...Catching Up

So much has happened since I've last had the chance to sit and write. Where to start? Perhaps where we last left off...

Welcome BabyK 2.0!

Much like her sister before her, our sweet second bundle of joy waited a little longer than expected to meet us. At last, on the glorious morning of June 27th she arrived. After waking early to go the the washroom (as overly pregnant women do), I felt some familiar cramping and knew it was the day. I climbed into the cool covers and rested my head trying to get the last ounce of energy for the big event. The peace I felt as I laid was indescribable. I remember hearing my heart say, "Today is a good day to have a baby".

For those of you who remember my firstborn, you may recall that labour was a long drawn out process. LittleK was poorly positioned and refused to co-operate for the maneuver. At the last minute she decided to arrive on her own without the need for a cesarean. (Praise God!)

Our newest addition had a very different schedule. Starting at 5am, the contractions seemed to progress at top speeds. This little baby was on a mission. Escape was eminent. By the time my midwife arrived, she doubted there would be time for an epidural. We left for the hospital hanging on to the sweet hope she was wrong. Alas, a sweet baby girl arrived healthy, happy and at full speed at 10:37am - au naturalle. By 1pm, we had left the hospital and were on our way home.

Birth without an epidural is a whole new kind of miracle. I know everyone has their own opinions and experiences, but throughout the process I was certain this 9lb beauty would kill me. It was the most painful thing I have ever experienced, but the adrenaline rush afterwards is unmatched. What felt like minutes after, I was sitting there, scarfing down all food I could get my hands on and was filled with a strange sense of invincibility. I felt like I could climb Everest, run a marathon or even have another baby right there and then. This baby is still making me feel this way. She is so well-natured we often lovingly refer to her as "Baby Fever".

In hindsight, I wish I had prepared myself more for natural birth. I know the second child often requires less labouring time but I tend to be faultlessly over optimistic. Thankfully, I was able to have my husband present as well as my good friend acting as my Douala. I honestly did not realize the difference she could make. Birthing the first time round with my husband and midwife was good; this time round was spectacular. Someone was always there with a cold cloth, sip of water, or soothing words as the other could work out logistics like packing the car, pulling up, or getting a wheelchair to name a few. My love for her certainly makes me a little biased but I know that God had her there for a reason; I needed her.

June 27th was indeed a good day to have a baby. So is June 28th, 29th, and every other day for that matter. Somewhere around the world, another beautiful human is born. Each one a incredible miracle. Even you. You survived the most wild ride imaginable.

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Romans 13:11

"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."