I've been remiss in writing my latest birth story. A couple of weeks ago, our December mama went into labor - one day after her due date. This is the couple's first baby, and they were so well-prepared. I got the call about 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning....of course 2 of the 3 births I've been to recently are on Sunday's - not the most convenient for Nolan - but he's a trooper! Anyway, I headed out shortly after that call as the mama's contractions were coming pretty close together, and I had a 3 hour drive ahead of me. I drove the speed limit, and as is my custom, prayed for mama and baby and midwife for most of the drive. About a mile from my destination, the midwife called to see where I was and to tell me mama was complete and ready to push. I thought to myself, "well, won't this work out just perfectly. I'll help with the birth, get things cleaned up and still make it back for our church staff Christmas outing to the Nutcracker." That's what I get for thinking that birth is predictable.
So, I walk in, say a quick hello, change into scrubs, get oriented by the midwife, and begin to offer labor support. I was able to really lend a helping hand with labor support. And between the midwife, dad, mom, and me - we made one heck of a team through an extremely long pushing phase. Mom was a champ; I really don't think I could have given that much effort for as long as she did. Dad was great - offering continual praise and anything else mom needed. And, the midwife was awesome - offering different ideas/techniques and alternating between active pushing and getting mom to rest and recuperate with small drinks and snacks. We changed positions. We changed locations. We prayed. And through it all the entire team remained calm and committed. And most importantly the babies vital signs remained strong! Finally, after trying everything to get baby to finish his debut, the difficult decision to cut an episiotomy was made.
Now, let me take a short side-track here. This was the first episiotomy my midwife has performed in 90 births. Episiotomies do not need to be routine. But occasionally, they are helpful. And this was one of those rare times.
And, baby was out with the next push. And, then I had my first experience with a "scary birth". Every midwife I've talked to says in order to know if you are cut out for this kind of work, you need to see a scary birth. It's a question I've asked myself many times - and many of my friends/family have asked me - what do you do IF. Well, I came face to face with some of those IFs that day.
Several of my "what ifs" became reality. And, by the grace of God - And, because of a professional, trained midwife watching the warning signs - And, because of a calm team - And, because of the grace of God. Scary turned out okay. Both mama and baby were transferred to a nearby hospital for observation. It was the right thing to do. And, I'm glad I work with a midwife who is secure enough to do the right thing. Both mama and baby were released the next morning and are doing beautifully.
I am constantly humbled by the thought of what could happen. It's almost enough to cause me turn from this calling. But, I truly believe this is the path God has for me; and to bow to fear would not be right. I pray that God will give me wisdom. I pray that God will grant my mamas and babies (and myself) protection. I pray that He will never give me more than I can handle. And I leave myself there.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
10 Wonderful Years!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Birth Week
My long anticipated initiation into helping with a home birth kicked off full force last week! I've been attending prenatal appointments and learning from the midwife for the past five months - and finally my first births to attend. We had two mamas (originally three, but one moved in September) due in November. Both their due dates came and went and still no babies. That is one really nice thing about home birth, no one is in a super hurry to get baby out. Of course the mama's were ready to meet their babies and tired of swollen ankles and labored breathing, but they were comfortable letting their babies cook just a little longer.
One mama had fairly consistent contractions for several weeks. Her baby was in a fairly odd position - face-up (occiput posterior) and off to the side. This meant the baby's head was making contact with the cervix, but not really settling in to get things going. After a waiting a week past her due date, the mama asked that we reposition the baby (try to get the baby to flip over) and break her water. And boy howdy was baby ready to come! Two hours later a sweet, ten-pound, baby girl made our hearts melt! Mama was amazing! Really working with her body. Walking or bouncing (on the birth ball) through contractions. And when it came time to push she picked a position that seemed natural to her for this birth. She chose the hands and knees position - which in hindsight was perfect for a baby of this size. Just three pushes later and baby made her debut. I was in awe. I learned lots from this birth - repositioning, setting up, I even got to do my first vaginal check (TMI - I know). I saw how the baby's heart tones move lower and lower in the mama's abdomen as the baby descends. I learned about meconium in the water and when to be worried (or not) about it. And I was once again, convinced and amazed at how well women's bodies can do this thing we call birth!
The next morning, I got an excited call from the midwife. Mama number two was having contractions every ten minutes. This mama was known to have precipitous (fast) labors and she was 2 1/2 hours from my house, so I kicked in high gear and got on the road. Fortunately this labor was a little slower than her last one, and I arrived about 2 hours before baby. This was another beautiful birth - but completely different than the one the night before. This mama too worked through her labor she moved around some, but then chose to relax on her bed with her family. Her husband rubbing her back and getting her a hot water bottle. We never even did a vaginal check, but instead just watched her for signs of transitioning. (Per her request). It's not hard to tell when a woman is getting close to having the baby as everything intensifies and it's often important that the mama's support team keep her focused. This mama did great and again just a few pushes and baby arrived. Another beautiful little girl - 6 lbs. 8 ounces. I learned a whole new set of skills with this birth - like how to manage a bleed afterwards and how to do the newborn exam. I also examined the placenta and tested the babies blood type. Amazing.
After a few hours of checking and watching mama's and babies we left these families in the comfort of their homes with selected friends/family to enjoy this sweet time. The mama's breastfed and bathed and grabbed a snack and settled in to get to know their new little ones. I'm not against hospital birth! But there sure are some nice things about home birth!
Finally, a dear friend of mine also a week and a half past her due date called Saturday morning asking for some laboring tips. She and her husband had hired a doula to be at their hospital birth, but having gone a week and a half past her due date and into the Thanksgiving holiday, her doula was out of town. This mama was cooking right along and really looking forward to a better labor than with her first baby. She was excited and fresh. We talked briefly, and I expected the baby to come before noon. At three that afternoon she called sounding tired and frustrated. She had dilated to an eight and stalled - she'd been there since nine that morning. After hours of painful contractions she got an epidural and agreed to having her water broken. That was at one. It was now 3 and her doctor told her she had an hour before he wanted to start pitocin (a labor augmenting drug) and then possibly consider a c-section if things didn't progress quickly. She asked the doctor for two hours since the baby's heart tones sounded great, and then she called me. She sounded dejected - like she had somehow failed. That was the furthest thing from the truth! We just needed to try some things to get this labor going again. I was able to give her a few techniques to try in bed (with an epidural). I started with the "roll-over" technique, which gets mom into five or six different positions either sitting or lying on her side for 15-20 minutes each. This allows baby to get into different positions and hopefully make better contact with the cervix and get things going again. I also suggested nipple stimulation. What??? I know, when I first heard about it I thought to myself, "there is no way I'll every recommend that to a mom, that is just too private." Guess what, it really works! Nipple stimulation causes oxytocin (a natural hormone that encourages labor - among other things) to get flowing. She agreed and went to work. Just before five she called back. She was a 9 1/2 (cm dilated) and wanted some techniques for pushing as they had discovered the baby was face-up (occiput posterior). Now the stalled labor made sense. Oh how I wish they could have tried to reposition the baby earlier in the day. But we discussed the best options for pushing with an OP baby. I know that the mama still had a cervical lip that they needed to get out of the way, so it was three hours later before she was allowed to push. And, with the first push the baby rotated into the face-down (occiput anterior) position and came soon after. I have a lot of questions for the mom about what happened in the hours I didn't hear from her, but I'll give her a couple of days to rest and recoup before I bombard her!
These were amazing experiences. What a blessing to be a part of watching a new soul enter the world. I'm amazed at how much I've learned this week, but also in the past 9 months. I remember helping my first doula clients back in May. They were so sweet to let me "practice" on them. I was able to help this mom more over the phone this week than I did for supporting the mom through 13 hours of labor last spring. And, I know I have SO much more to learn. I can imagine that I'll look back at this post in a few months or a year and shake my head at all I didn't know "back then". But we have to start somewhere - and I'm blessed to have people who are letting me be a part of their stories as I learn!
We have one more mama due before Christmas and then a little break until January. I'm looking forward to this birth as I'm sure I'll learn so much more!
One mama had fairly consistent contractions for several weeks. Her baby was in a fairly odd position - face-up (occiput posterior) and off to the side. This meant the baby's head was making contact with the cervix, but not really settling in to get things going. After a waiting a week past her due date, the mama asked that we reposition the baby (try to get the baby to flip over) and break her water. And boy howdy was baby ready to come! Two hours later a sweet, ten-pound, baby girl made our hearts melt! Mama was amazing! Really working with her body. Walking or bouncing (on the birth ball) through contractions. And when it came time to push she picked a position that seemed natural to her for this birth. She chose the hands and knees position - which in hindsight was perfect for a baby of this size. Just three pushes later and baby made her debut. I was in awe. I learned lots from this birth - repositioning, setting up, I even got to do my first vaginal check (TMI - I know). I saw how the baby's heart tones move lower and lower in the mama's abdomen as the baby descends. I learned about meconium in the water and when to be worried (or not) about it. And I was once again, convinced and amazed at how well women's bodies can do this thing we call birth!
