 |
Susanna was born Tuesday October 19, 1999, at 11:58 pm. She was 8lbs. 10 oz. - 20in. What made her birth more special than
many others is that Susanna is a tubal reversal baby, and if that wasn't enough, she was born at home, into her Daddy's hands!
On January 18, 1999 Wendy had a tubal reversal. Although the doctor was probably the best surgeon in the world,
the glory goes to the Great Physician, Who is really the one who enabled a total healing in her body. Six days after surgery,
Susanna was conceived. The pregnancy did not start out very well. There was the healing from the surgery and Wendy was exposed
to a horrible case of the flu. Once she was over that, morning sickness started - something she had never experienced to such
extent in her past pregnancies (back in the old days!) Maybe old age has something to do with it! Or more likely, a lesson
in humility. Before the morning sickness ended, came another bout with some virus.
The second trimester was
wonderful. No sickness, no swelling or water retention. Plenty of energy - well, as much as could be expected for someone
who hadn't been pregnant in 13 years! The third trimester brought exhaustion and the threat of preterm labor. A couple weeks
were spent in bed, until we knew it would be safe for the baby to be born. We expected it to happen early, but God's timing
is always perfect.
Labor started at midnight on a Monday morning. Contractions were every 3 to 5 minutes for
12 hours. From that point on, it slowed down. Tuesday evening it picked back up. By about 8:30 pm we were pretty sure that
was going to be the night. At 9, contractions became regular. Wendy took warm baths to get more comfortable but didn't want
to have the baby in the water. She got out of the tub while Gary set things up in the living room. At this point, the contractions
were coming one right on top of the other and she had a hard time making it to the living room. She stopped twice and Gary
coaxed her to continue on. She finally made it and dropped down by the couch. On her knees, she faced the couch and rested
into the cushions. (If you can call it rest.)
We aren't exactly sure of the time, but hard labor didn't last
all that long. Gary coached Wendy on amidst prayers being lifted up by both. Praise music was playing in the background. At
one point, Wendy asked Gary what he said and he replied, rather huffily!, that he was praying. Shortly after that, Gary said
the baby had crowned. He went to Wendy's side to offer her encouragement. She told him he better get back because the baby
was coming. Gary moved to his place. Out came the baby's head, and the rest of her along with it, in one push. It was an awesome
moment. The baby screamed as soon as she hit her Daddy's hands, at which point Daddy named her. The world must have heard
the praising that was going on. Daddy handed Susanna to Mommy and whooped and hollered some more, while Sarah, Jacob, and
Rachel came to meet their new little sister.
While waiting for the cord to quit pulsating, Gary went outside
to enjoy a well deserved cigarette (well, a bubblegum cigar would have been better, but...) that was moistened with tears
of joy. After the cord was cut, we waited for the rest of the placenta to be delivered. We later realized that all of the
placenta was out; it was just the membrane that was left. But not knowing for sure, Gary decided to have a midwife come check
things out. So, by Tuesday around 3:00 pm, that was finally dealt with.
The midwife was wonderful. We were truly
blessed to have her, as our state is not midwife friendly, and she was really going out on a limb coming here without even
knowing us. She is truly a credit to her profession.
As someone who does not generally go to doctors, Wendy
felt so tremendously blessed by the health care professionals the LORD led her to. God was fully in control of this pregnancy
and at our house through it all. Yet, there are no words to describe how strongly we felt His presence during those moments
He was bringing Susanna into the world. To Him belongs all the glory.
(If you want info on reversals or midwives,
please contact us!)
  |
