I've decided to keep this blog to document the first year with Moriyah. This will be a series for a keepsake that I will combine with the pregnancy entries to form a book I will order for her first birthday. Thanks to Michelle for the wonderful idea!
Birth- 2weeks
Mommy made this shirt for you which will go in a shadow box
I love...
that you are finally here!
the moment Daddy placed you on my chest
our first family picture with you in it
the newness of your tiny cloth diapers and cord
the way you looked in Daddy's tallit at 6 days old
how peaceful you look when your sleeping in my arms
that your cord came off and we can dress you up now
your sisters picked out this jumper to put you in first
watching all the tenderness shown to you
seeing you stroll the garden with Daddy your first time outside
how good you were for our first outing. Slept entire time.
the feeling of carrying you in my newborn sling
all the visits, meals and gifts from loved ones because of you
snuggling with you in our bed at night and nursing you to sleep
the way you smell
how only nursing can truly comfort you
how tiny you are
that you look a little like each of your brothers and sisters
how you have changed our lives forever
how you've already brought so much blessing
I can't believe your first two weeks went by so quickly. I have richly enjoyed our time together while Daddy has been home taking care of everything for me so we can have our special time during these early days. I will miss our babymoon but I'm going to try and drag it out a bit longer! Our first and only outing was to see Debra for your two week check-up. You are back up to your birth weight at 8.8 pounds and very healthy. All the children adore you and want to hold and kiss you ALL the time. I love you so much and can't imagine our family without you in it. You are so precious and we are all so incredibly blessed and thankful for you.
*if you missed the birth story and video click here.
MoriYah wrapped in Daddy's tallit on Shabbat at 6 days old
~Moriyah Elyse~
born at home
Yom Shabbat (Saturday)
July 30
5:14 pm
8.9 lbs
20.5 in.
I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant with you. It was November 13th and our family had recently returned from an amazing eleven day Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) celebration. On one of the last days prayers were said for the wombs of the women to be opened and little did we know, mine would be one of them. We thought our family was complete. After all, Dalton our youngest would be turning 4 in a few short weeks. On the morning I took the pregnancy test I didn't have any symptoms. I just had the overwhelming feeling that I was pregnant. Daddy was working in our home office and the children were playing outside. I took the test and it showed positive immediately. I took the stick into where Daddy was with a huge smile on my face and sat down in front of him. He looked up and said "You're pregnant?" and I nodded. He stood up and hugged me. As we had done several times before with positive tests we spent the next several moments embraced and envisioning our family with an infant and the changes that lie ahead. Then we prayed with thankful hearts.
Daddy was set to leave the following morning on a business trip so we agreed to tell the children on Erev Shabbat (Friday night) at dinner. It was hard to keep the secret. I spent the week creating a pregnancy blog and staying busy with home schooling. During this week we found out another couple from Sukkot and dear friends of ours were also expecting around the same time! So exciting. Friday finally came and Daddy arrived home with flowers. We were both eager to share our joy with your siblings. After prayers and blessings Daddy announced that YHWH would be adding to our family in late July with either a brother or a sister. Victoria and Gregory were excited but Rebekah, Irelyne and Dalton didn't quite catch on or understand. In fact it wasn't until the end of dinner that they understood that I was in fact pregnant because apparently they thought we were adopting since we'd talked of it in the past.
I had used the same Midwife with my last three home births but this time i felt deep within the need to look elsewhere. I did a search and found that the assistant with Daltons birth had her own practice. I loved Debra. Daddy did too. She was so calming and very laid back instead of take charge like the previous midwife. I didn't know why Father would be leading me this direction but I was certainly going to listen and as with everything when we choose to obey the revelations come. They did come and I will share about it later.
My first trimester was uneventful and other than being tired I felt great. We even took a family camping trip to Sante Fe for fun in the snow. My second trimester was busy with various projects around our home and an ultrasound that revealed you are a girl! So during the third trimester we began working on your nursery and preparing for your arrival. We had been praying about your name for months wanting YHWH to name you. MoriYah Elyse means set apart and chosen/taught by Yah. Our desire is that your life will reflect your beautiful name.
The ladies in our fellowship gave us a tea party baby shower. It was such a fun afternoon celebrating you and making hair bows. With just two weeks until my due date Debra shared that you were still posterior and it wasn't a big concern but for me to do a little research on it because my labor would be a bit different that all the previous ones. I browsed a few websites and tried the last week to get you to turn but you were comfortable and didn't budge.
