Isaac, One Month

I can hardly believe it, but Isaac is one month old today. The past four weeks have flown by. I guess time slows down while you are pregnant, then speeds up after your baby arrives!

I am totally loving getting to know my little son......

He sleeps a lot and nurses a lot.

He wore preemie clothes the first two weeks.

He grunts and coos and makes baby noises.

He holds his hands together.

His feet are usually crossed.

He loves to snuggle on the chest.

He turns his head to looks at himself in the mirror when I change his diaper on my dresser.

He has a dimple in his chin.

He stretches his legs out like a frog when I dress him.

He hates to be cold; bathtime is a challenge.

He now cries tears and I tell him that breaks my heart.

He sucks on his hands when he's hungry.

He'll also suck on Bo's nose and Joshua's chin.

I call him "pumpkin" and "honeybun".

He started to smile on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas

A little late, but MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!! Hope everyone had a blessed day and were able to give the birth of our Savior the quiet reflection that it deserves. Having a new baby at Christmas is a constant reminder for me of baby Jesus. I have been thinking about what it must have been like for Mary, making that long uncomfortable trip on a donkey while full term. And not having a room to give birth...how did she feel about delivering in a stable? I wonder if Joseph held her hand, helped her push... did he catch the baby? There were no epidurals back then so I can relate to the pain she surely endured. But, what I've comtemplated most of all is what it must have been like for Jesus, to have laid aside His glory to come to us as an infant. Surely He must have known who He was even as a newborn, and to be willing to humble Himself to the basic needs of a baby amazes me. If He was cold, He let Himself be cold. If He needed a diaper change, He waited to be changed. If He was hungry, He cried for Mary's breast. He could have met His own needs, He was God. But He willingly surrendered so much so that we could be redeemed. Thank you Baby Jesus for Your amazing love.

Here's what God gave me for Christmas.....

Mighty To Save

The Lord your God is with you;

He is mighty to save. Zephaniah 3:17

O Lord my God, I cried out to you for help and you restored my health. Psalms 30:2

Women will be saved through childbearing. 1 Timothy 2:15

During and following Isaac's birth, I hemorrhaged twice. After the first time, my doctor ordered two medicines to make my uterus contract. My nurse failed to give them to me, resulting in more blood loss. When I first stood up to go to the bathroom, I passed out. Bo carried me back to the bed where two nurses worked on me; giving me the meds I should have received two hours earlier, making me smell ammonia to wake up, taking my blood pressure, drawing blood to see how much I'd lost. My hemoglobin went from 12 to 8. My blood pressure the next day was 98 over 52. In spite of this complication and the neglect of my medical care, God was with me. He protected me. He spared my uterus, and perhaps even my life. My recovery has been slow because of low blood count, heavy bleeding, and clots. My OB wanted to do a D &C, but agreed to give me another week to heal on my own. God has healed me. My energy is returning and my blood is back to normal.

This Christmas, I am thankful. I am thankful for my new baby. I am thankful for God's protection of my body. I am thankful He spared my fertility. I am thankful that I did not need surgery. I am thankful for my healing.

My God is mighty to save.

Meeting Baby Brother.....

Time to push....

I was up on the bed, sitting on my feet, when I felt the urge to push. Heather went to get my nurse, who called for my doctor.

I pushed for two contractions to birth Isaac. It took four minutes. This is the first contraction. I could feel him in the birth canal and knew right where to push.

A little break between contractions, catching my breath. I realized Joshua was still in the room and asked him if he wanted to leave. He said he wanted to stay. He and his girlfriend Charity observed the birth from the corner of the room by my head.

Dr. Talley delivers Isaac.

Meeting my baby....my initial thought was that he looked like Caleb. He has blonde hair, fair complextion, a round head, and blue eyes.

