4 weeks ago today...

This painting is called "Prince of Peace" by a young girl named Akiane. it appears in the book I just finished reading called "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. I highly recommend this read...and I really like this picture of Jesus Christ.

Jack's temporary name marker...this will go into our Jack Oliver Young Butterfly garden that I'm working on...I really wish they'd put his June 30th date on this as well...

I know I'm long overdue to blog about what happened on June 30, 2011...to let you know, exactly how it came to be that Jack Oliver Young is not on this earth with us but is with his Heavenly Father...but I think I will have to do this slowly...it's pretty overwhelming.

In the respect that it was such a casual day...just laboring around, mowing lawn, taking a walk, seeing my neighbors, floating around in the pool...that was how the day was. I was in contact with my midwife on and off all day. Labor seemed to stall, so to speak, slow down, whatever. If you know me, you know that I have had 5 uncomplicated, textbook natural deliveries...4 of which had been at home with a midwife, Molly's (#5) taking place at the Nurse Midwives Birth Center, though I could've had her at home, or in the car....needless to say...there were no signs that there was any trouble or cessation of life in our 4th son. I felt him that early afternoon after mowing the lawn to help labor along.

Becky came down and David, the kids and I swam on and off, ate lunch, swam some more, timed contractions...which was weird because they were not painful. just slightly uncomfy, which was not the case with any of my other labors. so of course, I would not have made haste to get midwife there any sooner. Or if I was having a hospital birth, I wouldn't have even been there yet, that is how low key the labor seemed to be going. I figured it'd be later that night..

At 4 p.m. or so, Beck left and I came in to shower, get dressed and such. We'd been on the phone with midwife around this time, asking her to come check and hope that something would get going with an exam. Once I got inside, the labor kick started and boom...off we went...We then touched base with her again, saying that we definitely needed her to get here, since transition came on without warning. I labored in the garden tub and became very, very scared, nervous, freaked out...I'd been a bit more apprehensive this time around, not because of any signs with Jack or the midwife...just general anxiety. In reading back thru my journal of the past 10 months, I mentioned this a lot, even going so far as to say back in March that I "really hope you aren't tangling yourself up in your cord..." I was very scared for delivery...even though I've made it thru 5 times before with no trouble...

Ahhh, MH showed up, I writhed in pain and felt the urge to push...in her calm, confident way, she said "Go with it..." Push...

David looked into the tub to see what happened and uh oh...that doesn't look like a head...She checked and yelled for someone to call 911!! Instant fear...what is it? (still thinking in my head that things were going to be ok, even if they weren't right now...)

That's the cord, Laurie, you've got to get this baby out NOW! legs shoved back, my head smashing into who knows what, and MH trying to hold cord up inside of me....prolapsed cord, not good...

Jack Oliver Young came out in less than two minutes...up on my chest. limp. I can still feel his little body on me and it makes me shudder to recall it. I have always loved that feeling, when you get to the end of a pregnancy, go thru labor and it hurts but the end prize is that little body being put on your chest and crying and nothing hurts anymore and all you feel is LOVE. I felt it..I loved that boy...I love that boy.

oooh, look, a true knot, six inches down from his belly...two accidents of birth...one, you could maybe survive but not two...it was like a double whammy.

No life...but we hoped. I played with his sweet little feet, MH got the oxygen on him and Summer (assistant) began chest compressions.

All the while...I'm up above the room, observing this hellish scene...feeling so bad for the people that are living thru this obvious sadness...not believing that this kind of thing happens. out of body experience for sure...

I was yelling "C'mon Jack...you can do it...breeeeathe" ....I kept looking down at his little face, so cute, such a chubby little David chin and at his amazing hair...little tufts of cuteness and I even thought..."Well, good...all of that horrible heart burn was NOT in vain..." at his hands and long feet and toes...perfect in every way...he had David and Will's slender build...

I remember vividly looking up into MH's eyes and they were wide open...and she was shaking her head NO....to me or to herself, I don't know...

Paramedics from Waverly Volunteer Fire Dept. arrived and knew nothing...took up space...

a few minutes later, the real paramedic arrived and took sweet Jack from us. David went with them, holding out hope that he'd take a breath. so many thoughts run thru my head of how that could've gone.