The next morning, I got an excited call from the midwife. Mama number two was having contractions every ten minutes. This mama was known to have precipitous (fast) labors and she was 2 1/2 hours from my house, so I kicked in high gear and got on the road. Fortunately this labor was a little slower than her last one, and I arrived about 2 hours before baby. This was another beautiful birth - but completely different than the one the night before. This mama too worked through her labor she moved around some, but then chose to relax on her bed with her family. Her husband rubbing her back and getting her a hot water bottle. We never even did a vaginal check, but instead just watched her for signs of transitioning. (Per her request). It's not hard to tell when a woman is getting close to having the baby as everything intensifies and it's often important that the mama's support team keep her focused. This mama did great and again just a few pushes and baby arrived. Another beautiful little girl - 6 lbs. 8 ounces. I learned a whole new set of skills with this birth - like how to manage a bleed afterwards and how to do the newborn exam. I also examined the placenta and tested the babies blood type. Amazing.
After a few hours of checking and watching mama's and babies we left these families in the comfort of their homes with selected friends/family to enjoy this sweet time. The mama's breastfed and bathed and grabbed a snack and settled in to get to know their new little ones. I'm not against hospital birth! But there sure are some nice things about home birth!
Finally, a dear friend of mine also a week and a half past her due date called Saturday morning asking for some laboring tips. She and her husband had hired a doula to be at their hospital birth, but having gone a week and a half past her due date and into the Thanksgiving holiday, her doula was out of town. This mama was cooking right along and really looking forward to a better labor than with her first baby. She was excited and fresh. We talked briefly, and I expected the baby to come before noon. At three that afternoon she called sounding tired and frustrated. She had dilated to an eight and stalled - she'd been there since nine that morning. After hours of painful contractions she got an epidural and agreed to having her water broken. That was at one. It was now 3 and her doctor told her she had an hour before he wanted to start pitocin (a labor augmenting drug) and then possibly consider a c-section if things didn't progress quickly. She asked the doctor for two hours since the baby's heart tones sounded great, and then she called me. She sounded dejected - like she had somehow failed. That was the furthest thing from the truth! We just needed to try some things to get this labor going again. I was able to give her a few techniques to try in bed (with an epidural). I started with the "roll-over" technique, which gets mom into five or six different positions either sitting or lying on her side for 15-20 minutes each. This allows baby to get into different positions and hopefully make better contact with the cervix and get things going again. I also suggested nipple stimulation. What??? I know, when I first heard about it I thought to myself, "there is no way I'll every recommend that to a mom, that is just too private." Guess what, it really works! Nipple stimulation causes oxytocin (a natural hormone that encourages labor - among other things) to get flowing. She agreed and went to work. Just before five she called back. She was a 9 1/2 (cm dilated) and wanted some techniques for pushing as they had discovered the baby was face-up (occiput posterior). Now the stalled labor made sense. Oh how I wish they could have tried to reposition the baby earlier in the day. But we discussed the best options for pushing with an OP baby. I know that the mama still had a cervical lip that they needed to get out of the way, so it was three hours later before she was allowed to push. And, with the first push the baby rotated into the face-down (occiput anterior) position and came soon after. I have a lot of questions for the mom about what happened in the hours I didn't hear from her, but I'll give her a couple of days to rest and recoup before I bombard her!
These were amazing experiences. What a blessing to be a part of watching a new soul enter the world. I'm amazed at how much I've learned this week, but also in the past 9 months. I remember helping my first doula clients back in May. They were so sweet to let me "practice" on them. I was able to help this mom more over the phone this week than I did for supporting the mom through 13 hours of labor last spring. And, I know I have SO much more to learn. I can imagine that I'll look back at this post in a few months or a year and shake my head at all I didn't know "back then". But we have to start somewhere - and I'm blessed to have people who are letting me be a part of their stories as I learn!
We have one more mama due before Christmas and then a little break until January. I'm looking forward to this birth as I'm sure I'll learn so much more!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Counting the Cost
Counting the Cost. This seems to be the theme for my life this year. Right now it's just an idea that I spend a lot of time pondering. But I want it to be more than an idea; I'm just not sure what that means just yet. Jesus was pretty specific about what He required of His disciples - read Luke 14:25-35 - you'll get the idea. Thing is, do we really know what He meant by "hate your mother, father, sister, brother, wife, children....", "take up your cross", or "lay down your life." I'm not ready for a theological debate, I just want to find what He intends for those words to mean to me. I certainly don't want to jump into an emotional decision to follow Christ - I want to wisely "count the cost" as He instructs.
I've been reading several stories of people living lives sold out to Christ. Does that mean that those of us living comfortable lives dedicated to our jobs and families aren't true disciples? That isn't for me to decide. But I know a little soul-searching, heart-to-heart time with God never hurts! I trust His guidance - it is always loving and gentle.
Here are a few links to get you thinking.
Kisses From Katie is a blog about a young woman living in Africa with her 14 adopted daughters and Amazima is the organization born out of her desire to help the children of Uganda.
David Platt, pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, taught a radical series on Luke 14 that is causing me to take a hard look at some of the hard words of Christ. I'm not through listening to all of the messages, but so far I'm feeling pretty energized! Dr. Platt has also written a book on the subject called "Radical"; I haven't read it, but I plan on it. It reminds me of another book I read earlier this year that started this whole "Counting the Cost" theme - called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.
Finally, I follow several midwife missionary blogs from around the world. One girl linked me to this great article that follows several inspirational stories of people helping people. I'm a sucker for inspirational stories!
By the way, are you wondering about missionary midwives? I know you are :) Here's a great link to a girl working in Sudan.
I've been reading several stories of people living lives sold out to Christ. Does that mean that those of us living comfortable lives dedicated to our jobs and families aren't true disciples? That isn't for me to decide. But I know a little soul-searching, heart-to-heart time with God never hurts! I trust His guidance - it is always loving and gentle.
Here are a few links to get you thinking.
Kisses From Katie is a blog about a young woman living in Africa with her 14 adopted daughters and Amazima is the organization born out of her desire to help the children of Uganda.
David Platt, pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, taught a radical series on Luke 14 that is causing me to take a hard look at some of the hard words of Christ. I'm not through listening to all of the messages, but so far I'm feeling pretty energized! Dr. Platt has also written a book on the subject called "Radical"; I haven't read it, but I plan on it. It reminds me of another book I read earlier this year that started this whole "Counting the Cost" theme - called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.
Finally, I follow several midwife missionary blogs from around the world. One girl linked me to this great article that follows several inspirational stories of people helping people. I'm a sucker for inspirational stories!
By the way, are you wondering about missionary midwives? I know you are :) Here's a great link to a girl working in Sudan.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Running?
Nolan and I went to the big centennial celebration at WT this past weekend. And so enjoyed catching up with several friends. It's amazing how you can jump right back in with people you haven't seen in a decade.
At the football game we sat with some friends who we've kept in better contact with, but haven't seen in almost a year. Somehow our conversation turned to running. Nolan was a runner in high school and can still run further/faster than I ever dreamed of. I have only tried running once in my life. After the birth of my third baby, I decided to try running to shed a few pounds. I was doing well - running fairly consistently for a couple months, when I began to get dizzy on my runs. For me dizziness is a sure sign of pregnancy.
Sure enough, the test came back positive, and the dizziness kept me from returning to running. After the birth of baby #4, I considered running again, but somehow I now associated running with getting pregnant - and you couldn't pay me to start back up. I seriously had issues!
A few weeks ago, I convinced myself to try again. But lacking motivation, it didn't last long. All that to say, our friends convinced us to run a 5K with them on Thanksgiving morning - so now I have the motivation. I seriously doubt that I'll be in race shape by Thanksgiving, but I guess I'll be closer than I would have been without the motivation. Tonight, training day two, I ran a full mile without stopping - and continued a walk/jog combo for almost 2 more miles.
**Let me add this disclaimer - when I say "run" it is relative. There are probably a lot of people who could walk faster than I run.