Transition

The last hour of Isaac's labor was definitely the hardest. I'd been "stuck" at 8cm for awhile, maybe an hour or so, not really sure of how long. Dr. Talley asked to break my water and I agreed, thinking it would speed things up. It did, and I began having contractions close together and lasting longer. Bo and Joshua struggled seeing me in pain, but everyone encouraged me and we made it through. Heather and Stephanie never left me, they prayed and massaged and helped me change positions. I never considered an epidural, not that I'm against them, in fact, my screams probably convinced all the other laboring women in the unit to get theirs! I just preferred to rely on God's strength to help me manage the pain, and birthing a baby naturally is a very fulfilling and empowering experience. I also was passionate about avoiding a cesarean section, and reducing intervention can help reduce the chance of surgery.

Active Labor

After a few hours in the labor room, contractions were getting more intense. My nurse checked me around noon and I was 5-6 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Bo, Joshua, Heather, and Stephanie served as my "epidural" by providing lots of physical, spiritual, and emotional support. I couldn't have done it without them. They helped me stay relaxed and encouraged me that I was getting closer to birthing my baby. We continued with worship music, scriptures, massage, and counter pressure on my back and hips. I'd read about a "pelvic press"; pressure on the top of the hips would cause the pelvis to open because the ligaments are so loose at the end of pregnancy. Bo did this by pushing my hips together with his hands, and after a while he enlisted Joshua's help. Together they pushed as hard as they could, which really helped me through the contractions. Joshua couldn't believe I could stand the force and asked if I had bruises afterward. Heather made sure my shoulders were relaxed. Stephanie wiped my head with a cool towel.

Labor

Early Labor

I went into labor on my own last Wednesday night. I had been in nesting mode that evening. I finished packing my hospital bag and put away diapers from a baby shower that my bible study class gave me that morning. I had been having contractions, but assumed they were the Braxton Hicks contractions that I'd had every day since six months. I took a warm bath and went to bed, figuring they would stop and I'd go to sleep. I laid down around 11:30 or so and had my first labor contraction at midnight. Bo timed every contraction and rubbed my back. He lite candles and massaged me with lavender oil. I laid in the bed until morning; I knew I would need my strength. Around 2:00am we called my friends Heather and Stephanie, who would attend the birth and provide labor support. Since Noah's labor was so fast, I thought it wouldn't be long before we needed to leave for the hospital, but the contractions dragged on and reached finally reached four minutes apart around 7:00am. We labored at home another hour then decided to go to the hospital to get checked. I was 4cm dilated and 60% effaced. Dr. Talley admitted me. Heather, Stephanie, her girls, and our boys arrived and we talked and laughed as labor progressed. As contractions became more intense, we began comfort measures. Bo (and Joshua!) put pressure on my back, I rocked in a rocking chair, sat on a birthing ball, and leaned over the bed, Stephanie read my scriptures to me and Heather rubbed my arms with the lavender oil. More later.....

Rubbing my feet between contractions

Scripture cards

Heather's healing hands

Stephanie, "look at the little hat!"

Birthing ball

Still here....

I'm still here but spending lots of time resting. Isaac is doing great and I am healing from a challenging delivery. I worked hard for this one! Will share my birth story soon. Thanks for your love and prayers.

Baby !!!

Here he is! Daniel Isaac Chapel was born Thursday afternoon, November 29th, after fourteen hours of natural labor. God blessed me with the birth experience I wanted. I will share details and photos over the next few days. I am recovering, breastfeeding, and getting to know this little guy that has captured my heart.

Daniel Isaac Chapel

7 lbs, 15 oz

19 inches

Beautiful images to distract me

Tonight Caleb showed me how to download photos into my Ipod. I've selected pictures that will help distract and relax me during labor. I've put sonogram photos of Isaac (to remind me of the goal of the contractions), family photos, and nature photos taken by my friend Vickie. Here are a few:

Countdown.....

This pregnancy is almost over. I'm due in six days. We are all so excited and anxious to meet Isaac. I went to the OB yesterday; I'm 2cm dilated, and he thought the baby was about eight pounds. Please keep us in your prayers, that God would bless me with an easy labor and delivery, the baby would be born healthy and safely, and the transition of adding a new member to our family would be smooth.

Hope to be posting a new baby photo soon!