I'm still trying to make sense of what happened. And that it happened at all. There was NO negligence on anyone's part...I had full prenatal care with one of the most caring midwives around, took care of myself just as I have with my other children...If anyone out there wants to slam home-birth and midwifery care, just look up the statistics. (the very day before, remember, I had my last prenatal and she listened to his heart for 15 minutes and it was strong and steady...and remember, he moved away from her hand on examination...he was very alive!!)

don't even go there.

not with me...I stand behind the midwifery model of care and hope my daughters and sons' wives will choose to deliver their children this same way...As David so eloquently put it, he'd made a decision while standing outside of the bathroom, listening to the paramedic do the chest compressions, not to question me (Laurie), our midwife, God or himself. We went down a path that we'd gone down before...life is risky. life is fragile.

Midwives got me cleaned up and out to the living room. David called after a bit to say that Jack was pronounced dead at 6:41 p.m. Just could not believe it...there is NO way that our baby did not make it. Jack was born straight into Jesus' arms. He is considered stillborn, even though I felt him moving in my womb that VERY day...how is one supposed to process this?

I don't question God...but I have had moments of anger...and questioning. but I always come back around to the good things...Jack will never get stung by a wasp, as Levi did so violently today. He will never get bullied, or have the flu, or have to deal with me when I'm cranky. Heaven knows he dealt with that enough while cradled in my womb...He is with the Lord, being loved on by Him, and my relatives and friends that have gone on before. I really hope that he is even getting to hear Keith Green sing praises, alongside Rich Mullins.

Ok, back to the story....Becky, Melanie, Tammy, Uncle John, Aunt Sherry, Will, Molly and Levi began our sad trek to Community South Hospital (David had gone in ambulance, Ethan and my Mom left before us to be there with David. My Dad was home, not feeling well, Tom was in California with Andy)...I will continue this later...I am thankful for the people that took such incredible care of us there...but that will be the next installment. thank you for continuing to pray for us. Settling into the "new normal" is very challenging. I'm not ok but I am. We so appreciate the meals, cards, care, prayers...I know that the prayers and petitions of brothers and sisters in Christ is doing wonders...I love you.

Ethan James, how we love ye!

Naccccccchooooo Libre...

changing right before my eyeballs...

goof ball!

Christmas 2009...

My second son, Ethan James, will turn FIFTEEN at 9:20 p.m. tonight...I was in labor for 2 days, on and off. I walked the mall, I took weird herbs, I watched movies, I cried, I thought he'd NEVER come. I also thought he was a girl (see? my hunches have never been right)

Finally, on Wednesday evening, February 14th, 1996, after Taco Bell and other fun midwife-taught techniques, while everyone was at Wednesday night prayer meeting, Ethan's labor sped up. Water broke at 9 p.m.

Midwife showed up right as that happened...after some quick pushing, Ethan, my second smallest baby of the five, came squalling into a cold Indiana winter.

I couldn't believe it was another boy...but I'm soooo very glad that I had another son so close to Will's age. Buddies for Life, and I can tell you, it's true. they scuffle and bicker but it rocks that they are support for each other.

Ethan James Young

Wednesday, February 14, 1996

7 lbs 12 ounces

20 inches.

He was almost a pound smaller than Will...I kept thrilling over how tiny he was and the midwife said that 7/12 was bigger than the average newborn. Wow...pave the way, Will (who was 8/11)

Anyways, I'm feeling very nostalgic right now...recalling this day 15 years ago...

Tonight, Ethan will be at Karate with Levi. Tomorrow night, we will have his birthday party with family.

I love you, E. You are such an awesome, upright young man of God. I love that you look like a mix of Young and a Greenhill. I hope this is a memorable and joyful birthday for you, for next year, you can get a job. Happy 15th to ya :)

Ha ha. Happy Monday everybody.

Our new nephew, cousin...

Well, folks....here he is....and only FIVE days after his EDD. I "borrowed" this picture from Natalie's facebook wall...nice to see she's already snapping pics for those of us far and away...

Natalie and Nick S. welcomed their first child/son, Ryan Anthony last night at 11:29 and he weighed in at 8 lbs. 5.5 oz. awwww.

I'd say he was worth the wait, eh, NickNat?

Last year, they were getting ready to wed...this year they have a little family. sniff sniff....

Our flower girl has grown up, folksies. I must say, it makes an old girl cry. (in good ways)

We are so very happy for you two, for you THREE...and can't wait to see the wonderful blessings that God has in store for this new little addition to the Y/S clans. Congratulations Family....he is absolutely precious, adorable, and perfect!

Vessel

Molly at 8 months. Love that big square head...and spindle-y li'l neck holding it up. awww, good job neck!

I don't know about you, but birthdays make me think. nice to know something makes me think, right? shaddap.

