Since my camera is missing in action at the moment, I thought I’d take you on a walk down memory lane.
For those of you that haven’t had the chance to experience a home birth, here are some pics from the birth of our Daniel (two years ago). Don’t worry, I’m censoring them, so you’re safe!
Labor, about an hour before Daniel was born.
When I’m in labor, I try to stay busy until I can’t stay busy any more. Unfortunately, this is when I call the midwife, too. She has to hustle to get there in time. My babies usually come an hour or two after I call the midwives and retire to my room. Most of my births occur during the day, so David and the kids are still up and playing in the living room or bedrooms. He’ll come check on me from time to time.
David encouraging me, reminding me that I've done this before, I can do it again.
My sweet girls, waiting for little brother to be born. Labor was pretty intense by this time.
We're getting close now.
Almost there! One of the midwives, watching, waiting.
Lovely distractions from the work at hand. Isn't she precious?
And so is she.
It's time! Daddy's watching his sweet boy be born.
The baby is literally handed to me as he's born. My midwife is wrapping a towel around him so that we can begin to clean him off.
Me, checking the baby out right after birth. I'm about to look to see if it's a boy or a girl. I wish we had gotten a picture of that moment. It's a super-precious memory.
Hello, little one. I'm momma.
From the bedroom doorway, Daddy showing 2 year old Timothy his new baby brother.
Warm and cozy, baby boy and I've been put to bed.
Daddy's holding the baby.
Daddy holding son #4! He feels so blessed.
Time for his checkup. The midwife weighing the baby...
...while we watch.
The rest of our new little one's checkup. All of this was happening on the bed beside the kids and I.
This is the midwifery apprentice that actually "caught" the baby. It was her first. I'm honored to have God use me in this way.
All done! Baby appears to be healthy. Big sister holding baby.
Patrick's turn.
And Bryan's turn. Bryan always makes me something to eat after the births. Obviously, he would rather not watch. So, he cooks.
And, I finally went to bed. David and I stayed up and talked for an hour or so with the baby sleeping between us. Homebirths are wonderful. It’s amazing to have family around you, ready to share whenever you’re ready. We did not allow the boys in the room for the birth (to preserve my modesty), but the girls are allowed to watch. They are really looking forward to this birth!
What a lovely walk down memory lane. Such sweet, sweet memories. We were blessed to have “won” a gift card for a birth photographer. The photos are amazing! I’m looking forward to posting the pics of our new baby’s birth, as soon as he or she decides to arrive. Now, back to getting ready…
The girls were little! I forget how quickly they are growing up. These photos add to the anticipation of this new one!
I truly am getting excited! We’re cleaning/organizing in high gear today. Even David!
And, I forgot to mention, I’m amazed at the fact that we’re being blessed again. It just blows my mind that God has chosen to bless us in this way. I can truly attest to the fact that momma’s and daddy’s hearts never get full. We can always love another. Seven kids. Wow.
Beautiful pictures Darlene…I’ve always wanted a homebirth. Lauren’s would have been a good one, as it was the only one uneventful, the others were too high risk…I am jealous ;-). I’ll be praying for you and your new little one to have a wonderful delivery.
What precious memories!!
Congratulations! He is so cute! Blessings to you all today and always.
Darla