At the football game we sat with some friends who we've kept in better contact with, but haven't seen in almost a year. Somehow our conversation turned to running. Nolan was a runner in high school and can still run further/faster than I ever dreamed of. I have only tried running once in my life. After the birth of my third baby, I decided to try running to shed a few pounds. I was doing well - running fairly consistently for a couple months, when I began to get dizzy on my runs. For me dizziness is a sure sign of pregnancy.
Sure enough, the test came back positive, and the dizziness kept me from returning to running. After the birth of baby #4, I considered running again, but somehow I now associated running with getting pregnant - and you couldn't pay me to start back up. I seriously had issues!
A few weeks ago, I convinced myself to try again. But lacking motivation, it didn't last long. All that to say, our friends convinced us to run a 5K with them on Thanksgiving morning - so now I have the motivation. I seriously doubt that I'll be in race shape by Thanksgiving, but I guess I'll be closer than I would have been without the motivation. Tonight, training day two, I ran a full mile without stopping - and continued a walk/jog combo for almost 2 more miles.
**Let me add this disclaimer - when I say "run" it is relative. There are probably a lot of people who could walk faster than I run.
Neighborhood Kids
A few days ago I was talking to my mom on the phone, when like every mother of young children, I had to interrupt the phone conversation with several mini-conversations with the children in my care. This particular day, in addition to my own brood, the neighborhood kids were also playing in my yard.
Mom had been listening to me call out instructions to each of the kids and laughed again at something that has been funny to us for several years now...
"Jeremiah, take that dog home. He's scaring Benjamin."
pause....
Abraham, you are going to have to help your brother.
Caleb, can you and Isaac please make sure little Nehemiah doesn't get in the way.
Seriously, we have half the Old Testament represented on our block. Willow is the only one who doesn't evoke thoughts of camels and donkeys and old cities and deserts. But rest assured, she's got her place too - check out Isaiah, he says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, like Willow trees planted by streams of water."
I wonder if I would fit in with the Old Testament mamas.
Mom had been listening to me call out instructions to each of the kids and laughed again at something that has been funny to us for several years now...
"Jeremiah, take that dog home. He's scaring Benjamin."
pause....
Abraham, you are going to have to help your brother.
Caleb, can you and Isaac please make sure little Nehemiah doesn't get in the way.
Seriously, we have half the Old Testament represented on our block. Willow is the only one who doesn't evoke thoughts of camels and donkeys and old cities and deserts. But rest assured, she's got her place too - check out Isaiah, he says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, like Willow trees planted by streams of water."
I wonder if I would fit in with the Old Testament mamas.
Well Behaved Women
"Well behaved women seldom make history."
I first saw this quote on a bracelet that my mom was wearing. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to think of it. When I think of women who aren't behaving, history-makers aren't exactly what come to mind.
Fast-forward a year and I'm looking over a midwifery school website and lo and behold what do I see, "Well behaved women seldom make history" attributed to Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Pulitzer Prize winner, Author: "A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard based on her diary 1785-1812.
I am definitely okay with keeping company with these kinds of history makers!
I first saw this quote on a bracelet that my mom was wearing. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to think of it. When I think of women who aren't behaving, history-makers aren't exactly what come to mind.
Fast-forward a year and I'm looking over a midwifery school website and lo and behold what do I see, "Well behaved women seldom make history" attributed to Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Pulitzer Prize winner, Author: "A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard based on her diary 1785-1812.
I am definitely okay with keeping company with these kinds of history makers!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Busy, Busy, Busy
I really hesitate to talk about how busy I am because I think we often use busy-ness as an excuse. I can always find time that could be better used. In fact, this weekend in Sunday School in our discussion about the book, "How to Stop the Pain" we talked about how we use 20% of our time to produce 80% of our results. That means 80% of our time could be better spent.
And, that little rant was not even the point of this blog.
Actually we've been in a season of more activity than what I'd consider normal for our family. We started year two of Silvey homeschool in mid-August, and Nolan kicked Mpact (youth ministry) off for the fall semester around the same time. And we've been running since then.
We celebrated Isaac's 6th birthday at the end of August with a family party at my brother and sister-in-law's house, and then Nolan and I along with Caleb and Isaac went to Wonderland Park for the afternoon while Benjamin and Willow went to spend the day with Nana and Grandpa.
Mpact had it's 8th annual "Operation Reality" weekend retreat in September. It is always a lot of fun. If you are familiar with "Disciple Now" retreats it is essentially the same idea. College students with a group called Glowing Heart come to P-town for the weekend and lead small groups in Bible based discussions. More than 70 junior high and high school kids attended this year's retreat. They stayed at host homes in our community and were grouped by grade/gender. In addition to the Bible studies we made time for attending the football game Friday night, big group rec time Saturday morning, and a concert Saturday night. The college students went on and on about how much they enjoyed our students and how much potential they showed this year!
The Wednesday following Operation Reality was See You At The Pole - a student led prayer gathering around school flag poles before school. That evening all the community youth groups got together and blitzed the community with prayer. I was inspired to see 140-160 teenagers show up at the high school gym with no incentive (like free food or a concert) to be put into groups of 3-4 and given an area of town to go door-to-door to pray with people. It was the most moving thing I've been a part of in a long time! The testimonies they had when they returned an hour later were amazing. And the town is still buzzing about those "sweet kids" who came to pray with me! It was also good for our kids to see that even in small-town America there are people with real, material needs and people who want nothing to do with God - even if it means slamming doors in kids faces. Way to go teenagers - you truly made a difference!
The next week our church hosted Dr. Art Mathias of Wellspring Ministries out of Anchorage, Alaska for a four-day conference. His scripture based healing ministry is powerful. If you are in need of physical or emotional healing, I'd encourage you to check out his ministry and book, "Biblical Foundations of Freedom."
I also found time to finish up my midwifery course in mid-September and am trying to finalize my decision on which school to continue my studies through. This has been one of those times that I'd really like some real clear direction - like writing on the wall or something of that nature. But, no such luck, it seems like it's been more of a waiting game.
I'm also continuing my midwifery apprenticeship and have had the pleasure of working with Rebekah Dorsey, CPM, LM for the past several months learning how to do prenatal appointments. I'm looking forward to attending my first home births as her apprentice in November when we have three mamas due - and many more in the months after that.
Home school is keeping us on our toes this semester. We had quite an adjustment this year as Willow isn't napping through school anymore. That means Willow and Benjamin need a little more attention and our school schedule had to change a bit to fit those needs. What we figured out was that Caleb and Isaac have several things that they can do with minimal input from me - such as handwriting and spelling words - that they do while I keep track of B&W. We save the more teaching intensive stuff for the afternoon while the little ones are asleep. We've had to give up some of our afternoon activities, but we know it is just for a season. We also started a new curriculum this semester - Sonlight. And, I am very pleased with it. One thing that I've really enjoyed about home schooling is being so involved with what my kids are learning. It's amazing how often things come up in coversation and/or activities outside of our "scheduled school time" that allow for reinforcement of what we learned about in school. I love it.
Caleb and Isaac are also playing fall sports through our local activity center. Isaac is in soccer, and Caleb is in flag football. That means practice two days a week and games in the morning and afternoon on Saturdays. It's been a lot of fun, but I, for one, am glad the season is just four weeks long! Caleb and Isaac probably feel differently, as they have had so much fun! I'll just remind them that basketball season is just around the corner.
Well there's the update for the past few weeks in the Silvey household. I hope all is well with each of you!
And, that little rant was not even the point of this blog.
Actually we've been in a season of more activity than what I'd consider normal for our family. We started year two of Silvey homeschool in mid-August, and Nolan kicked Mpact (youth ministry) off for the fall semester around the same time. And we've been running since then.
We celebrated Isaac's 6th birthday at the end of August with a family party at my brother and sister-in-law's house, and then Nolan and I along with Caleb and Isaac went to Wonderland Park for the afternoon while Benjamin and Willow went to spend the day with Nana and Grandpa.
Mpact had it's 8th annual "Operation Reality" weekend retreat in September. It is always a lot of fun. If you are familiar with "Disciple Now" retreats it is essentially the same idea. College students with a group called Glowing Heart come to P-town for the weekend and lead small groups in Bible based discussions. More than 70 junior high and high school kids attended this year's retreat. They stayed at host homes in our community and were grouped by grade/gender. In addition to the Bible studies we made time for attending the football game Friday night, big group rec time Saturday morning, and a concert Saturday night. The college students went on and on about how much they enjoyed our students and how much potential they showed this year!
