Miracles...part 1

Apparently I haven't written about the miraculous event of my third daughter. Sorry baby girl! It is in my personal journal so I'm not completely horrible, ha ha ha.

On the morning of Aug 18, 2010 I awoke at approximately 5:30 to uncomfortable pains in my lower abdomen. Being that I was officially 40 weeks pregnant you would figure that I would realize that these were labor pains- but alas, no, that was not the case. I figured them to be uncomfortable gas pains- they were centrally located and everything I had heard/read said labor pains are felt all over the abdomen and in the back. So- I'm a little clueless at times. These pains were quite uncomfortable and when it finally dawned on me about a half hour later that I just might be having contractions, and that my water had possibly broken, I decided then it would be a good idea to awake my dreaming husband. I thought I had plenty of time to get to the hospital but told him to call them to have them ready for our arrival. He did so and they said to come on down. He then phoned my mother to tell her to come when (according to my mother) I yelled for him to get in the bathroom. He came in to find me sitting on the toilet- in pain. He started joking about the day would be so long in the hospital when I started really hurting. I then started losing real control of my body. It became quite an out-of-body experience at this point. My body squatted (hovered over the toilet) and my legs froze. The pain was a great pressure on my bottom. It was at this point I knew I would not be able to get to the car to go to the hospital. I informed Rob that I was in pain and couldn't move. He asked me what to do- my reply? CALL 9-1-1!! The paramedic on the phone had Rob check to see if the head had crowned. Affirmative.

Paramedic: "Get her on the floor now."

Debbie: "I can't move."

Paramedic (much louder): "Get her off the toilet NOW!"

I took a couple steps (being that I could hear him through the phone) and Rob swooped me onto the floor. The paramedic then informed Rob to apply gentle counter-pressure to the baby's head as to prevent her from coming too fast. (Which is kind of funny to me being that we were in our bathroom and in labor and I hadn't been awake for 45 minutes yet either!) Rob went to apply the pressure and I yelled at him to get his hands off me. Contraction came, so did her face. Another contraction came, her whole head was out. Third contraction came, shoulders out- cord not a danger. Phew. Fourth contraction, my baby girl is officially born- 6:24 am. No paramedics. Just me, my husband and baby. It is quite a different feeling not having nurses, doctors, or visitors there. It was quiet (well- aside from my yells) and intimate. It took her a minute or so to start breathing- but she finally did and great relief filled my body. Not only was the pain gone- but my sweet baby was just fine. Two minutes after her arrival the paramedics made it in the bathroom. Welcome to the three-ring circus. Keep in mind- I am on the floor of my bathroom. My head is at the base of the toilet, my bottom is at the door. Great way to say hello. yikes.

The paramedics assessed the situation and immediately took control. I couldn't see Rob anymore- no room- and the whole thing seemed to go rather quickly. They cut the umbilical cord, took Ella and wrapped her up and got me onto the stretcher. At this point the paramedics asked me to not push anymore- keep the placenta in until we got to the hospital. Not the most comfortable feeling. They began to carry me out to the gurney when a slight problem occurred, they couldn't get the proper angle with the stretcher to get me out of the bedroom and into the hall! It was quite comedic. They did figure it out though and I was placed onto the gurney and whisked away to the ambulance. I heard them say to someone "she just had a baby" but I couldn't tell you if it was a man/woman or multiple on=lookers. The paramedic holding Ella looked like a proud papa. It was sweet to behold. (If I could I would like to get her picture with those guys.)

In the ambulance they checked me, started an IV and got permission to go to Kaiser Hospital. I don't know how long that process took- but it felt like forever. I know I kept asking how Ella was doing- if she was breathing. They informed me she was looking around and doing great. I was then told we would be riding code 3 to the hospital to avoid traffic congestion. Sweet! During the ride they were filling in paperwork and guesstimating Ella's weight. The paramedic holding her guessed around 6 pounds. I kept thinking how tiny that was and how that meant she was early and the dates were off. To me that was like having a preemie. I totally thought she was a pip-squeak. That made me slightly nervous. Once we arrived at the hospital the first thing the nurse asked me was: "what happened?!" Hmmm... let me think about this. She then started telling me how they were prepped and ready for me to have the baby there. Apparently my baby was ready much faster than her mother. No complaints here. =0) I was transferred onto the hospital bed- said good-bye to my paramedic friends and the Dr was summoned for the last phase of this birth. They gave me pitocin to get my uterus back into action and I actually had to exert myself to push out the placenta. That was a strange phenomena to me. With the other two there was no issue getting the placenta out. With this one due to having to wait so long, any urge to push was gone. I found it interesting. So anyways- got the placenta out (no problem), got cleaned up and Rob came in. That was when the whole incident hit me. That was when the tears came. Rob asked/made sure they were happy tears- of course. It's just such an overwhelming situation that once it sunk in that everyone was fine I couldn't contain my emotion any more. I remembered at this point (or maybe it was Rob) to ask for Ella's stats. She was 8 lbs 3 oz and 19 1/2 inches. Ahhh sweet relief. She was perfect. I finally got to hold her- she was hungry! The crazy nurses!! I was trying to nurse and they were trying to get my blood pressure and getting mad that I kept bending my arm where the IV was. SERIOUSLY?! I wanted to tell them to go away- I gave birth at home I think I'm ok. But that's not me. Rob finally told them to back off. =0) She ate- quite heartily and the three of us were left alone for a little bit. It was nice to have some intimacy once again. (There definitely are some perks to home birth!)