~First thoughts: "What was I doing on this day three years ago???" finding out we were only at 4 cm. Beck drove me home (bad move huh?). Retrieved my family, went to bank and Sbux, got home, contx picked up INSTANTLY! crazy, movie-like ride to birth center, tried to hold baby IN, got there in nick of time, Molly Christine born at 2:55 pm, bright sunny hot day. Seven pounds, 7 ounces, bright and chubby right off the bat. If I think hard enough, I can still feel it. (it's raining today, I can always tell I've had babies when it rains...TMI? dunno)

~looking at my post from yesterday, I think it's so neat how God uses us as mother's to fill so many roles...our very first being the host, master gardener, whatever you wanna call us...then when the birth starts, we become a vessel.

however long your delivery takes, your life changes dramatically from incubator to vessel to sustainer/encourager/caregiver.

As a mom, that will never change. Even when your baby becomes a big ol' teenager! (isn't that just so cool??) or when their feet are bigger than yours....I could go on.

Molly (Will, Ethan, Mel, Levi too), I am so blessed to have been your vessel to LIFE! You guys are one awesome little brood of kids to mother! I praise the Lord for the daily reminders He sends. so cool.

ok, gotta finish cleaning the house so I can enjoy the weekend! Hope this finds you healthy and whole...thanks for letting me get all nostalgic on ya.

Happy Birthday Eve, Miss Molly Moo!

can't believe I still had ankles! This was on our Memorial Day trip to Lafayette, while I still had FOUR kids.

July 9, 2007...that most joyous of days, when Sista Nugget officially joined our family! wow!! my hair was so dark...

Sweet little bundle of girliness....

It's almost 6 a.m. on the day before my fifth child's birthday. I'm sad because I thought I was losing space on blogger so I deleted the post from her day of birth. That was before I bought more space....

Anyways, I will be nostalgic today because July 8th of 2007 was a trying day...I was ready to be done with pregnancy, David and I were grumping at each other ALL DAY about this, that or whatever...to top it off, I fell off the wall surrounding the pool. That was pretty funny...but I scratched myself up nicely. Imagine a largely expecting woman toppling over...yes, it was funny. Yes, I did land on Molly.

I took off that night on a little drive. Needed to clear my fool head. I met up with my mom and sister (my very own Steel Magnolias), who had been down to the outlet malls that day. They got me a bunch of little things in preparation of Moo's arrival, which I was beginning to think would never happen. needless to say, I was feeling VERY discouraged. (If you've ever had a baby, you know what feeling and sensations I'm referring to)...

I ate a Big Mac that night and didn't care ONE BIT. (take that, David. and I ended up being the one who paid for it)

That is not sufficient labor aiding food but it must be adequate labor-inducing food...I went home, made good with my family.

Labored all night and you know that feeling when you first start to labor? skeery. especially in the middle of the night, all by yourself. vulnerable. weird.

Anyways, time to get a move on for this day...until I've ingested my coffee, I won't really know what's happening around here today...so enjoy your muggy July 8th and if you are pregnant in this heat and mug, I feel for ya.

Birthing grounds and a bit of nostalgia

fourteen years ago right now, I was beginning to labor in this pile of rubble.

Well, not really but yeah kinda.


David and I were "dorm parents" at Indianapolis Baptist Temple. We had one college student at the time. We were also the guest house for visiting speakers, missionaries, or down and out pastors. We had one down and out pastor and his wife, 2 kids with us at this time as well. they were a bit, um, "different" and that's all I'll say, just in case anyone reads this. he will remain unnamed. but he was slightly creepy. "Praise the Lord", "Hallelujah" to everything you'd say..."Hi Pastor such and such...i have a toothache today" "Welp, Praise the Lord!!" yeah, that kind of thing. rabbit trail, sorry. This is the dorm...when the IBT buildings were taken from them back in the early new millenium, this is what they did to my old home. kinda sad, huh? It was a junk heap but it was my home. mice, old furniture, and all! I had my first two sons in this place. sniff. sniff.


Will's labor progressed pretty steadily for a first timer. by four p.m. I was at 4 cm and hitting that transitional time, when you feel like a caged, wildebeest, wondering just exactly what is happening with your body. so weird. so unique.


My midwife, Mary Ann, sent her apprentice down to me since she was in the middle of something...Elizabeth got there in time to do her first solo delivery. What an experience. i can still remember all the little details of that night...how warm it was for mid-October, how many people could fit into our small room, how my life was never ever going to be the same, what am i supposed to do with this small person again? You, trust me, Lord? O dear.

