Birth Announcements

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Summer Report…

Okay, I know it’s been forever since I’ve actually posted on this site, so my attempt now is to try to bring you all up to date with what has been going on in my life these past months. It would probably be easiest to do it in several shorter posts, so I’ll start with photos of some of the summer babies….

Kyler Maine

Sweet little Kyler was born in June, and after giving us quite a scare by her reluctance to breathe on her own, she is doing quite well. Her older siblings were delighted to have a baby in the house again!

Isabelle

Isabelle arrived in July-her mama was a real trooper! She has continued to grow into a beautiful girl, and I so enjoyed the time spent with her parents.

Jazmin

Little Jazmin came in August, being cooperative enough to wait until AFTER I had major wisdom tooth surgery and took a quick trip to PA. We were grateful for God’s timing in her delivery, and it was extra special to deliver this sweet bundle, as I had delivered her big brother close to two years before.

Here are Brandon & Jazmin & myself, when she was two days old.

Well, that should bring folks up to date with babies….and future posts will contain some other interesting, updated information about my life! 🙂

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Guatemala Adventures, pt 1

Greetings from Kansas once again! I had fully intended to do better at keeping this blog updated over the past few weeks, but due to a variety of reasons that didn’t happen. It was one of the most exciting Central America trips I have taken…and I am so grateful for God’s protection, care, and faithfulness. There’s too much to say in one post, so I’ll try to write more about it in a later post as well.

I left KS for Guatemala back on May 8, a bit earlier than planned, as the baby that I was going for was making signs of appearing sooner than expected. Usually, when going to that spot in Guatemala, I would need to fly into Guate City, take an overnight bus up to the northern Petén area of the country, catch another bus to head 4 hours to the town of El Naranjo, and from there catch a ferry across the river and drive another half hour or so, or take a boat from that spot….alot of traveling, to say the least! But since we felt time was crucial, I had the fun privilege of getting flown up to the town of El Naranjo by James, a pilot who works for the mission. This eliminated hours of travel, and after leaving KS at 6:30 am, I arrived at the destination that afternoon around 4 pm.

View of Guatemala City from the small plane's window

The plane on the small runway in El Naranjo

It was lovely to be back in Guatemala with some of my dear friends there! As we waited on baby’s arrival, I enjoyed time catching up with them, and getting a further glimpse of their life. A few days later, we headed out to a small town about 4 hours away, where we stayed awaiting the birth. This allowed us to be within half an hour of a hospital should complications occur. Little Alex José arrived on May 19, after a lovely first-time labor. One of my good friends, Ashley, who works as a nurse in a nearby clinic, was my assistant for the birth, and it was a special treat to get to work with her!

Little Alex a few days after birth

His first Sunday!

I ended up staying with Alex’s family for about a week after his birth, going with them back to the little village where they live….then when I tried to return home, things got interesting, as a result of several natural disasters that occured the weekend I tried to travel….but more pictures and those stories will come later!!

In closing, a big thank you to all of you who were praying for me, and kept in touch. It was an incredible opportunity, and dream come true to spend the time in Guatemala helping with a delivery!

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I know it’s been awhile!

Well, after several weeks with no posts, I have decided it’s time to sit down and actually write something to let you all know I’ve not dropped off the face of the world! Life has been speeding along at a rapid pace, as I know it has been for many people, and I keep thinking that I will write…

Yesterday finally saw the arrival of a very big boy that we have been waiting on for several weeks. That is one reason I’ve not written-I kept thinking that we would have a baby announcement to post! But this little fellow wanted to take his good ol’ time.  We are grateful for his safe arrival, and glad to be able to see him on the “outside” at last.

At the moment, I am busily trying to wrap things up around here in order to be ready to take off for Guatemala this weekend. My intention in going is to help a missionary family with the birth of their baby. I’d appreciate your prayers for safe travels, and for God’s hand to be over us as we anticipate the arrival of this new little one! I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone…could be two weeks, or up to five…so it’s a bit challenging to have things taken care of back home for an unknown amount of time. It makes me grateful yet again for for wonderful midwives in the area who help me by covering and providing quality care for my clients that are left behind in my absence. So, if you contact me this month by phone, and wonder why I’m not answering, know you will know what’s up!

I know this is a rather interesting conglomeration of topics, but I figure I might as well catch you all up on several different areas. However, the best and biggest event going on in my life right now will be announced soon, so stay posted for another new announcement within a week or so.  🙂

Alright, in closing, I have to let you know that my friend and fellow midwife, Heidi, has started her own blog. It’s beautiful, and will give you more information about the services and care she offers. Check it out! http://www.createdforpraise.blogspot.com

While I’m giving you other links, if you are looking for a midwife in the Tulsa, OK area, you might want to check out the website of another friend of mine, Faith Morie. She has spent the past 8 months or so working for a midwife in Isreal, and is now back in OK getting her practice started. Pass her information on to anyone you think might be interested! http://www.borntobelovedbirth.blogspot.com

May you enjoy this beautiful day to the fullest!

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Photos from a home birth…

First, I have to mention that I am still excited about the special birth I had the honor of assisting with early yesterday morning. It was one of Heidi’s clients, and after much prayer and anticipation, we were thrilled to witness a lovely VBAC-it was a beautiful birth anyway, but the fact that it was her first vaginal birth following a c-section with her first pregnancy added an extra-special dimension. I barely made it, with only 20 minutes or so to spare!

Now, I’m excited to finally have pictures to post of a birth that occurred back in January. This mama had a photographer there, and has generously allowed me to use some of the photos in order to share her experience with others. Thanks, Kristina!

So, for those of you who enjoy pictures, or are just curious to know a little more about what a home birth looks like, here you go….

Mom was laboring in the tub as the birth was getting closer, with her support people and myself surrounding her

Doppler and other supplies sitting nearby

My dear assitant, Heidi, stands ready to lend a hand when needed, as an aunt peeks in to check on progress

Heidi charting progress as the labor continues

This mama worked beautifully with her contractions, allowing her body to relax and open

Baby Z in mom's arms just moments after birth

All snuggled up and meeting various family members

I begin the newborn exam, while Heidi charts in the background

Taking all his important measurements

Footprints

Heidi and I after everything is finished

Mom and baby enjoying some time together

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Baby announcement!

Had a sweet baby girl born yesterday…and we were very grateful for her safe birth.  God is good, and it’s always a miracle to witness the arrival of a new life into this world, especially one as intense as this one.  Thanks, too, to Heidi for her awesome job as an assistant. It’s a joy to get to work with her, and I’m grateful for the opportunity!!

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New Baby Girl!

One of the January babies I was waiting on arrived yesterday. Little Grace was welcomed with great excitement, after her sisters had hoped for a baby girl after a row of 4 brothers! She also had the special title of being child #13!

I’m busy right now preparing for the upcoming childbirth class-it should be lots of fun, and the list of couples continues to grow. Be sure to let me know if you need more information, or have something specific you want to see covered!

Blessings on everyone in 2010…I’m starting to get excited about all the new little ones that we will be getting to meet for the first time!

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New Arrival!!

A big welcome to little Andrew who was born late last night!

Andrew

Time for the newborn exam.

 

Andrew

He's a cute, cuddly little one-can't hardly resist a kiss....

 

Andrew

An extra treat-the first birth for Heidi and I to do together since graduating from our midwifery studies! We trained together at FBS in TX, and never expected to work together in KS someday, but God put it all together!!

 

Andrew

Just a couple of hours old!