Once again I was moved, this time to the regular room and not the LDR. I remember being so anxious for Audrey and Nikki to come. It felt like forever until they arrived- and then they didn't stay very long. It was probably best- but I wanted them around. I wanted my little family to savor the moment that we had. Oh well. Their little visit was good. I had a great amount of energy- something I didn't have after the births of the other two. They took so long and happened so late that I would be exhausted.

This birth was truly crazy, amazing, and miraculous. I am so grateful to have three of the most beautiful girls in the world. I wouldn't give up being a mother for anything. I am so grateful that despite the diagnosis of infertility I received so many years ago- I was fortunate enough to have these three miracles. What a blessing I've been given.

Migration Revisited

I was so excited today to see a recent National Geographic magazine. The article was all about animal migration. I found it most interesting that the author pointed out these traits:

1. Migratory animals travel in a linear path- not zig-zag.

2. Migratory animals prepare for their travel.

3. Migratory animals seem to show a sense of purpose in their travel- and don't stray from that purpose for risk of perishing.

Once I read these things I knew my idea of migratory animals and religious people wasn't that far off. It's always nice to feel intelligent- even if it's for a brief moment! =0)

Where Were You...

Today is now known as "Patriot's Day" here in America. It was 9 years ago that millions of lives were changed forever. Why millions? Because even though 4 planes only hit 3 buildings (1 being thwarted off course by the brave actions of passengers) those planes and buildings had people within. Not only did the buildings have people within working, more came rushing to do their job and rescue those inside. Unfortunately many would die. So many people lost. I can't imagine the terror and heartache that was and is felt this day because of the horrible actions made 9 years ago.

On that day I was getting ready for work when I heard on the radio that the towers had been struck. I quickly turned on the TV to see the news. It was horrific to see the planes crash into the buildings and the feel the anguish within your stomach. I knew my mother-in-law worked downtown and the fear that came over me! I tried to call the family there to make sure all were safe- away from this horrific scene and an automated recording said "Due to natural disaster all lines are busy." All I could think was there was no natural about it. Thankfully the family was able to reach us and all were safe. I couldn't take my eyes off the TV. When the buildings went down it was horrible. Knowing so many people were trapped inside, hoping that somehow a miracle would happen and they would all be rescued, but knowing that wouldn't be the case. Oh it was a horrific day. The shear tragedy of it all.

Just recently (within the past 2 months) I found out a woman at church had a brother on one of the planes that went into one of the buildings of the WTC. The absolute grief that not only she faced and continues to face, but her sister-in-law too. Another associate of mine, a business owner a few doors down from our store, had a dear friend lost in the WTC. It so happened that her nephew was on the phone with the friend when the tower was hit. She still deals with the grief of that day. I can only imagine the heartache that is felt for so many others.

Rob and I were able to visit Ground Zero a little more than a year after the event. It was absolutely one of the hardest things to see. At that point it was a giant pit- looked like a construction zone. It was different from a construction site by the mere reverence there. A homeless man was playing patriotic songs on a flute or piccolo. Then played Danny Boy. I began to cry. Red flowers were placed in the gate as a memorial by strangers. Posters, fliers, shirts, tiles were everywhere showing people still missing. You couldn't help but feel the heartache that resides there.

It was a horrific day- one full of tragedy. It is a day that will never be forgotten.

May God bless us.

The Micah Mandate

While reading the book The Faith of the American Soldier by Stephen Mansfield, I came across this message given by President Theodore Roosevelt.

The teaching of the New Testament is foreshadowed in Micah's verse,

"He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires

of you: but to do justice and to love mercy, and walk humbly with

your God" (Micah 6:8)

Do justice; and therefore fight valiantly against those who stand for

the reign of Molech and Beelzebub on this earth.

Love mercy; treat your enemies well, suffer the afflicted, treat every

woman as though she were your sister, care for the little children,

rescue the perishing, and be tender with the old and helpless.

Walk humbly; you will do so if you study the life and teaching of the

Savior, walking in His steps.