Psalm 139:17: How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Thanks for letting me get all sappy on ya. I just can't believe that Will isn't this age anymore. I should've sniffed his head more and taken more pictures.

He was amazingly bright and beautiful. such an interesting combination of David and I (I'm bright, D. is beautiful). the front desk lady at the orthodontist said Will looked "just like" me...isn't THAT funny? maybe it's the zits. or the flowing locks. or my snaggletooth, lock-jaw! I dunno.

While I'm at it, this one's for you, Mel-Mel (a.k.a "Kate")

Guess who's turning 10 this weekend? May 31, 2008...go Melly, go Melly, it's your birthday, it's your birthday...

July 31, 2004...with your cousin, Piper....you are so gracious with
the younger folks in your life!


"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion..." can anyone tell me what movie that is from, besides you, Beck? This is Mel's quote to describe her life with 2 older brothers...they constantly pick and harass but she handles it like a champ. mostly.

Six going on sixteen

Princess Leia hair

Sweet sand castle building 7 year old!

Happy 10th Birthday, Miss Melanie Kate!!



Melanie joined us on the last day of May in 1998...I labored all thru the night hours, which, to me, is kinda spooky for some reason, and while David slumbered ever so peacefully next to me on the bed, I prepared to welcome our 3rd child...unbeknownst to us, our first daughter!



For some reason, the 2nd phase and her actual delivery took a while...because her little chin was up. After what seemed like 2 years of pushing and crying...down into the canal she came...bloop, bloop, bloop...when her little head, loaded with lots of dark hair, came forth...the midwives noticed a loop of cord around her neck...yikes. scary yet praising the Lord that she was ok! When she actually came out...and I discovered her female parts, we were in some shock...why? because I just didn't think it would be a girl...I loved my little boys but longed for that little slice of pink heaven! On the videotape that Beck was in the midst of making, she started crying and sniffing while doubting my looksee.



She looked like she had been beat up when she was out and settled...blood shot eyes, herniated belly button, splotches on her skin, which one ended up being a big, bright strawberry birthmark on her arm...but to us, she was the most beautiful little girl and gift from God!



She weighed in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was born at 4:06 in the morning...Thank You, God, for such a bright, well-adjusted from the get-go kinda gal! We still aren't sure, to this day, how we ended up with her...if we hadn't been there ourselves, we would definitely wonder. But she is a replica of her father's sister so that does help.



Thanks, Mel-Mel, for your good attitude, sweet, patient spirit, help with the younger sibs...you are invaluable to me anyway but your mothering gift has been such a nice gift to our family! You are intuitive, compassionate, helpful, caring and tender-hearted. Kind, funny, energetic and smiley!



You are one Decade old...double digits...ahhhh. 3 years from teenagedness!

I will try to dig up some earlier shots of Miss Mel-Mel...We are so blessed to have you in our lives, MKY! You da bomb!

My Funny Valentine

One hour old...I'm not bummed, just having severe afterpains (a taste of things to come)
quite the sense of humor

Killer peepers
I should've known...they're still up to this
I get knocked down, but I get up again...
Sober kid and Popeye
Amazing!

Well, it's official...I have a 13-yr. old and a 12 yr.-old in my house...I find that hard to believe...E. had a nice, busy day.

This post will conclude the walk down Ethan's memory lane. Hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have...it's always good to remind myself of just how sweet this boy is and all the fun and memories he has been a part of in our lives. What I'm struggling with is how fast the time is just whizzing by. It honestly feels like I just had these two little boys and now they are young men, helping me out with their younger siblings. If you are reading this, cherish the times you are in...I know I wished them away..."O, I'm home by myself with these two active, hyper boys"..."O if only they were potty trained", "blah blah blah"...and now.

When we had Ethan, the midwife almost didn't make it..my labor has a tendency to just sneak up on me...I labored for two days off and on so I guess we didn't think he'd ever show up. and then you know how babies crown and then you work out their shoulders? yah, he didn't do that. Crown bam...there he is. It's a boy! 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 1996. 7 pounds, 12 ounces (almost a whole pound smaller than Will) I am a mother to TWO boys. O my. He had such a sweet little meow of a cry...and was so alert! On the video, I stated that he looked like Jeff Goldblum (do you even know who that is?). And he smelled like Smarties. (probably all the junk food I told the midwife I WASN'T eating)...