The Nesting Instinct

I'm nesting. You know, the uncontrollable urge to do unusual cleaning to prepare the nest for the baby at the end of pregnancy. So far I have:

1. Rearranged the family room.
2. Moved the crib.
3. Shortened the blinds (the excess all piled up on the bottom was really making me mad)
4. Organized the medicine shelf.
5. Dusted wall tile and picture frames.
6. Sterilized the plastic valves that go in Noah's cups.

Happy Anniversary

Today Bo and I celebrated our eighteenth wedding anniversary. Also significant was our first date, exactly twenty years ago, at a Chili's Restaurant in Atlanta. We met in bible school; we had an Old Testament class together. Bo's friend Rick and my friend Rebecca set us up with each other. Who knew two years later they'd be standing beside us while we exchanged vows?

Albany just opened a Chili's here and we went there to celebrate. The hostess took us to a little table that I couldn't fit my belly under! The table top and the seats were attached to the wall and could not accommodate my fetal girth. So, she moved us to a larger table but I had the same problem there too. Third time was a charm when they took us to the bar and hoisted me up to a tall table with free-standing chairs. Oh my, the challenges of late pregnancy.

Happy Anniversary Dear. I've got your present in my womb.

Goodbye Sleep

I can't sleep anymore. I can't get comfortable. I sleep on my side surrounded by pillows but always wake up with pain in my back or my hips. So, I shift everything over to the opposite side and that lasts for another hour or so til I wake up again. Taking Tylenol before bed helped for the first two nights, until my body figured out a way to bypass the medication and went right back to being uncomfortable. I've resigned myself to getting half my sleep at night and the other half during the day. Might as well get used to it; this will probably be my sleep pattern once the baby is here as well!

My Soul Can't Dance Without You

This photo was from a dance Bo and I did together last Christmas, illustrating the intimacy we have with Christ through communion......

This is my favorite worship video right now....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anq3lmJboW8&feature=PlayList&p=C999A6215DA6EAD2&index=5

I'm crazy about it; watch it every day. The song is "My Romance", sung by a band called Jesus Culture. I especially love the lyrics in the bridge. They are:

The angels dance around You

The Earth, it sings about You

Open up the heavens Lord

Let Your Kingdom come to Earth

My praises all surround You

My soul can't dance without You

Open up the heavens Lord

Let your Kingdom come to Earth.

Joyful Expectation

"The longer we wait,

the larger we become,

and the more joyful our expectancy."

Romans 8:22

Thank you veterans

Today our church honored men and women who faithfully serve our country in the military. I am proud of my friends that are veterans, and my father and father-in-law's service, too.

This video is a touching reminder of the importance of praying for and honoring our military.....
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Four Weeks!

I'm thirty-six weeks pregnant and my daily thoughts are on my impending labor and delivery. Bo and I went to the hospital last week (Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital) to tour the labor unit and ask all our questions. Although I've been with my friends who've delivered there and photographed births, it's different when it's your own! Finding out more about the hospital routines and birth options have helped me feel more prepared. Bo will bring his laptop when we go to have Isaac and we'll post news and photos from the hospital if we can get Wi-Fi.

I plan to labor at home as long as I can, using relaxation techniques, prayer, and scripture like I did with Noah. I read a book written by a midwife which suggested such "comfort measures" as arm wrestling and mooing like a cow. A friend of mine said if I did that at the hospital, I'd quickly get transported to the psyche ward and have to give birth in a straight jacket! Well, we'll see if I can avoid such drastic measures....

My mommy is coming!

My adoptive mother/mentor/counselor is coming to see me tomorrow! Can't wait. She lives in Atlanta and we try to see each other as often as we can. I took this photo of her with her grandson in her beautiful garden. It's a picture of love, which is the perfect way to introduce her to you. She has shown me the love of God, led me into divine healing and deliverance, and taught me deep things of the spirit which I pour into others as I can. Also, she is a beautiful illustration of God's promise in Psalms, to "place the lonely in families", as she has taken me into her heart and loves and cares for me with sweet mother love. I hope she will be here for Isaac's birth, but if not, I know her powerful prayers will help me through!

Snuggle Nuggle

This morning when Noah woke up he climbed into my lap to snuggle, causing me to cuddle with two of my babies at one time. There's not much room in my lap anymore so Noah has to lay on my thighs! Isaac still moves around all the time and together we felt the baby move. Noah thinks it's hilarious to lay his cheek on my belly to get kicked in the face by his little brother.