The Wednesday following Operation Reality was See You At The Pole - a student led prayer gathering around school flag poles before school. That evening all the community youth groups got together and blitzed the community with prayer. I was inspired to see 140-160 teenagers show up at the high school gym with no incentive (like free food or a concert) to be put into groups of 3-4 and given an area of town to go door-to-door to pray with people. It was the most moving thing I've been a part of in a long time! The testimonies they had when they returned an hour later were amazing. And the town is still buzzing about those "sweet kids" who came to pray with me! It was also good for our kids to see that even in small-town America there are people with real, material needs and people who want nothing to do with God - even if it means slamming doors in kids faces. Way to go teenagers - you truly made a difference!
The next week our church hosted Dr. Art Mathias of Wellspring Ministries out of Anchorage, Alaska for a four-day conference. His scripture based healing ministry is powerful. If you are in need of physical or emotional healing, I'd encourage you to check out his ministry and book, "Biblical Foundations of Freedom."
I also found time to finish up my midwifery course in mid-September and am trying to finalize my decision on which school to continue my studies through. This has been one of those times that I'd really like some real clear direction - like writing on the wall or something of that nature. But, no such luck, it seems like it's been more of a waiting game.
I'm also continuing my midwifery apprenticeship and have had the pleasure of working with Rebekah Dorsey, CPM, LM for the past several months learning how to do prenatal appointments. I'm looking forward to attending my first home births as her apprentice in November when we have three mamas due - and many more in the months after that.
Home school is keeping us on our toes this semester. We had quite an adjustment this year as Willow isn't napping through school anymore. That means Willow and Benjamin need a little more attention and our school schedule had to change a bit to fit those needs. What we figured out was that Caleb and Isaac have several things that they can do with minimal input from me - such as handwriting and spelling words - that they do while I keep track of B&W. We save the more teaching intensive stuff for the afternoon while the little ones are asleep. We've had to give up some of our afternoon activities, but we know it is just for a season. We also started a new curriculum this semester - Sonlight. And, I am very pleased with it. One thing that I've really enjoyed about home schooling is being so involved with what my kids are learning. It's amazing how often things come up in coversation and/or activities outside of our "scheduled school time" that allow for reinforcement of what we learned about in school. I love it.
Caleb and Isaac are also playing fall sports through our local activity center. Isaac is in soccer, and Caleb is in flag football. That means practice two days a week and games in the morning and afternoon on Saturdays. It's been a lot of fun, but I, for one, am glad the season is just four weeks long! Caleb and Isaac probably feel differently, as they have had so much fun! I'll just remind them that basketball season is just around the corner.
Well there's the update for the past few weeks in the Silvey household. I hope all is well with each of you!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Almost Done
I know some people really put a lot of stock in certain numbers. Maybe they have a favorite number or....well, I'm not sure why else numbers would be important. I've never given much thought to numbers. In fact, the only significance I can think of relating to numbers is a game we used to play in junior high or high school that you could make a wish when all the numbers on the clock were the same.
But, for some reason, for the past six months or so, the number 33 seems to be following me around. At first I noticed that I every time the clock said 6:33 I happened to see it. I related that to Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Not a bad daily reminder. Then I started noticing that it wasn't just 6:33, but other "33" times throughout the day. I bet I see it 5 or 6 times a day. At first I thought maybe I was imagining it. Then I began to think that maybe there was a message in it. But what? I'll be 33 on my next birthday. But that's not something I don't already know. Anyway, I've gone through several thought patterns from wonder to worry. Finally I've decided on acceptance. Now every time I see "33" on the clock throughout the day, I take a second and tell God I love him and smile a little smile that He knows means I trust him with whatever "33" means. Imagined or not, I figure this turned out ok.
My "Introduction to Midwifery" class is coming along splendidly. I have been able to put in some serious study time the past few weeks, thanks to my awesome husband! My goal of finishing all my assignments by the end of August was achieved! Now I am in the process of proof-reading all 75 pages of work that I completed (in essay form). Next is completing the pre-test and then the course final. One really good thing about the school I'm going to is the study habits they teach. One is surveying how much you feel you know about a particular subject before you begin a course and then again after you complete the course. Well, I'm blown away at how much I have learned! There have been several facts that have really made me stop and ponder the amazing intricacies of the human body - and the God that put it all together. For example, before a woman ever knows she is pregnant, the fertilized egg begins dividing exponentially. The resulting cells do not have specific purposes. However, when the cells reach the uterus and implant into the uterine lining, the cell division stops temporarily. When it resumes after implantation is complete all the resulting cells are task specific - meaning they may be cells that will make the heart or the brain and so forth. Simply amazing! (I'm really nervous I didn't get all that terminology exactly right, but I don't have my text book with me, so I'm going to go with it and hope the anatomy and physiology people in my life grant me grace!)
One thing that is REALLY on my mind right now is "the next step." Nolan has encouraged me from the beginning to take this journey one step at a time, as I'm notorious for wanting to know the ending from the beginning. So, I've tried to honor that advice - to the best of my ability. So, now, I'm nearly through with the introductory course, and I'm desperately seeking God's plan for the next step. Do I continue with the school I'm with now - which I believe would give me a very high quality education. Or do I go with another of my "top" choices. Do I start right away or continue with my apprenticeship and do some self-study until the choice seems more clear. One thing that keeps rearing it's ugly head is the fact that I'm not getting any younger, and this school thing will take 3 years minimum. I never dreamed of starting a career in my late 30's. Which, by the way, I know is not old to the people who've already been there!
So, I guess we'll see where all this leads.
But, for some reason, for the past six months or so, the number 33 seems to be following me around. At first I noticed that I every time the clock said 6:33 I happened to see it. I related that to Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Not a bad daily reminder. Then I started noticing that it wasn't just 6:33, but other "33" times throughout the day. I bet I see it 5 or 6 times a day. At first I thought maybe I was imagining it. Then I began to think that maybe there was a message in it. But what? I'll be 33 on my next birthday. But that's not something I don't already know. Anyway, I've gone through several thought patterns from wonder to worry. Finally I've decided on acceptance. Now every time I see "33" on the clock throughout the day, I take a second and tell God I love him and smile a little smile that He knows means I trust him with whatever "33" means. Imagined or not, I figure this turned out ok.
My "Introduction to Midwifery" class is coming along splendidly. I have been able to put in some serious study time the past few weeks, thanks to my awesome husband! My goal of finishing all my assignments by the end of August was achieved! Now I am in the process of proof-reading all 75 pages of work that I completed (in essay form). Next is completing the pre-test and then the course final. One really good thing about the school I'm going to is the study habits they teach. One is surveying how much you feel you know about a particular subject before you begin a course and then again after you complete the course. Well, I'm blown away at how much I have learned! There have been several facts that have really made me stop and ponder the amazing intricacies of the human body - and the God that put it all together. For example, before a woman ever knows she is pregnant, the fertilized egg begins dividing exponentially. The resulting cells do not have specific purposes. However, when the cells reach the uterus and implant into the uterine lining, the cell division stops temporarily. When it resumes after implantation is complete all the resulting cells are task specific - meaning they may be cells that will make the heart or the brain and so forth. Simply amazing! (I'm really nervous I didn't get all that terminology exactly right, but I don't have my text book with me, so I'm going to go with it and hope the anatomy and physiology people in my life grant me grace!)
One thing that is REALLY on my mind right now is "the next step." Nolan has encouraged me from the beginning to take this journey one step at a time, as I'm notorious for wanting to know the ending from the beginning. So, I've tried to honor that advice - to the best of my ability. So, now, I'm nearly through with the introductory course, and I'm desperately seeking God's plan for the next step. Do I continue with the school I'm with now - which I believe would give me a very high quality education. Or do I go with another of my "top" choices. Do I start right away or continue with my apprenticeship and do some self-study until the choice seems more clear. One thing that keeps rearing it's ugly head is the fact that I'm not getting any younger, and this school thing will take 3 years minimum. I never dreamed of starting a career in my late 30's. Which, by the way, I know is not old to the people who've already been there!
So, I guess we'll see where all this leads.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Summer Update
As I write this post, Nolan, Caleb and Isaac are in the kitchen canning pickles using my Granny's famous recipe. I love summer for the simple things.
Nolan and I just returned from our 10th anniversary trip to Colorado. We were gone for six days while my parents kept the kids! We had a lovely, relaxing time, and the kids were not ready to go home with us if that tells you how much fun they had! Nolan and I wandered through bookstores, took hikes in the mountains and ate gourmet breakfasts at the B&B where we stayed. The kids gathered the eggs (multiple times a day), helped Grambo in the garden, had water fights, played games (including learning chess), played with cousins, ate lots of hot dogs, watched movies, stayed up late and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There were several funny stories, but one Benjamin story took the cake!
