that is growing inside of her. We pray for them and for baby (by name) daily (and have before we met them). We have met with them weekly since May and attended birth classes with them. We have prepared our hearts and our household to receive this little girl as our daughter and it would be grievous to lose her.
I am very concerned over the grieving process for our b-mom and b-dad. Giving up (yes, i use that term with great intention) a baby is one of the biggest decisions a person or persons can make in their lives. I have probably mentioned that in this blog or with you verbally. But with her previous issues and lack of family support, I just hope that she continues to seek proper counsel. Mostly, I pray that our b-mom and b-dad would be adopted into Christ's family.
Worry if a thief. Worry is a murderer. Worry will not change the outcome of the Lord's plan for our lives - or for our children's lives.
So, I ask the Lord for His love and peace. I ask Him to be our guide as we walk through this very intense time in our lives - and that we trust in Christ.
Despite all of the nerves, fear and worry, the joy of the Lord is what keeps us going. It is ok to examine what our life would be like as parents of our baby girl during and after the 10 day rescission period. It is a gift to be excited and joyous over this event in our lives and not let the shadow of doubt and fear be cast upon these precious moments that we have. It is ok for us to have a grasp of what lies ahead if our fears come into fruition but not to dwell and live in those fears.
Please pray for all of us - baby, b-mom, b-dad, Daniel and me - over the next few weeks as we are right up to the edge of a volcano of emotions.
We sit with a lot of fear and joy in front of us. It's hard to wade through all of these emotions that we are experiencing right now. Well, I guess for me it is. I shouldn't speak for Daniel.
We received the news last Tuesday that there wouldn't be a baby this week and that the midwife would be seeing the still ever-so-pregnant b-mom again this Tuesday for another exam. This brought on an interesting mix of disappointment and relief for me.
I am nervous about the job of being a birth partner. I do not want to violate her modesty, get on her nerves or get in the way of the bonding of the b-mom and b-dad. Being a part of the birth experience really makes me jittery. Although I am very honored and excited at the same time.
I am nervous that they will change their minds and decide to parent. We have become very attached to our b-mom and b-dad and to the life that is growing inside of her. We pray for them and for baby (by name) daily (and have before we met them). We have met with them weekly since May and attended birth classes with them. We have prepared our hearts and our household to receive this little girl as our daughter and it would be grievous to lose her.
I am very concerned over the grieving process for our b-mom and b-dad. Giving up (yes, i use that term with great intention) a baby is one of the biggest decisions a person or persons can make in their lives. I have probably mentioned that in this blog or with you verbally. But with her previous issues and lack of family support, I just hope that she continues to seek proper counsel. Mostly, I pray that our b-mom and b-dad would be adopted into Christ's family.
Worry if a thief. Worry is a murderer. Worry will not change the outcome of the Lord's plan for our lives - or for our children's lives.
So, I ask the Lord for His love and peace. I ask Him to be our guide as we walk through this very intense time in our lives - and that we trust in Christ.
Despite all of the nerves, fear and worry, the joy of the Lord is what keeps us going. It is ok to examine what our life would be like as parents of our baby girl during and after the 10 day rescission period. It is a gift to be excited and joyous over this event in our lives and not let the shadow of doubt and fear be cast upon these precious moments that we have. It is ok for us to have a grasp of what lies ahead if our fears come into fruition but not to dwell and live in those fears.
Please pray for all of us - baby, b-mom, b-dad, Daniel and me - over the next few weeks as we are right up to the edge of a volcano of emotions.
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