Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Amos Pax is Here

A mere 3 days, (12/11/10) after my last post, our son, Amos Pax was born...

The Story:
It began on a Saturday morning. I woke up at 6:30a and was experiencing a few contractions. But this wasn't new, I had had some contractions earlier in the week that turned out to be nothing. I was definitely wide awake so I went for a walk and then went about my morning as usual along with a quick trip to the grocery store, buying a few extra things "just in case". Aaron met some friends for a run, so I thought I would go along and take another short walk while Montana played with friends. I was having a few more contractions, but definitely not getting my hopes up! Aaron and our friends came home after the run and we hung out for while and then after they left, my contractions started getting stronger and more frequent around noon. I wasn't sure when to call my midwives, because I had already called twice before and it turned out to be nothing. I didn't want to be the girl who cried wolf. By 1pm they were more intense and regular, so I decided to call. I talked with the midwife and she told me I could go to the Birth Center at 2p and we could check in, but I didn't want to waste her time if it was nothing, so I asked if we could just check in on the phone. So we agreed, I hung up, and 20 minutes later I was doubled over and could barely talk. I called her back and somehow told her that I needed to meet her at the birth center. Aaron was running around trying to get packed for himself, me and Montana and I was of little help to him at this point. Aaron ran Montana over to our neighbor, Auntie Caca (as we lovingly refer to her) and I hobbled to the car and laid in the back seat. I had started to write a few friends and family a text, but couldn't finish it, so Aaron drove like mad to the birth center while making a few phone calls (don't tell that he was driving and talking on the phone!). We made it to the birth center around 2p, I fell on the bed with an intense contraction, and by the time the midwife was able to check me I was already 8cm dilated. I started pushing around 3:30, Amos Pax entered the world a few minutes after 4pm, and I fell in love all over again.

The birth center was such an amazing experience. Amos was immediately laid on my chest and his vitals were checked and then the midwives sat down and just let the 3 of us soak in the moment. We laid there with the umbilical cord still attached for a good 20 minutes. Aaron cut the cord and I sat up to nurse Amos.

Aaron called our friends who were taking Montana overnight to Lynden. They were at cohousing picking her up, so we asked them to bring Montana to meet her brother. Aaron introduced Montana to her brother, Amos, and Montana got weepy and said, "his name isn't Amos, it's Chubby Orange." For a brief moment I felt really sad that we didn't name him Chubby, but I think those were the hormones thinking for me and that thought quickly dissipated. Montana got to hold her brother (before Aaron did) and she said "I'm so happy." She left for a splendid evening with a teenager who played dress up with her and made a tent for her to sleep in, fruit snacks galore, and she even got to see the other teenage daughter and her friends all dressed up for a dance. I think she left the birth center and probably thought "what brother?"

Aaron and I were ready to go by 7:30 and made it home by 8pm. The birth center's philosophy is that you rest best at home and both Amos and I were fine and healthy, so that's what we did...headed home to rest. Aaron joked about heading to the mall to finish up some Christmas shopping and then stopping for supper at Boundary Bay on our way home, but we went straight home.

We chose for him the name, Amos Pax, because of the Old Testament prophet who spoke of social justice and reminded the Israelites of God's concern for the poor and oppressed. Amos means "to carry" and Pax is "peace" in Latin. Our prayer for him is that he will carry peace wherever he goes.

Everything went so smoothly. It was an amazing experience (I was definitely not thinking that DURING labor) and I am so thankful that my son is here in time for Christmas. He is the best gift this year, by far! God is the giver and sustainer of life and my heart is full of gratitude for all He has done!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Anticipation

I didn't have to wait with Montana. Her birth caught us completely by surprise at 36 weeks. Today I am 38 weeks pregnant - more pregnant than I've ever been - and I have to admit the anticipation is killing me. I've told myself that this baby will very likely be on time or even late, but I didn't really want to believe myself. At least 2 or 3 times in the last week, I was convinced that I was about to go into labor and even called my midwives.

My mom just left today after 8 days here. Right before she got here I was having some contractions and just felt that the baby would come while she was here. We ran around like crazy women "just in case the baby comes tomorrow..." But alas he didn't come, but we got alot done.

I have heard everything from, "looks like you've dropped" to "you haven't even dropped yet" to "I have a feeling you'll have the baby soon" to "this baby will probably be late" to...you name it. I choose to only listen to the people who say that he's coming soon and completely ignore the comments on him being late.

I know, I know, I'm being ridiculous, my due date is still 2 weeks away, but it's funny making plans/not making plans during the holiday season. Will I be up for that Christmas party or will I be too big and fat to even get in the car? Or will I be having a baby? Or will I have a newborn?

I have to admit that the anticipation is kind of fun, too. Not knowing when baby's birthday will be, wondering if tonight is the night, and packing a bag. Stuff I didn't think about with Montana. I never had a chance to analyze every pain, contraction, change in my body like I do now. But I may actually even get around to making a birthing playlist for my ipod this time.

Aaron and I were talking about the anticipation of a son being born this time of year. It's kind of cool to think about Mary taking a bumpy donkey ride to Bethlehem (maybe I should give that a try!). Perhaps she wasn't close to her due date yet, or maybe she was late and couldn't wait to get baby Jesus out. Either way, she was probably nervous about birth but was excited to meet her son. What was her anticipation like? Did she have contractions on the way? Of course I'm not in anyway comparing myself to Mary and my son to Jesus, it just makes the Christmas story more real, more human this year.

As I anticipate the birth of my son, I am reminded of the anticipation of the celebration of Jesus' birth and what that means to us today. It brings me focus and reminds me not to get so caught up in all of the crazy details this time of year. I'm waiting and longing to meet my son, but also I am longing when one day I will meet my Jesus face to face. What a day THAT will be! For now, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my son. Will he come tonight?