My due date came and went as I expected it would. The children were growing anxious to meet you and asking all throughout the final days "when is Moriyah coming?" I tried to savor the last movements in my large tummy and baby hiccups. There is nothing like it. I had a few nights of false labor and finally exactly one week past my due date on July 30 at 3:30 am I awoke to contractions. In my heart I was praying for you to be born on the Sabbath. So once I decided to call the Midwife and assistant I was excited that the time had finally come and that it was indeed Shabbat as I knew in my heart it would be on this set apart day that you would come into the world and join our family.
All along I was positive I would labor at night after all the children were in bed just as I have always done and that it would be short and quick as usual. I was wrong. Once again the Father was teaching me patience and to look to Him and not to rely on my own strength and understanding.
Contractions were light as we awaited the Midwives. The sun began to rise and I began to wonder what was taking so long for labor to really kick in. The ladies arrived at 6am and began to set up as I walked around the house. David woke Victoria up so she could get ready. It was her desire all along to be a complete part of the process. She has felt a calling to Midwifery for some time and has been in prayer about it. I too had been praying that this would be a wonderful experience for her and for our family.
I was checked for dilation and told I was at 8-9 and that seemed normal but I wasn't in pain so it made me cautious. The children began waking one by one and coming into our bedroom where by now I was on our bed relaxing through contractions. We all sang the Shema (Deut. 6) and prayed together. I was very emotional. I cried several times throughout my labor so thankful to be blessed again.
By noon I was rechecked and it was noted that I was actually only at 6 and that I needed to start trying to do some things to help the baby turn and help labor progress. Apparently when a baby is "sunny side up" there isn't a lot of pressure on the cervix and labor takes much longer. At this point I was exhausted but went along with all the various techniques and did my best to concentrate, pray and focus through the pain. Debra shared that I had options and we could easily go to a nearby hospital if I ever felt like I couldn't go on. It was horrifying to hear. She reassured David that baby and I were fine and that she was trying to help and didn't want me to feel trapped.
By 1pm it was decided that I get into a warm bath to relax. The bath was nice but I couldn't get comfortable and my body kept wanting to lean back instead of forward. The entire time Moriyah was active as if trying to find her way. I remember Victoria coming in and seeing Daddy and I both yawning and then all of us laughing. We were beyond tired.
While there in the bath my Mom showed up with pizza and to help with the children. She came in and prayed for the baby to turn. I could tell she was concerned. After she returned to the kitchen I shared with David that I wasn't worried because the baby was moving but that I simply wasn't prepared for the lengthy labor. It was likely that if i was transported that I would have a Caesarian and baby and I would be medicated. I continued praying for strength.
Just at that moment YHWH sent my Midwife Assistant in to see how I was doing and for encouragement. Heather has five children and shared that her last labor was longer than her first and she said I needed to adjust my thinking and get rid of any expectations I may have had because 'the LORD is doing something different this time." Then she asked if I'd prayed. I had been in what seemed a constant state of prayer and I had much peace and wasn't anxious a bit. So I settled back in to concentrating but now with a different mindset.
By now it's after 2pm and I am hungry and dreaming of a green smoothie. I decide to continue eating crushed ice and fresh cantaloupe from our garden that Daddy and Victoria have been bringing me since early morning. At 3pm I get out and go back to my bed. Around 4pm I start transition. I know this because I can no longer keep quiet. My moans are getting louder. Victoria was right there rubbing my back and Daddy was beside her and concerned at this point he would later share. It's been 13 hours since labor began. I tell Victoria she doesn't have to stay if I am scaring her. She reassures me I am not and that she is fine. I opened one eye and told Daddy to take a break and go out of the room. It is 5pm. He actually did go out of the room and asked Debra to check his blood pressure.
The Midwives were in the living room where they stayed most of the day to give us privacy. Daddy shared later that he was concerned and didn't know how much more I could take. This was a first for us. The longest labor prior was Sissy and since she was my first it was expected and was roughly 12 hours born in a hospital with pain medication.