It turns out Benjamin wasn't tired one night. So, after everyone else was asleep, he entertained himself. Being the "helper" that he is, he cleaned the bathroom using an entire roll of toilet paper. And, then, he decided to wash Caleb and Isaac's dirty clothes. Mom heard him upstairs and went to explore. Like any good kid, as soon as he heard her coming up the stairs, he jumped back in bed. She checked on him and then went to check on the other kids - including Willow. The lights were off, so mom felt in Willow's pack-n-play to be sure she was covered. That's when she discovered a week's worth of dirty, wet clothes. She went to Benjamin to question his behavior, and with a sweet smile he said, "I wash the clothes!" Indeed he had...in the toilet. And, for reasons known only to him, he then put them in Willow's bed. Willow slept peacefully through the entire thing, I might add.
This story reminds me of another that happened shortly before we left on vacation. One evening, Nolan and the kids were playing in the backyard. I noticed a baby bird (from the nest above our front door that we've watched as intently as any National Geographic special) had fallen and couldn't fly. I asked Nolan discreetly to put it out of its misery so the kids wouldn't be traumatized. Well, before he could do so, the kids saw the bird and wanted to hold and pet it (YUCK!). Nolan, thought this was a great opportunity to see nature up close and personal - all I could think of was the germs. But they loved on the bird for a little while....and then it died. I didn't know this part of the story until later the next day, or I possibly could have prevented the rest of the story. They lovingly buried the bird, which they had named "Pecky" under the shed in the backyard.
The next morning, I recruited Caleb and Isaac to pick up apples in the backyard so we could mow later in the day. Isaac, then recruited Benjamin to help - promising him (unbeknownst to me) to do Benjamin a favor later on. Next thing I know, the apples are all picked up and all four kids have disappeared. As I go to do a little investigating, Isaac runs into the house asking if we can have bird soup for lunch. (Remember, I didn't even know "Pecky" died.) I make my way to the backyard behind the shed and find the other three kids and a dead bird. (YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!!!) It turns out the promised "favor" was unburying and playing with the dead bird. I promptly threw the bird over the fence and took all the kids to disinfect.
That's when the questions began. This was Benjamin's first experience with death.
He watched me throw Pecky over the fence (somewhat heartlessly), and he wanted to know where Pecky went.
I told him that Pecky went to Heaven to live with Jesus (which by the way I have no way of knowing.)
Benjamin wanted to know why.
I told him because Jesus would make him all better so he could fly.
Benjamin wanted to know when Pecky would be back.
What the heck??? I need a lot more schooling before I'll be qualified for this parenting thing!
But I wouldn't trade it!
BTW, when Benjamin asked when Pecky would be back, I quickly offered him candy to distract him and went on my way. ;)
Oh, and one more story. Tonight we were playing croquet in our front yard. Nolan had already played several games with the kids when I entered the picture. He explained that mommy is the croquet champion and Caleb and Isaac better bring their A-game. Which, by the way, is totally bogus. So Caleb, Isaac, and I proceeded to play croquet. It was a good, hard-fought game in which I came in second. At the end we stood on our imaginary podiums (like the Olympics) and sang the national anthem. Unfortunately half way through I couldn't remember the rest of the words and instead I sang, "I can't remember the rest of the words to this song..." The boys thought that was hilarious and have been singing those words all evening. Shoot. If they start singing that at the next home football game, I apologize in advance to all the home school families who work hard at proving they teach their kids the important things like the national anthem. We'll work on it.
Speaking of...year two of Silvey Home School Academy commences Monday - ready or not.
And, I continue to work on midwifery studies. My original goal of having all my assignments completed by the end of August is seeming more impossible every day. But, I'm still on track to meet the school's deadline of October 10.
Nolan and I just returned from our 10th anniversary trip to Colorado. We were gone for six days while my parents kept the kids! We had a lovely, relaxing time, and the kids were not ready to go home with us if that tells you how much fun they had! Nolan and I wandered through bookstores, took hikes in the mountains and ate gourmet breakfasts at the B&B where we stayed. The kids gathered the eggs (multiple times a day), helped Grambo in the garden, had water fights, played games (including learning chess), played with cousins, ate lots of hot dogs, watched movies, stayed up late and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There were several funny stories, but one Benjamin story took the cake!
It turns out Benjamin wasn't tired one night. So, after everyone else was asleep, he entertained himself. Being the "helper" that he is, he cleaned the bathroom using an entire roll of toilet paper. And, then, he decided to wash Caleb and Isaac's dirty clothes. Mom heard him upstairs and went to explore. Like any good kid, as soon as he heard her coming up the stairs, he jumped back in bed. She checked on him and then went to check on the other kids - including Willow. The lights were off, so mom felt in Willow's pack-n-play to be sure she was covered. That's when she discovered a week's worth of dirty, wet clothes. She went to Benjamin to question his behavior, and with a sweet smile he said, "I wash the clothes!" Indeed he had...in the toilet. And, for reasons known only to him, he then put them in Willow's bed. Willow slept peacefully through the entire thing, I might add.
This story reminds me of another that happened shortly before we left on vacation. One evening, Nolan and the kids were playing in the backyard. I noticed a baby bird (from the nest above our front door that we've watched as intently as any National Geographic special) had fallen and couldn't fly. I asked Nolan discreetly to put it out of its misery so the kids wouldn't be traumatized. Well, before he could do so, the kids saw the bird and wanted to hold and pet it (YUCK!). Nolan, thought this was a great opportunity to see nature up close and personal - all I could think of was the germs. But they loved on the bird for a little while....and then it died. I didn't know this part of the story until later the next day, or I possibly could have prevented the rest of the story. They lovingly buried the bird, which they had named "Pecky" under the shed in the backyard.
The next morning, I recruited Caleb and Isaac to pick up apples in the backyard so we could mow later in the day. Isaac, then recruited Benjamin to help - promising him (unbeknownst to me) to do Benjamin a favor later on. Next thing I know, the apples are all picked up and all four kids have disappeared. As I go to do a little investigating, Isaac runs into the house asking if we can have bird soup for lunch. (Remember, I didn't even know "Pecky" died.) I make my way to the backyard behind the shed and find the other three kids and a dead bird. (YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!!!) It turns out the promised "favor" was unburying and playing with the dead bird. I promptly threw the bird over the fence and took all the kids to disinfect.
That's when the questions began. This was Benjamin's first experience with death.
He watched me throw Pecky over the fence (somewhat heartlessly), and he wanted to know where Pecky went.
I told him that Pecky went to Heaven to live with Jesus (which by the way I have no way of knowing.)
Benjamin wanted to know why.
I told him because Jesus would make him all better so he could fly.
Benjamin wanted to know when Pecky would be back.
What the heck??? I need a lot more schooling before I'll be qualified for this parenting thing!
But I wouldn't trade it!
BTW, when Benjamin asked when Pecky would be back, I quickly offered him candy to distract him and went on my way. ;)
Oh, and one more story. Tonight we were playing croquet in our front yard. Nolan had already played several games with the kids when I entered the picture. He explained that mommy is the croquet champion and Caleb and Isaac better bring their A-game. Which, by the way, is totally bogus. So Caleb, Isaac, and I proceeded to play croquet. It was a good, hard-fought game in which I came in second. At the end we stood on our imaginary podiums (like the Olympics) and sang the national anthem. Unfortunately half way through I couldn't remember the rest of the words and instead I sang, "I can't remember the rest of the words to this song..." The boys thought that was hilarious and have been singing those words all evening. Shoot. If they start singing that at the next home football game, I apologize in advance to all the home school families who work hard at proving they teach their kids the important things like the national anthem. We'll work on it.
Speaking of...year two of Silvey Home School Academy commences Monday - ready or not.
And, I continue to work on midwifery studies. My original goal of having all my assignments completed by the end of August is seeming more impossible every day. But, I'm still on track to meet the school's deadline of October 10.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Twins
I had the amazing opportunity this past weekend to doula for a dear friend as she gave birth to beautiful twin girls.
We were all a little concerned when her water broke at 32 weeks, but even during the first uncomfortable moments of getting mom (and dad) to the hospital and deciding on a plan of action with the medical staff, God's presence and peace was very real.
This mama was an absolute marvel. She handled the stress and pain with grace that I never found even after four births. She progressed quickly, and while we knew things were getting harder to handle, we were surprised to find her ready to push just 3 - 3 1/2 hours after contractions began.