Besides being a bit overwhelmed at having two kids (they say that is the hardest adjustment)...David decided we were going to move up to North Dakota when E. was 5 weeks old. So, adjust to having two kids and no help from your family or your husband for that matter. hmmmm. The Lord taught us so many things in that short time up there though (4 months) and I will be forever grateful for the time we had to be just a little family of four. (I was, however, quite glad when the Lord led us back to Indiana!!)

Ok, I'm done waxing nostalgia...hope your Valentine's day was exactly what you hoped it would be. John 3:16: "For God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Lots of love...insert little hearts here...

Week of Will....

three weeks before delivering firstborn
Hello Will Franklin...
Couldn't believe that big ol' grey
baby had been inside of me. don't
think that idea ever really sinks in!

David was wigged out by W's large conehead...I'm wigged out by his haircut...:)

David and his Mini-Me...

This post is for you, Will. Thirteen years ago this Tuesday, Will Franklin was born. I was nearly 22 at the time and we decided homebirth was for us...so glad we made that decision. Such an incredible experience. And it still amazes me that the Lord brought me through it to live another day. At the time, you sure don't feel like you are going to make it. You really have no idea what to expect...what an experience. whew.

He was born at 7:34 p.m. on a Sunday evening. He weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 and 1/4 inches long. My first thought when he came out was "wow, he really looks like his father". David's first thought (and I think he slept thru this part in our childbirth class) was "What's wrong with his head????" and then you just sit there in amazement upon meeting that new person that was inside, kicking and banging around for so long. I wish you could bottle those first feelings up. Those first foggy days, when you wonder how you will keep yourself alive, let alone a totally dependent little pooper. We were left alone that first night and I remember thinking it's just you and me kid...what was I supposed to do with this kid again?? while David snoozed peacefully next to me...awww man. those were the days (told ya I'd get all nostalgic)

He was so bright and beautiful! Mary Ann, our midwife, missed the actual delivery, but her apprentice, Elizabeth, caught Will. Plopped him right out there on our bedroom floor. Cool, huh?? I wish I wasn't so scared of childbirth now because I would totally love to keep on going. and dang those kids for being so expensive and mouthy. :)

I have a pic from each of the year's of Mr. Will's life and will post more Mon. and Tues. Hip Hip Hooray for you Will. You are a blessing of a son and your Dad, family and I are so thankful to have you in our lives. It's so neat to imagine what the Lord has for your life. My firstborn boy...Luke 2:23-As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;...a rather neat verse in the Bible that we stumbled on...so now Will refers to himself, jokingly of course, as the holy son. ha ha. he's funny too!

Hope you all are doing well. I should've gotten pix of Will, E. and I cleaning out the pool today. We had let it sit for a bit and it had gotten pretty nasty and green...it looks much better. now I smell strongly of bleach and pond. ready for take down so D. can make a few repairs. Otherwise, quiet days. I'll be back on tomorrow! G'night all!

More from Nora's arrival...

Hello World! Check out my clear eyes!
The new Baby Kitty.
Nora and her proud daddy!
Tiny Nora and her Momma!
Gramma and Molly checking out the activity!
Molly is so huge now! she could totally take
Nora in a wrestling match, don'tcha think??

Here are a few more shots from the late night/early morning arrival of our new Miss Nora! She definitely looks like her daddy so far! She has light hair and is long and thin like Piper was.

Today has been a nice, lazy day, catching up on my sleep, since I was up all Sat. night also, thinking Beck would have her baby then! Molly and I have just laid around and slept but I still feel like I've been hit by a train!!

Off to make some sup for my noisy kiddos! Hope y'all are doing well! Peace

A Few more pix of the birthday...and a funny birth story.

Momma Jr. (this baby likes to nuzzle)

These aren't the clearest pictures on this blog...don't quite know why they show up so foggy. Guess you will just have to come see us in person, ay??

Anyway, here's the story...hang on tight!

My labor was on and off all morning yesterday...started at about 2 a.m. with a weird "pop" noise under my belly button. I got up and watched TV all morning till 6 a.m., made my calls to the midwife and my sis and mom. We got to the birth center at about 8, was only dilated to THREE!! how frustrating. David and Mom took the 4 kids home while Beck stayed with me so I could labor there and get checked again in 2 hours. I slept, had a few killer contx., got checked again at 11 a.m. and was only at FOUR!! Ugh. We decided to leave so I could just go labor at home for the day...We got back at home at 12:54 p.m., had a few more killers and got in the tub...thought the water and warmth would help me to tolerate the pain and get thru the hardest parts...yeah, that didn't last too long. Once I got in the tub, the contx. picked up hot and heavy...from 7 minutes apart to 2-3. Youch. I was freaaaaaaaaaaaking out...how was I going to get from my tub to the Nurse Midwives tub without considerable pain and without having a baby...??? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me....that was my mantra. It worked! David got a call into the midwives and mom/beck...threw the kids in the car and off we went.