It's a little strange to realize how much the family dynamics are about to change. I pray God will give me the wisdom to parent each child and do my best to meet their needs in spite of the time-consuming task of caring for a newborn. I wonder how Noah will handle sharing me with the baby. I know he'll be curious and probably constantly touching him and talking to him. I can't wait to see Joshua holding him and Caleb carrying him in the Snugli. And Bo is great with newborns; I can't wait to see the bond there, too.

We are really looking forward to meeting you Isaac!

Joshua

I wish I had a picture of Joshua playing football (I need a digital camera!), but I don't so this one will have to do.....

Joshua home schools through a small Christian school that formed a football team this year. Joshua is the quarterback. They played their second game last night and Caleb, Noah, Charity, and I went to support him. Very interesting game. First of all, it's flag football but there is still plenty of physical contact and of course they aren't wearing helmets or pads. Second, it was two Christian schools playing each other but the opposing team didn't seem to have a "fair game" in mind. The referee for the game was the head of that school and overlooked penalties and tackles from his players. One of our kids got tackled so hard, he actually got hit in the face with a fist and was bleeding. Joshua pointed it out to the ref, who responded "I didn't see it....". The other school also had one of those intense, yelling, screaming coaches who not only verbally abused his own players but ours too. He called Joshua "pretty boy" among other insults and was allowed to get away with it. Our center would get tackled so hard and so quickly that he kept snapping the ball way out of Joshua's reach, causing him to chase after it and get piled up on by the other team. This was definitely a lesson in patience and endurance for our team! The coach would call time-outs to encourage the players. calm them down, and remind them to keep Christ-like attitudes. We were tied with the other team in the last quarter. Our team scored a touchdown which would have won, but Joshua's flag got pulled after he threw the ball but the other team fussed about it, and of course the ref didn't see it, so he called for a replay. They fought it out for three overtimes til our team scored again and won the game. I was so proud of my kid and his teammates.

Repentance

My spirit has been stirred up for two days; maybe venting here on my blog will help settle me down. This week it seems like everywhere I turn, I am reminded of our need, as Christ-followers, for the conviction of the Holy Spirit that leads to repentance. Well, not so much our need for it, but rather our refusal to do it. It seems to me that even in the Christian communities, arrogance, pride, and rebellion rule in place of humility, submission, and obedience. Yesterday I read in Isaiah 64:7 "No one calls on Your name or pleads with You for mercy". Why not? Are we so full of ourselves that we forget we belong to the Lord and are called to serve and obey Him? Where is the reverence? the fear of God? the willingness to surrender? And not to mention obvious sins.....do we think we can escape the consequences of our sins forever?

The Elijah in me wants to see the God of Fire come and consume our fleshly and evil ways. I want to see people who say they love the Lord treat each other with love. I want to see men and women willing to forgo their own agendas to fulfill the Father's mission. I want to hear the voice of the prophets and see response. I want our country to repent of our wicked ways and escape the judgement of a sovereign God.

Sigh.....yes, this helped. I feel better.

"I tell you again that unless you repent, you will also perish."

-Jesus, Luke 13

Happy Birthday Noah David

Happy 5th Birthday Noah!

Noah turned five yesterday. He had a great birthday weekend and we were blessed to see him so happy. I've been remembering his birth, how special it was. I had an easy pregnancy and natural labor with him and he was born quickly, two hours after arriving at the hospital. My doctor walked into my room the exact moment I started pushing. She delivered him sitting on the edge of the bed during the second push. I fell in love with him immediately. He was so beautiful, pink and perfect and even had no blood on him. He was my birthday present, born five days after my thirty-third birthday.

I named him. Noah means "peace" or "rest" and he certainly has brought a lot of peace to our family. He is also named after King David, as I knew before his birth that he would sing and dance for God and lead others to worship Him.

What a beautiful gift God has given us. He makes me laugh every day. Now I can't wait to see him as a big brother.

Happy Birthday my sweet Noah. Mommy loves you.