There was no break in pain for a solid hour. I must have announced that I needed to push because Victoria ran to gather Daddy and Debra. Pushing was a relief and two pushes later you crowned with your hand by your face and all were surprised to see you had actually turned! As your head came out my water broke and Daddy pulled you up onto my chest! Whew! It was 5:14pm. I immediately noticed how tiny you were in comparison to the last three babies. With a head full of dark hair you began to cry and I kissed you, kissed Daddy and thanked Sissy and the Midwives. As we waited for your cord to stop pulsating I tried to nurse you and you latched right on. The after birth contractions are just as bad as labor contractions! 30 minutes later I delivered the placenta and Sissy cut the cord. Daddy has always done this but he asked if she wanted to and she was excited to get to do it.
Sissy went to get the other children so they could meet you while Daddy recorded their chatter as they walked down the hall. They joyfully came into the room with cards they had been working on. Daddy put on his tallit and blessed and dedicated you. Again, I was in tears. It was a precious moment with all of us gathered around you.
Looking back I now understand why I was led to another Midwife with a completely different disposition. I am thankful I listened to the spirit within. Debra allowed me space and time to listen to my baby and body. She and the assistants were a blessing as were Daddy and big sister Victoria.
Praise YHWH you were born healthy and at home surrounded by love. We pray your name is a constant reminder of your calling to be set apart and your life would reflect the light of hope and truth! I am already seeing the fruit and blessing from your life within our home.
Thank you Abba YaHWeH for this precious miracle and blessing and for another birth experience to learn from and draw closer to you. ♥
We are all so thankful that Moriyah is finally here with us! She came into the world and joined our family on a Shabbat just as I knew in my heart she would. It had been my desire that she would be born on the set apart day and Father honored that. It was my longest and hardest labor and one I am still processing from all the spiritual and life lessons. It was such an amazing process albeit a long 14 hours.
I knew from the moment I found out I was pregnant that this precious miracle was a gift for our entire family and she is. She is so much more than words can describe. Each of the children adore her and Victoria was amazing through my labor which I will share when I write my birth story. She even cut the cord! She and my wonderful husband were my anchors and support.
Our family moments after Moriyah's birth
David blessing his new daughter with the Aaronic Blessing
I am thankful that David is home for the next two weeks so I can rest. He already has fun projects planned for he and the children. I feel good and it's nice to have a smaller baby to care for this time around! Many thanks to all of you for your love, prayers and concern for our family. I am so deeply touched and humbled beyond description. Birth story and pictures to follow shortly :)
My last three babies were born at home after putting the other children to bed. I tend to go into full labor best this way when I can relax completely. All three labors were very quick two-three hours from start to finish. This pregnancy is a bit different. I have had days of warm up with contractions coming in the evenings and close enough to start timing. Once I get in the hot shower and into bed they spread out and I fall asleep. It's frustrating to say the least. Last night I took a hot shower after getting the children into bed and settled in to go to sleep at 10pm. My contractions started immediately. They were coming so quickly that I had my husband call the midwife. Her drive is about an hour so we have planned to call early instead of late since I tend to go quickly. Debra then called two other midwives for backup and they all started on their way. In the meantime I was having fairly good contractions but not a great deal of pain. I decided to shower again. Contractions stopped.
UGH! I called Debra to let her know. She said they all WANTED to come even though it was now midnight and would arrive shortly. She said if nothing else, we could all visit and check me and baby out. I felt so much better because at this point I was feeling lousy for having called. It was a first for me.
Once the three ladies arrived we all sat in our bedroom with David there to listen and assist if needed. I was checked and it was confirmed that little Miss is VERY posterior and it is very much the cause of my start and stop labor that I had been experiencing for the last several days. At one point, all of us were on all fours doing exercise and movements to try and get baby to turn. You can imagine the sight :) I glanced over at my sweet husband who was looking down and trying to be a gentleman. I could only imagine what was going through his mind. In fact we got a great laugh once everyone went home and we crawled into bed!
So after about two hours, I decided to get some sleep and send the ladies home even though they were more than willing to stay with us. Once I was back in bed the contractions started up again! REALLY? I called Debra and she adviced I get back into the shower. Once I did I could relax but I was hurting. After about a 15 minute period I felt good enough to try and rest and called to let her know. I fell asleep around 4am and woke up at 7am.
I've been doing all kinds of movements this morning that are suggested on spinning babies. Prayerfully they will work and we can meet out little girl soon!
Today was my official estimated due date but as I am very familiar, it's just an estimate. My last three babies came at 42 weeks. I've been having lower back pain these last few days with contractions and I can tell that Moriyah has dropped very low. She is still very active and it's quite uncomfortable since she is posterior. I've tried everything to get her to turn and she is content right where she is.
