Midnight Midwife Visit

photo from spinning babies.com

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!

Thoughts on my Due Date

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.

Baby Shower

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...

Cloth Diapers

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!

36 weeks

An updated picture of my tummy taken by our eldest daughter just before our guests arrived today for fellowship.  I was able to grab my little Irelyne for a pic with Mommy.  She turned 6 today. For more pictures of her birthday click here.

35 Week Home Visit

My Midwife came to our home today for the home visit that takes place during the last month of pregnancy.  This is the point where I start getting excited and the nesting kicks in.  I've had a total of 5 Midwife visits.  I suppose with this being our 6th I feel comfortable, know what signs to look for, etc. and confident in the entire process.  Birth is such a beautiful natural thing and something we were created to do!

The children all sat on the couch quietly listening to                     every word of our conversation while Victoria snapped a few shots and even got a video as Debra listened to the heartbeat and felt around to check on position.  Moriyah is head down and seems to be smaller than the last three at this point.  Of course she could grow a lot over the last few weeks so I am really watching my diet and eating healthy.  I'm not sleeping very well at night due to the little acrobat and pressure on my bladder and still trying to enjoy these final weeks of pregnancy.  Swimming has been great with the temps so high here in Texas and the exercise is a plus!

Here is the short clip Victoria was able to capture during our visit...

We spent the weekend at Barton Creek Resort for a quick last getaway before Moriyah joins us.  Lots of swimming and relaxing and I was able to get a facial and small massage.  I felt like a new person afterwards!

Looking forward into my last month I've got pregnancy portraits coming up and  I am excited about the ladies in my fellowship hosting a baby shower for me in a few weeks.  Every baby is special and deserves to be celebrated!  Getting close... 

For an update on our family you can head over to our family blog here.

The Nursery

The canvas that will hang in the nursery. I created it using photoshop!

We finally started on our nursery last week.  It's been a family effort.  Each of our children have graciously helped out and pitched in with joy.  I'm so blessed that they love to work together and for each other.  I set a budget of $300 for a total and found everything (dresser, glider, curtains, knobs, electrical covers, pillows, crib bedding) either on eBay or Craigslist.  Even the paint we used was literally used and not new :) Everything is from Pottery Barn. My rug I found on Craigslist from PB is not here yet.  My cousin picked it up for me since she lives in the town I found it in which is 2 hours from here and I sent her a check. We painted our old crib and changing table.  The only thing that is new is the tree decal. It is amazing and looks like it was painted on.  I splurged a bit on that one item :) It was cheaper than having someone do it and quicker than doing it ourselves. It is a blessing to learn to be frugal. My husband has a wonderful income but I am learning to be frugal. It's a process that I am embracing and very thankful for and to also be teaching our children.

I found a lot of baby girl onesies in storage and didn't even remember storing them.  I also found a lot of my old cloth diapers. I plan to use them exclusively this time around and am really looking forward to it. 

Enjoy the photos of what we have done so far...you can tell which ones were taken from my iPhone and the others that are from a digital camera.

this is a photo from a magazine that shows the crib skirt in detail

Victoria's lamp from her nursery :)

Found the stroller/car seat at my favorite thrift shop

I'm 33 weeks and feeling great now that I am over my cold that wouldn't go away! I walk most mornings with the children, drink lots of fresh green smoothies from my Vitamix and am eating much better than with my other pregnancies.  Heartburn isn't too bad but it's starting up now that I am nearing the end.  I have my apple cider vinegar in all my smoothies to help out with that.  Moriyah is VERY active especially at night which doesn't help me to sleep well but I love to feel her move around and so does Hubby and children.  I'm enjoying the pregnancy.  I love everything about life growing inside of me and having this opportunity to teach our children about how awesome our Creator is through the process.

Thank you for checking in on us :)  Love to all!