Pushing was a little harder as Baby A was sunny-side-up, meaning she came out face-up rather than face-down. This position often cause lots of painful back-labor - and it was no exception in this case. It took an hour, but baby rewarded us by being 4 lbs. 5 ounces / 17 inches and maintaining oxygen saturation well.
Baby B came quickly after her sister. She too, was in an odd position with her arm up around her head and her feet next to her chest, but mama did a tremendous job. This baby was 4 lbs. 1 ounce and 1/2 inch longer than her sister. She required a little more breathing help.
Even the seasoned medical staff marveled at how well this delivery went. Twins born vaginally without pain medication is somewhat of a medical anomaly!
Both girls are doing well although they will have to spend a little time in the NICU.
Mama and Papa (who also acted like this wasn't his first rodeo) are recovering well and looking forward to bringing their baby girls home!
I am continually in awe of the miracle of life!
And, by the way, my website is making considerable progress. Check it out if you haven't already!
Friday, July 23, 2010
New Web Site
By the way, I'm working on building a new web site. It is a LONG way from being finished, but I thought I'd go ahead and put up a link in case you want to look around. It's about my "birth services".
Deliver Me Birth Services
Salem
Deliver Me Birth Services
Salem
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Birth High
So it's 10:31 p.m. and I've been up for almost 40 hours straight - although I did get a 2 1/2 hour nap somewhere in the middle of the night. But my adrenaline is still flowing so fast, I decided to make a quick post to reflect on the last two days in my birth bubble.
A sweet friend of mine was induced yesterday morning and labored throughout the day - slowly. I made a couple of trips to the hospital to check on her. Finally at 9:30 p.m. things started getting a little harder, and she asked me to come to the hospital to help her out. I knew that I was going to get to attend her birth, but I wasn't sure she really wanted me to support her during labor. What a privilege! She was so strong - enduring Pitocin contractions (the REALLY hard kind) for 13 hours - before she reached her goal of dilating to a 5 and getting an epidural. She was so amazing! Her mom also happened to be her nurse throughout the night. And, I learned so much from her. We tried several comfort techniques. I learned to operate the hospital beds. And, hour by hour we made it through. Finally after reaching a 5, the epidural allowed her some time to rest before time for baby. (Thus the 2 1/2 hour nap.) Around 5 a.m. baby surprised us during a check and said, "It's time!" The medical team rallied; I took a coveted position next to mama's knee; and then got to coach her through pushing. And she was a champ. Her beautiful daughter was born at 5:27 a.m. - not bad for a first-time mama. What an amazing experience. My first opportunity to watch a new life enter the world - I didn't exactly see my own children as they made their debut, as I was a little bit busy ; ) And, to top it all off, the medical team, knowing my deep interest in childbirth, involved me by explaining several procedures as they went along - including suturing and checking out the placenta. I am blessed! Thank you!
Then my day went on. I went home, showered, did the morning routine with my kiddos - Nolan is at church camp this week - so our sweet babysitter spent the night with the kids while I was at the hospital. Then we got in the car (the kids and I - not the babysitter) and went to Amarillo for a day full of prenatal appointments. My sister-in-law and brother were the best, as they volunteered to keep my four little ones while I went and did midwifery apprenticing stuff.
Six prenatal appointments later - and I am on a birth high! I palpated (pushed around on pregnant tummies to feel the baby's position); I found and listened to heart beats; I tested urine (I even liked this part!); I measured the uterus; I charted (wrote down all the important stuff in the file); I listened and learned from my mentor as she listened to her clients and gave advice on a number of pregnancy related issues. I met six sweet women who are allowing me a place in their birth stories. Joy, Joy, Joy! And, I came home with six more big books to read.
After all that, I picked up my peeps, and we headed home. And, by some miracle (thank you Jesus) I wasn't even tired on the LONG drive home. What a day!
Goodnight! Sweet dreams!
A sweet friend of mine was induced yesterday morning and labored throughout the day - slowly. I made a couple of trips to the hospital to check on her. Finally at 9:30 p.m. things started getting a little harder, and she asked me to come to the hospital to help her out. I knew that I was going to get to attend her birth, but I wasn't sure she really wanted me to support her during labor. What a privilege! She was so strong - enduring Pitocin contractions (the REALLY hard kind) for 13 hours - before she reached her goal of dilating to a 5 and getting an epidural. She was so amazing! Her mom also happened to be her nurse throughout the night. And, I learned so much from her. We tried several comfort techniques. I learned to operate the hospital beds. And, hour by hour we made it through. Finally after reaching a 5, the epidural allowed her some time to rest before time for baby. (Thus the 2 1/2 hour nap.) Around 5 a.m. baby surprised us during a check and said, "It's time!" The medical team rallied; I took a coveted position next to mama's knee; and then got to coach her through pushing. And she was a champ. Her beautiful daughter was born at 5:27 a.m. - not bad for a first-time mama. What an amazing experience. My first opportunity to watch a new life enter the world - I didn't exactly see my own children as they made their debut, as I was a little bit busy ; ) And, to top it all off, the medical team, knowing my deep interest in childbirth, involved me by explaining several procedures as they went along - including suturing and checking out the placenta. I am blessed! Thank you!
Then my day went on. I went home, showered, did the morning routine with my kiddos - Nolan is at church camp this week - so our sweet babysitter spent the night with the kids while I was at the hospital. Then we got in the car (the kids and I - not the babysitter) and went to Amarillo for a day full of prenatal appointments. My sister-in-law and brother were the best, as they volunteered to keep my four little ones while I went and did midwifery apprenticing stuff.
Six prenatal appointments later - and I am on a birth high! I palpated (pushed around on pregnant tummies to feel the baby's position); I found and listened to heart beats; I tested urine (I even liked this part!); I measured the uterus; I charted (wrote down all the important stuff in the file); I listened and learned from my mentor as she listened to her clients and gave advice on a number of pregnancy related issues. I met six sweet women who are allowing me a place in their birth stories. Joy, Joy, Joy! And, I came home with six more big books to read.
After all that, I picked up my peeps, and we headed home. And, by some miracle (thank you Jesus) I wasn't even tired on the LONG drive home. What a day!
Goodnight! Sweet dreams!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June Update
I just got home from running a few errands, and I took a quick inventory of my van. One blown-up, yellow baby floatie in the passenger seat; a small, blue plastic dinosaur - triceratops, I think; a child's Dallas Cowboy's jersey; a Bob the Builder fleece toboggan; and one black batting glove. Those are just the things I could see from my seat - and they are all still in the van - even though I really should have brought them in and put them away. Come to think of it, tomorrow would be a great day to teach my kids how to clean out the van.
Summer will officially be here on Monday, but traditionally I consider the first warm days of May to suffice. This year, however, I'm late. I'm not sure why. May was colder than usual, so the weekend barbecues didn't happen. And, our schedule was interrupted by a few out-of-the-norm events. Maybe those things put me behind. All I know is that I really hope to get in the groove because I really enjoy summer, and I'm afraid I'm going to miss it before I really get into it.
Nolan performed his second wedding on the 5th of June. Two of our youth group kids grew up and got married. What a privilege to have had such an important role in their lives. And, thanks to technology, we get to continue our friendship with them even though miles now separate us. In the same wedding, Isaac made his debut as a ring bearer. He took his job very seriously. Dressed in tuxedo, shiny shoes and cuff links in our hotel room, he made note of how handsome he looked and practiced keeping his eyes on the bride as Nolan and I (pretending to be the bride) jumped around the hotel room to see if he could stay focused. After the wedding, he mentioned that the flower girls were being pretty nice to him and he was being pretty nice to them. After all, he "figured he'd marry one of them someday." At the dance following the wedding, Caleb and Isaac showcased a few dance moves that we've never seen before. What fun memories!
My mom and I took a quick trip to New Mexico to celebrate our birthdays (a few days early). I'm blessed to count my mom among my closest friends. I hope to share that same relationship with Willow when she's grown.
This morning I was about to put Willow down for a nap when Benjamin (age 2) said, "Mama, no nap for Willow, I loves her." Melt my heart! (But Willow took a nap just the same.)
Midwifery study continues. It's quite overwhelming, and I'm having still having trouble trying to balance study and family. Nolan is a jewel allowing me most evenings to bury my nose in a book - and then proceed to tell him what I've learned about vaginal breech birth or placentas or breastfeeding - you get the idea.
What a blessed life I lead!
Summer will officially be here on Monday, but traditionally I consider the first warm days of May to suffice. This year, however, I'm late. I'm not sure why. May was colder than usual, so the weekend barbecues didn't happen. And, our schedule was interrupted by a few out-of-the-norm events. Maybe those things put me behind. All I know is that I really hope to get in the groove because I really enjoy summer, and I'm afraid I'm going to miss it before I really get into it.