Today was a relaxing Sabbath. We stayed home, listened to Keith Green praise and worship, slept a lot, took a long family walk, read our Scriptures, did crafts with the children, listened to an amazing teaching by Rico Cortes, grilled cheeseburgers this evening and enjoyed a yummy dessert Victoria threw together. I was also very blessed that Victoria gave me a wonderful foot massage today. After another long walk, we ended the day in our garden as we usually do and then with bath and prayers.
I am overcome with emotions of thankfulness tonight as I write down my thoughts to remember. I never dreamed David and I would have 6 children to love and raise to walk in truth. Our baby has been such an unbelievable gift to our family and she isn't even here yet. I'm looking forward to David being home with us for two weeks once the baby arrives.
Father you are so good in all things and I am humbled by your love and kindness. May our family, our arrows, reflect this and shine for your truth to all the world drawing others to you. Thank you for my precious family. Thank you for allowing this little baby to be born at home with no complications and surrounded by love into this family you have chosen for her. I know she will come in your perfect time and as in all things I pray for patience and trust knowing you are in control.
Today was my tea party baby shower hosted by a wonderful and precious group of ladies from our fellowship. It was such a meaningful and sweet celebration of life. Most of the gifts were handmade and will most definitely be heirlooms. One of the ladies said she had prayed that I would feel the love of the Father through their giving and serving. There is no doubt that I did, still do and am overwhelmed by the love and thankful for the kindness shown to me and my family. A very big thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those involved with planning, preparing, giving and joining us to celebrate our little blessing.
burp cloth from my Mom
Amazing and Beautiful work Kim :)
handmade by sweet Vicki
Making Hair Bows
Priceless
At my midwife visit last week I was dilated 3cm and 40% effaced. However, I've gone to 42 weeks with the last three babies and it may end up the same way this time. I'd like to deliver sooner because my babies tend to pack on the weight the last two weeks. Dalton was just shy of 12 pounds at birth! With just 5 days until my "due date" I am beyond excited and ready to meet Moriyah. In fact all of us are. The children are so sweet trying to keep the house tidy and clean and there's no doubt there won't be a lack of hair bows for this baby! Thank you all for the messages, emails, calls, gifts that have been sent in the mail or brought by and prayers during this much anticipated time. Oh and in case you missed my update on our family blog you can see the latest picture update here. Stay tuned for baby news...
I've decided to use cloth exclusively this time around. In the past my babies are born with such sensitive skin and I've used cloth for the first few weeks but then found it to be way too much work. After looking into them once again I was thrilled to find so many great changes. It also helps that I'm of a more frugal mindset now and just can't seem to justify spending so much on disposable wipes and diapers when I can wash them. The initial start up cost will cover a ONE month supply of newborn disposables! Can't beat that. For my initial purchase I ordered a kit which will include 5 diaper covers like the one pictured in pink, 2 dozen pre-folded diapers, organic cleaners and detergent, cloth wipes and pail liner. If you are interested I have added several info links in my sidebar. I would love any input or advice you care to share with me if you have experience in this area!
With three weeks remaining I am starting to swell a bit but it goes away after I get off my feet, I've also stopped sleeping at night. I'm up at all hours. It's so amazing how our Creator prepares us for 'baby hours' ahead of time isn't it? He is so good to us in all things.
I am trying to finish up all my loose ends around the house and with the children.
We are all so excited. After leaving fellowship yesterday Gregory announced that he "couldn't wait until our baby is born!" Aww made my heart melt. I can't either. I wonder if I will ever see Moriyah with all the children wanting to hold her and care for her. One thing is certain she is SO loved and wanted! Praises to the King of Kings for His mercy and goodness to me!
I'm a redeemed daughter and humble servant to YHWH the most high. Parenting is my passion along with being the helpmeet to my amazing husband of 16 years, sharpening our arrows, natural living, organic eating, living with no cable TV, home learning, photography, traveling, camping, breastfeeding, homebirth, studying the Scriptures, following in the footsteps of Messiah by living a Torah observant lifestyle and learning more about the Hebrew Roots of our faith. I'm thankful to have just given birth to our 6th arrow on July 30th and deeply thankful for my life ...how sweet it is! ♥
"Children are a heritage of YHWH; the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. " Psalm 127:3-4
♥
The Scriptures teach that debt is a curse and children are blessings; but in our culture, we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture.
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