Invite for Rachel

All are welcome to come to Rachel's blessing on August 7, 2001 at 11 AM. If need directions to our church please call us. Also welcomed to join us for lunch after the meeting. We would love to introduce you to Rachel. Rachel is growing and growing. At her 2 week appointment the doctor was a little nervous that she hadn't returned to her birth weight so asked us to come in the next week just to weigh her. We didn't get back for a week and a half but she had joined almost a whole pound in that week! I figured she was too sleepy which also caused me to have some mastitis that wasn't fun. She is by far my sleepiest baby.
Miriam still loves her so much as shown here sliding with her on July 20 at 28 days old.

The Rest of the Story

After my experience at the hospital I was more determined to find a midwife and another birthing option. I loved Miriam's hospital for its homey atmosphere, but our insurance doesn't cover it. So around Thanksgiving I found a midwife group. I enjoyed seeing them if only because we never had to wait at our appointments!

As it came closer and I got bigger- all in my belly (I had so many more random people ask when I was due because I was obviously pregnant) I looked forward to my sister Jennifer coming to

help us out. She came May 21 and stayed to June 26. She was a great deal of help cleaning, cooking and watching out for the kids. She also kept us on track with our routines particularly bedtime. It was nice if they fell asleep in the car on the way to our errands that she could just stay with them and I could still get my errand completed.

I had very little braxton hicks contractions and she didn't drop till the day she was born thus I didn't see any effacement till I was fully in labor. I experienced one contraction a couple of weeks ago then none till the Sat before though I didn't realize till I had more Sun morning that was what it was. I had one or so Sun night and Mon morning making me wonder if my father-in-law would get his wish of her being born on his birthday, but no. Wed morning I woke up at 4 with the arrival of Miriam and Aaron to our room. Settled them and then felt a contraction so I left to lay on the couch. I thought about staying up but then thought if this is labor I need all the rest I can get. A contraction arrived every 1/2 hr or so after till 6 when they started coming more regularly. I moved into high gear to finish gathering things, taking care of things before we left including cutting my bangs so they would be out of the way and french braiding my hair. I was disappointed to find the contractions in my back again. I had worked hard to get her turned all month so that wouldn't happen. We left to deliver around 9:45. It was strange labor- the contractions never really got closer just more intense. I also was in a strange place emotionally, kind of disconnected. One of the effects was it seemed to take a long time to get through. I loved being at the new place, it was a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable. I also deeply appreciated that my midwife Trinette never went far, explained precisely what she was doing and what was happening, and gave me options all along. Then I got in the bathtub to ease the intensity which was good, but there wasn't very good support for my back. I hadn't officially decided to have a water birth, but once I was in I couldn't get out again. I felt the pushing motions early it seemed and so felt like I was pushing for a long time. They broke my water which I was hesitant because the other 2 times it made the contractions soo much stronger. This time it actually helped and after apx 11 min of hard pushing (in which I was sure she was stuck) she was born at 12:17. Trinette draped herself over the edge of the tub (no idea how she did it) caught Rachel unwrapped the cord with a quick push and before I know it Rachel is sitting on my chest. She just sort of bobbed up through the water washing the blood off though she was covered in vernix so she looked white. They put a towel over her and we all sat there looking at her till the blood stopped pulsing in the umbilical cord. Eric actually cut the cord for the first time. Then the placenta came and they said it was one of the biggest ones they had seen- wonder how much weight I lost right there between the 3. We just sat in the tub recovering for quite awhile or so it seemed. We finally got out and dried off to lay on the nice queen size bed and get more acquainted.

Still partially covered in vernix, they didn't give her any other bath just rubbed it all in as they checked her out.

It was interesting to see they check her out as I had never done that before. They just had her at the foot of the bed and brought in the scale. Though soon all of this was peripheral as Trinette checked me over and found a tear that needed stitching- drats I was really hoping not to, but I guess with that big of a baby it may have been inevitable. Got us all settled and mom went home to see how the other kids were doing and Eric, Rachel and I took a nap (I don't think I really fell asleep though).
The kids were so excited to see their new sister. Aaron's eyes lit up when he first saw her. Apparently Miriam was already looking out for her because she was quite concerned that Rachel's car seat was in the trunk- mom and Jennifer weren't sure how to get all situated. Also that Rachel had a cut on her belly (ie her umbilical cord). We also caught some funny conversations about how Rachel needed to get on the floor and walk. When we told her she couldn't Miriam thought it was because she needed to put her shoes on. Miriam also adored holding her and constantly asked to be able and hold her. Our new family: mom, dad and baby; three kids and mom!; the girls (I enjoy being able to say that). When kids started getting antsy we sent them home by way of Arctic Circle for corn dog dinner. We rested a bit more then started gathering as we could only stay 8 hrs after the birth so check out time was 10:00. I really wished we could have stayed the night to rest in peace without the other 2. We meant to leave earlier, but of course she needed to nurse then change her diaper, etc- all problems of leaving with a newborn. Another nice thing about this delvery option was a well stocked kitchen we could raid for whatever we wanted at no extra charge.Going home! Rahel all dressed up in her special outfit that looked for forever (wanted something purple and there weren't a lot of choices). Eric went to buckle her in since I wasn't exactly at full strength.We also stopped for my traditional shake. Got home to sleeping children. Ahh the end of a very long, exciting day.