On a good day, you can make it to the birth center in about 40 minutes. Yeah, a problem arose. I was starting to have the urge to push and then my water broke...David kept encouraging me to pant and not push the baby out but a couple of times, I thought for sure Molly was going to bust out...David was driving around cars in turning lanes, honking. He had Will make a sign for the window that said in bold letters, BABY...It is a MIRACLE that we didn't get in an accident or pulled over...up Highway 37 (construction no less and then on top of that, stupid Indiana drivers)...onto 465...again duh....and onto 38th St., the "hood", 3 lanes of stupid drivers...it is also a miracle that we didn't have to pull over so David could deliver our baby...whew!! Water is continuing to break and gush all over my passenger seat and I'm cringing, moaning and panting to keep her IN...insane. David's honking and c'mon-ing people, continuing to "encourage" me to act like we are just out for a nice drive....ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! We got to the birth center, I threw my door open while the middy's ran out to meet us...ripped my soaking pants off, threw on a towel (good foresight, huh?? didn't want to scar my kids or the passersby on a nice, bright clear July afternoon) and practically ran into the center. They were wonderful, nice calm music playing, candles, and the TUB...I jumped in, gave 2 good pushes and out she came...covered in vernix...with her cord wrapped tight around her neck, and she was holding onto her cord tight with her little right hand. I am trying right now to recall that feeling so I can always remember HOW PAINFUL IT IS!! and so I don't do this again...not that the kids aren't great but man, that was scary and painful and I'm far too old to live thru it again. We made it there with 5 minutes to spare...whew!!

Ok, yikes, having flashbacks and freaking myself right out...it is truly amazing how you can go from stark raving mad laboring woman to euphoric, joyful mother...a gift from God, for sure...She was screaming right from the get-go...good color, alert and good apgar scores of 9 at one minute and 9 at 5 minutes. The only sad part was that Mom and Beck missed this whole show...Beck got into the room just in time to hear her first cry and get my tub pix...Thanks B...you ROCK my sister. I would truly have not made it through this without YOU, MOM, DAVID and JESUS CHRIST! My kids were AMAZING and oh so helpful also...they saw things yesterday that some of you have probably never seen....(not that that's bad....) and when we got settled, they were so over the moon for Miss Molly! She is blessed to have four awesome sibs to help with her and to love her...in fact, as I type this (and yes, I do seem to be going on, sorry for that)...Levi is over on the couch holding her ever so gently...it's sooooooooo cute.

I am exhausted!! Molly is doing well today, nursing well (rock on!!), and man is she sweet!! She is so tiny and perfect....can't get over how blessed we feel! Thank You for all of your thoughts, calls, prayers and care. Thanks B and Mom for the delish dinner tonight, parmesan crusted chicken breast, rice with broccoli and cheese, corn on the cobby, big salad, choco cake...mmm mmm good. I love you guys!! So much. I guess I should close for tonight...I'll be back tomorrow...God bless all of you!!

O yeah, I will get a pic of Levi with Molly on here tomorrow...I have some, just have to download them...he has not been forgotten!! G'night...peace out.

Here She is!!

Molly Christine was born today at 2:55 p.m., weighing in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces, 20" long. She is chubby (for a newborn anyway) and although looks like her big bro E and big sis Mel, has a look all her own so far...she also has a wonderful set of lungs. Ha!!
I will get back on here tomorrow, when I've hopefully had some sleep, and recount the events of this day....they are rather movie-like and adventurous!! Some of you have heard the funny story...lucky you...

Praise the Lord that she made it safely and in the care of the midwives and not on the highway. Praise the Lord for a husband that was willing to drive like a madman to get us to the birth center on time...he was awesome and helpful today!! Praise the Lord that she seems healthy so far, has good lungs, bright, clear eyes and big siblings that can't seem to get enough of her (for now anyway). Praise the Lord that she was so fearfully and wonderfully made. Praise the Lord that I AM DONE GIVING BIRTH. Amen and amen.

G'night folks...I'll be back with more tomorrow. Love to you all!! sorry this took me so long, we had visitors.