Remember, the most perfect machinery of government will not keep

us as a nation if there is not within us a soul, no abounding of material

prosperity shall avail us if out spiritual sense is atrophied. The foes

of our own household will surely prevail against us unless there be in

our people an inner life which finds its outward expression in a morality

like unto that preached by the seers and the prophets of God when the

grandeur that was Greece and the glory that was Rome still lay in the future.

These words were given by a former president of the United States sending men to battle in the First World War. How much could we as Americans use these words today. So much of our society could use the advice to "Do Justice...Love mercy...and Walk humbly." How different a time we live in. 1917 the President of the United States freely quotes the Bible and tells his soldiers to abide by its teachings. 2010 that is unheard of. The President of the United States would be ridiculed and threatened if he took such a step with the troops. (As this author focuses on throughout the book.)

I don't know- I really like this quote. I like the message it shares- basically "The Golden Rule". Even though you may be soldiers in a war- fighting for your life- there are others that need you. Care for them- love them. You are fighting not just for your own freedom, but the freedom of others. Everyday we enter our own battles. Some are literally in a war zone- others are in a more emotional/spiritual war zone. Yet, if we could each take the advice of President Roosevelt and remember those in need around us, our selves would be better, and our society would be better.

Migration Part II

A point was brought to my attention about being "a wild animal". So of course I have been thinking about that quite a bit. The "wild animal" was defined as non-migratory and more of a singular figure rather than being in a herd. So they gather their direction without any pre-determined path. I realized that these "wild animals" may not migrate like other animals- but they do follow the path of the herd. This is how they gain their sustenance- following the path of the herd- making themselves predators. They do not follow for the exact same reason- but the main reason for both groups of animals is for "food". The "wild animals" don't follow the complete migratory pattern- but they do follow the "food."

So in a way- it seems like even in nature there is a need for sustenance, protection, and guidance that is found in the "herd"- whether or not you are part of the "herd". Even the "wild animal" relies upon the herd.

Another question was raised about the "migratory" animal and the "wild" animal. How do you mesh their lives? How do they live the way they each feel they should and co-exist? I think the answer is also found in nature- they don't. One will always be predator and the other prey. I can't think of any examples to refute this. However- I'd love to know if I'm wrong on this one.

Just some more food for thought.

Migration

I had a thought tonight that I need to think about some more- but I found interesting. Yesterday I had a conversation with a gentleman who said he's spiritual but not religious. It's not the first time I've heard this, but I never know how to respond to it. Then tonight I had a thought- migratory animals follow a certain path. It is a path to lead them to the proper place at the proper time. If they don't follow this path they become lost and risk serious peril. They could get lucky and survive, but more often than not they lose their life. Sometimes these stray animals are noticed and receive help to get to their proper destination before any real harm can befall them, but that is not always the case. The other interesting fact is that these migratory animals have to be shown the correct path to get to the correct destination. They can't rely purely on their instinct- they must be shown. This migration path happens within the first year of the animals life.

So what does migration have to do with religion and spirituality? We as individuals seek guidance and have all forms of spiritual insight/instinct. What does religion do? Religion is like the proper migratory path- with it you are able to get to the proper destination with less peril than trying to make it on your own. Do obstacles still arise- of course. However, with the guidance of religion you are able to reach your destination faster and with fewer complications. You also have the benefit of not being alone. You have a whole group with you (like the migratory animal) to encourage, buoy, protect, and help you along the way. It just makes sense that religion is around to encourage your individual spirituality versus merely controlling your spirituality.

I think then that should I be confronted with this statement again- I may have enough nerve to share my comparison. I suppose it will just have to depend on the person I am conversing with.

Desperate Times...Desperate Measures...

Here it is July and I haven't been doing well at keeping up to date in this blog.

Life is good- my family is healthy, we currently have a roof over our heads, and business is holding steady. All of these things should make me one happy mama. It would if stress wasn't mingled in there. Stress- it definitely wreaks havoc upon a soul. Now more than ever I can appreciate the words- "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." In all the many variations of scenarios that play in our lives- as long as you do your best to be prepared for each of them- you'll have that security/peace of mind.

I have definitely NOT heeded that advice- and man do I regret it. I could really use the peace of mind right now. There is enough stress with a brand new baby coming into our family that I could use a break from the rest of the stress weighing on me. However- because of my own short-sightedness (word?) I am not able to bask in the glory of just baby stress. Oh yes- there is the other saying... "this too shall pass." But it's all the happenings until "this" passes that cause concern. (Not very hopeful today.)

To try to counter act some of the stress I am trying to sell Avon. Perhaps not the best choice when you are shy or a bit of an introvert. I suppose it's time for me to overcome that obstacle. I am also trying to become a "vendor" for charter schools- teaching piano. We'll see what ends up happening with that.

May we each survive our different struggles until "this too shall pass."