Rosemary's Birth Story

"When joy is a habit, love is a reflex." - Bob Goff

I pretty much love Bob Goff's quotes; it could just be because he is from the Northwest like myself and I feel a connection, but his quotes always give me a gut check.  Where am I at and what am I feeling about life?  Let's just be honest here, since having kids, my life has felt like an out of control whirlwind that I'm merely trying to keep afloat.  That is mostly likely because I'm a perfectionist, control freak, but it still is how I feel about it.  So this quote, it's more of a great compass, as to where I should be in my mind.  JOYFUL!  As I was doing my daily walk in the hospital after Rosemary was born, I saw this wreath among the bland walls and doors of the labor and delivery floor.  It made me smile and I actually went back to my room to get the camera for it.  Haha, if you have ever had a c-section, you know that is dedication, because any sort of walking 48 hrs. after is scary!  I wanted a little reminder of this season of my life because I know how fleeting it is, and well, all of life.  This reminder to be joyous is huge right now.  As exciting as having another baby is, as a third time parent, you KNOW the realities and what's coming.  It's not easy, it makes you get wrinkles on your face, you inherently worry, they turn into little tornados, and sleep, sweet sleep, where are you?!?!  Joy though, it does in fact bring the love.  What would I like to teach my sweet children the most, how to love people well, how Jesus did.  

This little bundle of cuteness, my cup is overflowing.  I'm always curious, why God has put certain people in our lives.  It will be so exciting to watch it unfold.  

 These guys....they were sooooooo excited to meeting their sister, to be followed by great disappointment, "Why isn't she walking yet?  Why won't she talk back to me?  Okay, I'm done holding her."  They have soon learned the beauty of the pacifier.  Jackson makes sure she has her "baby," a little lamb lovey, at all times.  The big linebacker stud that he is, is so incredibly gentle with her.  Charlie likes to sing Christmas songs to her and read her books.

 Nervous to be holding her "all alone!"  Shoot, it's harder than I thought! 

Finally!  The moment is here!  

Yep, it's a girl!  She is not as chill as the boys and hates to get a new outfit or diaper.  Every time they brought her back from the nursery in the hospital, the nurses were like "Wow!  I think we really made her mad!"  Swaddling is her best friend.

The third time parents.  We are much more comfortable with this whole parenting thing, and feeling so much more relaxed than previous birthing experiences.  Thanks to the awesome medical team at Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, CO.  All things considered, we opted for the scheduled c-section, and it was a wonderful experience.  The same anesthesiologist that helped me with Jackson's birth, was there for Rosemary's.  I told him of my high anxiety and loath of c-sections, and he gracefully guided me through the whole surgery.  Usually, it takes about 20 mins of sewing after the baby comes out, but with all previous scar tissue, it took my doctor 2 hrs. to sew me back up.  As a fellow ski bum, we talked about our favorite runs at Vail and the beauty of Colorado powder days.  Little did I know, when all is said and done with the surgery, for the next 24 hrs. the Morphine wears off and the itching is unbearable!  Never in my life have I been so willing to take Benadryl.  The whole experience makes me so thankful for modern medicine.  My doctor also told me after, that despite all my wishes to have the baby naturally, this baby too wouldn't have done well in labor because the cord was wrapped around her neck and arm.  Thankfully, I went ahead with the c-section instead of trying for a v-bac 2, trusting what I thought was best.  Honestly, now after three births behind me, I couldn't be happier as to how it all played out.  Many women feel traumatized or sad about their birth stories via c-section, but it all seems like God's perfect plan for me and each baby. Again, I'm thankful I have choices here in the great U.S. of A, clean hospitals, knowledgable doctors, medicine, and aftercare.  Let's remember, it hasn't always been this way.

Here's to the sleepless nights and warm snuggles for the next few months!

To all the inquisitive minds out there...yes, this will be our last baby unless God has a crazy plan.  Mostly due to the c-section factor and Tim doesn't really want to be fully grey haired at the age of 35:).  Although, I would like to add, 20 mins. after we were done with the surgery...Tim, yes Tim Myers said "that was so easy, we could totally have a fourth!!!"  This is coming from the guy who was a little stressed with the boy's births.