J a m e s ' B i r t h / J a n u a r y

I don't usually go into too much detail with my posts here, but this has been a large month & there's a lot to be thankful for so I thought I'd share a bit of what's happened, starting with James' birth... if you don't care for birth stories you can skip the next paragraph.

James was born on January 17th, a Tuesday at noon. After a few sessions of preemptive labour, (one where I packed my hospital bag, one kitchen dance party & a few middle of the nighters), my water broke at five am when I got out of bed to use the bathroom. A relief to have a sure sign it was actually happening this time! My mum had been here since Thursday so she stayed with the kids while Joel & I left for the hospital. I was 6 cm on arrival & we got set up in our room. Contractions had started after my water broke, though nothing too intense. A woman I know from Moms & Tots was my nurse & my delivery Dr was already there as well. Joel left after a while to get mom & bring the kids over to a family friend's for the day. Contractions were still very manageable by the time they got back; we visited for a while & I watched a bit of the Kloon brothers (haha, thanks Jess) to pass the time & keep the mood light. My body seems to like to take its time with labour, it was slow & sure the next couple hours & it was only the last hour (9-10 cm) that I actually had to work for it. I knew I was ready then the next time Dr K came by.... my head in Joel's lap holding tight to his belt loops, toes curled on the floor. I cried when he told me I was at 10 cm - only the final moments left. I pushed with my eyes closed between sips of water, Joel shading my face from the harsh light in the room. (I asked to have the lights turned off but they declined). All my focus was on this coming baby & Joel by my side. It was the biggest physial relief once he finally came out, hot mess & all. He was harder than my first two babies - his shoulder got caught, then he was born. Catching me off guard with all his own look, a bit of a  stranger. But our James. Long long fingers & pouty red lips. He lay on my chest & then Joel went with him to get weighed etc. 8 lbs 3 oz. He nursed when I got him back & we went to our room together. Thankfully I didn't tear & I've had a great recovery.

The kids came later that afternoon to meet their baby brother. It was a little much for them & a little anticlimactic for us, I think they more just wanted to see mom & dad. 

James & I came home the next afternoon. I had enjoyed the P&Q at the hospital while I could; the night we came home was pure chaos with the kids! James slept on the couch while we put out fire after fire with the other two, haha. He's been such a good baby, he nurses & has slept well so far & is pretty chill overall. Phew!

That Friday Joel left for Manchester while Asher went as far as Calgary to Joel's parents for the next week. My mum was still with me for the next few days & my dad came out that weekend as well. Monday my parents left & it was just Edie, James & I til the next Monday. We managed pretty well but of course were anxious for our boys to get home. I was surprised how much Edie missed Joel & how little she missed Asher! I think she quite enjoyed being the boss for a change, & Asher had his cousins with him at G&G's to play with & didn't seem to miss Edie too much either. Overall it was much less stressful than the other times Joel has gone away.

When the boys came back we had a few days to ourselves before Joel's parents came out for a visit & I had a bit more help with the kids.

Currently we are back to normal, i.e. just the five of us, & working on laying down a few new ground rules! A&E both love James to bits & constantly want to hold him & kiss him etc. Asher is especially attentive & gentle with his brother & loves to be with him. A&E could sure use a little extra love towards each other, though! It's taken a while for them to have more positive exchanges with each other.

To sum, as full & up in the air as this past month has been, I'm so thankful for how everything has worked out. I'm not sure how or why our due date & Joel's defense ended up being so close together; but it really required me to trust in God's timing & His plan for us. The date James was born couldn't have been more perfect - having my mom there both before & after as well as being able to attend the birth, having him before Joel left & even his birthday (1/17/17) & how that coincides with the verse James 1:17. ("Every good & perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.") It's all such a graceful reminder of God's faithfulness towards us & how He is in control. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him & He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Thankful to be starting this new chapter with three kids & Joel's doctorate! Not only did he finish early (in four years instead of six as a part-time student), he did amazing on his defence & got an excellent mark with minimal revisions. So proud of my husband for finishing so well & also the peaceful state of mind with which he left. Before leaving he made sure I knew that despite the outcome the most important thing is our family. That even if he failed the things he's gained & learned the past four years far outweighs any degree or title. So blessed by this thoughtful man who takes such good care of me & is attentive to my needs - especially so in the last stage of my pregnancy. He was a rock for me during labour & continues to be. He's always done an amazing job of providing for our family - he asked me just the other day if I was okay with being poor the rest of our lives, haha, & I told him he makes me feel rich. Which is the truth.

Cheers to new beginnings / prayers in forging ahead!