365 Maze Days: December 2009

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She's here!

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The months of waiting have come to a close, and we are blessed to announce the arrival of the newest member of the M family!

When I had Biggest Brother, it seemed to me that I was having "a baby." And that was his identity. But after watching him grow, and welcoming sibling after sibling, all with different traits and personalities - the excitement is no longer for welcoming just "a baby," but an eager anticipation to meet a whole new person...a brother or sister...a new unique individual who is joining our family.

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I have elected to give birth to our children naturally, and I am extremely grateful that my pregnancies/deliveries have enabled me to do that. I know that isn't always the case.
To me, the experience of natural childbirth is a powerful collision of pain, even fear, but overwhelmingly, the peace of God, and the intense love that makes every second completely worthwhile! And as apprehensive as I always am going into it, I have found God to be ever faithful in meeting me with His grace and strength. I feel I have been truly blessed to be able to have my children this way.

These are the most precious of times to me!

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It was for that reason that I asked J to document as much of the journey as possible this time around. We forgot the camera last time. So without further ado, here's a look into the grand entry of the newest Baby M!

Don't worry, all pictures are viewer friendly! :)

Approximately 6P.M.

Contractions about 6 minutes apart at this point.
Birthing balls are a-mazing.

Arriving at the hospital.
Meet the stop with absolutely NO sense of urgency whatsoever when processing a woman in active labor!
"No, I don't wear eyeglasses. No, the gardener of my great uncle's second cousin did not have high blood pressure..."

Daddy making phone calls and taking pictures of himself doing it.

In triage awaiting my assessment.

Verdict: 6 to 7 cm and 100 percent
I'll take that!

I just so happened to go into labor during J's scheduled weekly podcast.

So of course, they had me call into the show between contractions.
It was a short call.

Big Sis made me this special necklace to wear at the hospital.

There's no one in the world I'd rather have beside me!

In transition now...that's the stretch going from 7 to 10cm.

Aww, my hubby loves me! :)

How sweet is the look on his face!

Slight speedbump in progress.

Baby is posterior.

Doc put me in a side-lying position to allow the contractions to turn the baby.

Going through transition in bed = not fun!!

Becoming even more not fun!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."