Nolan performed his second wedding on the 5th of June. Two of our youth group kids grew up and got married. What a privilege to have had such an important role in their lives. And, thanks to technology, we get to continue our friendship with them even though miles now separate us. In the same wedding, Isaac made his debut as a ring bearer. He took his job very seriously. Dressed in tuxedo, shiny shoes and cuff links in our hotel room, he made note of how handsome he looked and practiced keeping his eyes on the bride as Nolan and I (pretending to be the bride) jumped around the hotel room to see if he could stay focused. After the wedding, he mentioned that the flower girls were being pretty nice to him and he was being pretty nice to them. After all, he "figured he'd marry one of them someday." At the dance following the wedding, Caleb and Isaac showcased a few dance moves that we've never seen before. What fun memories!
My mom and I took a quick trip to New Mexico to celebrate our birthdays (a few days early). I'm blessed to count my mom among my closest friends. I hope to share that same relationship with Willow when she's grown.
This morning I was about to put Willow down for a nap when Benjamin (age 2) said, "Mama, no nap for Willow, I loves her." Melt my heart! (But Willow took a nap just the same.)
Midwifery study continues. It's quite overwhelming, and I'm having still having trouble trying to balance study and family. Nolan is a jewel allowing me most evenings to bury my nose in a book - and then proceed to tell him what I've learned about vaginal breech birth or placentas or breastfeeding - you get the idea.
What a blessed life I lead!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Different Kinds of Midwives
When I began to consider becoming a midwife, I really didn't know where to begin - so I did what anybody else would do - I googled it. "How to become a midwife." The next month of research showed me just how little I knew about midwifery - and I'm not talking about the pregnancy/delivery part - I'm simply referring to the term "midwifery." I'll try to sum up in very basic terms what I learned, just in case any of you are interested.
There are two basic types of midwives: direct entry midwives and nurse midwives.
Let me begin with direct entry midwives. They have many titles depending on their education, licensing agency, and sometimes personal choice. Some of these titles include Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Licensed Midwife (LM), Direct Entry Midwife (DEM). Occasionally midwives choose to go without licensing, and in some areas direct entry midwifery is actually illegal.
Direct entry midwifery has been going through some dynamic change during the past several years. Traditionally direct entry midwives learned their trade through apprenticeships and self-study. In the past several years, several organizations have begun the process of formalizing the training a midwife receives while still holding onto the valuable hands-on skills she gains from apprenticeships. Now, in order to hold one of the above titles, a midwife must study and apprentice and then pass an exam. Most licensing agencies, including the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, uses the NARM (National Association of Registered Midwives) -http://www.narm.org/ - exam which would be equivalent to passing an all encompassing exam in other professions like law or nursing. In order to be registered with NARM, a midwife must meet several criteria including passing the written exam and a hands-on skills exam and attending 20 births as an active attendant and 20 additional births as a primary under supervision.
A direct entry midwife primarily practices in homes and/or birth centers, but not hospitals. Although, if a client needs to transfer to a hospital a midwife should submit her charts to the attending physician and can possibly stay as the woman's labor assistant. A direct entry midwife does not generally carry malpractice insurance. The availability of such is limited and most direct entry midwives have opted not to carry the insurance because of the prohibitive cost - desiring to keep costs low for their clients. Most direct entry midwives act on the belief that by only assisting low-risk women and by developing a in-depth, personal relationship with a woman and her family, the risk of lawsuits are greatly diminished.
A nurse midwife's training differs considerably. A nurse midwife is first a nurse, having attended and graduated from nursing school and gone on to work as a nurse for a period of time. Following that, she may apply to nurse midwifery school to obtain her master's in midwifery. Upon graduation she is a nurse midwife.
Generally nurse midwives practice in hospitals or birth centers. The lack of malpractice insurance that covers nurse midwives practicing in home birth situations has limited their availability in that arena.
There are lots of opinions about which type of midwife is the best. Studies have shown the safety of both representatives, so my recommendation is to interview a few different midwives, pray about it, and go forward with the person that seems to suit you best. By the way, midwifery needs all the support it can get from the grassroots level to add your voice to the mix, go to the Citizens for Midwifery http://www.cfmidwifery.org/ site.
*Sorry for my links...I couldn't get them to work right, so I just typed the addresses into my post.
There are two basic types of midwives: direct entry midwives and nurse midwives.
Let me begin with direct entry midwives. They have many titles depending on their education, licensing agency, and sometimes personal choice. Some of these titles include Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Licensed Midwife (LM), Direct Entry Midwife (DEM). Occasionally midwives choose to go without licensing, and in some areas direct entry midwifery is actually illegal.
Direct entry midwifery has been going through some dynamic change during the past several years. Traditionally direct entry midwives learned their trade through apprenticeships and self-study. In the past several years, several organizations have begun the process of formalizing the training a midwife receives while still holding onto the valuable hands-on skills she gains from apprenticeships. Now, in order to hold one of the above titles, a midwife must study and apprentice and then pass an exam. Most licensing agencies, including the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, uses the NARM (National Association of Registered Midwives) -http://www.narm.org/ - exam which would be equivalent to passing an all encompassing exam in other professions like law or nursing. In order to be registered with NARM, a midwife must meet several criteria including passing the written exam and a hands-on skills exam and attending 20 births as an active attendant and 20 additional births as a primary under supervision.
A direct entry midwife primarily practices in homes and/or birth centers, but not hospitals. Although, if a client needs to transfer to a hospital a midwife should submit her charts to the attending physician and can possibly stay as the woman's labor assistant. A direct entry midwife does not generally carry malpractice insurance. The availability of such is limited and most direct entry midwives have opted not to carry the insurance because of the prohibitive cost - desiring to keep costs low for their clients. Most direct entry midwives act on the belief that by only assisting low-risk women and by developing a in-depth, personal relationship with a woman and her family, the risk of lawsuits are greatly diminished.
A nurse midwife's training differs considerably. A nurse midwife is first a nurse, having attended and graduated from nursing school and gone on to work as a nurse for a period of time. Following that, she may apply to nurse midwifery school to obtain her master's in midwifery. Upon graduation she is a nurse midwife.
Generally nurse midwives practice in hospitals or birth centers. The lack of malpractice insurance that covers nurse midwives practicing in home birth situations has limited their availability in that arena.
There are lots of opinions about which type of midwife is the best. Studies have shown the safety of both representatives, so my recommendation is to interview a few different midwives, pray about it, and go forward with the person that seems to suit you best. By the way, midwifery needs all the support it can get from the grassroots level to add your voice to the mix, go to the Citizens for Midwifery http://www.cfmidwifery.org/ site.
*Sorry for my links...I couldn't get them to work right, so I just typed the addresses into my post.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
What are you doing that requires faith?
I'm reading a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, a mega-church pastor with a few different ideas about how we should be doing church and living out our lives devoted to Jesus. I've started reading this book multiple times the past couple of years, but never got past chapter 3. This time things are different. I'm moderating the book/video series for our Homebuilders Sunday School class. Sometimes I need a little extra motivation to get things done - this assignment has proved most helpful, and I just finished chapter 7 (of 10).
In chapter 7, Francis gets into some verses that we tend to "overlook", like "sell all your possessions and give to the poor" (Luke 12:33). He also talks about Christ telling us "to count the cost of following Him and surrendering everything". That place of trust is nearly unheard of in our comfortable, American Christianity.
He goes on to ask the question, "What are you doing that requires faith?" If it is easier, he says, break that question into two parts - What are you doing? and then, of those things, What requires faith?
Of course I have to examine my own life as I explore these truths. What am I doing that requires faith? There have been several things that have taken faith for me the past few years. First, was having my last two babies at home. Second, was beginning to homeschool our oldest two children. And, most recently, was the decision to pursue training in midwifery. All three of these things were outside my comfort zone, but we felt God's leading us in all of these areas.
In hindsight, homebirth and homeschool were obviously the right choices; we were being obedient. But, in the midst of those decisions, we had to take a giant step of faith saying, "God, we sure hope we're hearing you right on this one!"
I'm still in the "giant step of faith" stage on the midwifery training. It is something I definitely have an interest and desire to do, but there are so many other things to consider.
God didn't give me the entire plan, step by step, He simply answered a prayer I voiced, by saying, "Why don't you figure out what it would take to become a midwife." He didn't say start this training, go to this school, apprentice with these midwives, practice in this location.
So, I'm learning to take it one step at a time. And, that is what I'm doing that requires faith right now. It's definitely not in the league with, "selling all my possessions and giving to the poor", but I believe it's what is required of me right now. And, these steps of obedience should prepare me for the steps yet to come.
In chapter 7, Francis gets into some verses that we tend to "overlook", like "sell all your possessions and give to the poor" (Luke 12:33). He also talks about Christ telling us "to count the cost of following Him and surrendering everything". That place of trust is nearly unheard of in our comfortable, American Christianity.
He goes on to ask the question, "What are you doing that requires faith?" If it is easier, he says, break that question into two parts - What are you doing? and then, of those things, What requires faith?
Of course I have to examine my own life as I explore these truths. What am I doing that requires faith? There have been several things that have taken faith for me the past few years. First, was having my last two babies at home. Second, was beginning to homeschool our oldest two children. And, most recently, was the decision to pursue training in midwifery. All three of these things were outside my comfort zone, but we felt God's leading us in all of these areas.
In hindsight, homebirth and homeschool were obviously the right choices; we were being obedient. But, in the midst of those decisions, we had to take a giant step of faith saying, "God, we sure hope we're hearing you right on this one!"
I'm still in the "giant step of faith" stage on the midwifery training. It is something I definitely have an interest and desire to do, but there are so many other things to consider.
- Is pursuing a direct-entry midwifery licence right vs. a nurse-midwife training.
- How am I going to apprentice when the closest midwives are two hours away / how will this affect my family?
- This is taking a major time commitment. Is it worth the sacrifices of family, friends, free-time?
- What if I get trained, become a midwife, start practicing and a momma or baby dies?
- What if I get trained, become a midwife, start practicing and the gov't changes the laws regarding midwives?
- What if people talk about how wacky I am behind my back?
- What if people think/say I'm endangering moms and babies?
God didn't give me the entire plan, step by step, He simply answered a prayer I voiced, by saying, "Why don't you figure out what it would take to become a midwife." He didn't say start this training, go to this school, apprentice with these midwives, practice in this location.
So, I'm learning to take it one step at a time. And, that is what I'm doing that requires faith right now. It's definitely not in the league with, "selling all my possessions and giving to the poor", but I believe it's what is required of me right now. And, these steps of obedience should prepare me for the steps yet to come.
Friday, May 14, 2010
First Birth
Because doulas are pretty much unheard of in Perryton, I scheduled an informational meeting with our hospital administration and director of nurses this past Monday. The meeting went well. I would say they were receptive, but skeptical. I also had my first prenatal meeting with the mom and dad last Thursday, so they had a better idea of what we were getting into. We planned a second meeting to go over comfort measures, etc...but that turned into a "working meeting" when mom went into labor on Wednesday - a full three weeks before her due date.
I got a call at 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday morning from the dad saying they were on the way to the hospital. So I jumped in my clothes and grabbed my doula books / bag and headed to the hospital. Of course, my bag wasn't packed, and I wasn't as prepared as I would have liked, because I thought we probably had at least another week. But, we went with it!
Moms labor was long and each time we entered a new phase, I would reference my materials, and we would work through her contractions. We all knew ahead of time that this would be a "training" birth, to kind of help me get my bearings. I really was pleased with how we were able to work together. And, a healthy baby boy was born after 14 hours of labor.
I learned a lot from this birth, but more importantly, I was honored to be a part of such an important part of a family's life. JOY!
I got a call at 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday morning from the dad saying they were on the way to the hospital. So I jumped in my clothes and grabbed my doula books / bag and headed to the hospital. Of course, my bag wasn't packed, and I wasn't as prepared as I would have liked, because I thought we probably had at least another week. But, we went with it!
Moms labor was long and each time we entered a new phase, I would reference my materials, and we would work through her contractions. We all knew ahead of time that this would be a "training" birth, to kind of help me get my bearings. I really was pleased with how we were able to work together. And, a healthy baby boy was born after 14 hours of labor.
I learned a lot from this birth, but more importantly, I was honored to be a part of such an important part of a family's life. JOY!
Monday, May 3, 2010
A few thoughts
Just a few thoughts I had today that I thought I'd share - for no particular reason.
(1) I caved in and bought ten of the canvas grocery bags today. I know I should feel good about this, after all I am doing something good for the earth. But, somehow, I feel like I gave into "peer" pressure - even though I'm not sure any of my "peers" use them. I always felt guilty about answering plastic when the grocery guy said, "paper or plastic." I just knew that secretly he was thinking, gosh this lady doesn't even care enough to use paper or better get the canvas bags. I'm sure, in reality, the grocery guy wasn't thinking about my bagging choice, but the cute girl ringing up my groceries, or when his break was coming, or what he was going to do tonight. But now I have ten canvas bags - I hope I remember to bring them to the grocery store.
(2) On the way to church Sunday morning, my two oldest boys were in the back of the minivan and had this conversation:
"Isaac look, there is a guy playing golf. I bet he doesn't know Jesus" (implying he'd be going to church instead of playing golf, if he knew Jesus.)
"Whoa, let's go tell him about Jesus!" (says Isaac)
"We can't to that; we can't talk to strangers." (says Caleb)
(3) Loosing faith? Our family, church and community have been dealing with an awful situation regarding a young man who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery to remove it. Following the surgery, the young man talked and joked with his family, but then his brain began to swell, and he was put in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Things did not improve and all the tests showed significant brain damage. We've been through a range of emotions. Lots of questions have been tossed around regarding our faith, or lack thereof; God's role vs. Satan's role; a roller coaster of emotion. Through it all, my children have been guarded, but still a part of the prayer. Last week, I told them that it would take a miracle for this boy to live. My oldest son said, "Mom, sometimes even at funerals people get up from the dead." Then he paused and added, "But, I guess that only happened in the Bible, right??" I love the innocence and faith that children exhibit. My oldest seems to be on somewhere in between childlike faith and whatever comes after that...I guess a little doubt. It's sad to me, I've counted on their innocent faith in moments like these - it somehow made me feel like things that I couldn't muster the faith for could somehow still happen because of their faith. (BTW, I'm sure none of that is theologically correct, just me trying to process life.)
(4) Last week, my husband and I had the joy of a leisurely supper with some old college friends. All of our kids were with sitters, and we visited long after our meals were finished and the waiters were stacking chairs on the tables. Then we moved to the parking lot and continued our visit for another 30 minutes. Our friendship began in college before any of us were married, continued through early marriage, and has now rounded the corner of kids and 10 year anniversaries. This time, our conversation centered around raising our children and our various jobs. Even though we live far apart and only get together periodically, the conversation still flowed; we enjoyed lots of laughs; shared struggles; and genuinely enjoyed each others company. We both made sacrifices to make this supper happen, and grandparents stepped up admirably to help in that regard. I sincerely believe that friendships are one of God's greatest gifts!
(5) Midwifery update: I received my classwork for the "Introduction to Midwifery" course around mid-April. I have 20 assignments due before October 10. One assignment includes reading eight different books and submitting notes. In fact, most assignments require submitting detailed notes and creating "files" about different subjects to use for reference should I continue to become a midwife. I can't imagine a better way to learn. I'm really enjoying what I'm learning. I'll try to write in more detail about this soon.
(6) Doula. I have my first doula birth scheduled for the beginning of June. I'll meet with mom and dad in the next week or two to outline what they would like to happen during labor and delivery. I'm excited, but nervous. I'm also meeting with the administration for our local (rural) hospital to educate them on what a doula is/does. When I asked for the meeting, no one knew what a doula was, so I'll anticipating an interesting conversation. I am hoping they are receptive!
(1) I caved in and bought ten of the canvas grocery bags today. I know I should feel good about this, after all I am doing something good for the earth. But, somehow, I feel like I gave into "peer" pressure - even though I'm not sure any of my "peers" use them. I always felt guilty about answering plastic when the grocery guy said, "paper or plastic." I just knew that secretly he was thinking, gosh this lady doesn't even care enough to use paper or better get the canvas bags. I'm sure, in reality, the grocery guy wasn't thinking about my bagging choice, but the cute girl ringing up my groceries, or when his break was coming, or what he was going to do tonight. But now I have ten canvas bags - I hope I remember to bring them to the grocery store.
(2) On the way to church Sunday morning, my two oldest boys were in the back of the minivan and had this conversation:
"Isaac look, there is a guy playing golf. I bet he doesn't know Jesus" (implying he'd be going to church instead of playing golf, if he knew Jesus.)
"Whoa, let's go tell him about Jesus!" (says Isaac)
"We can't to that; we can't talk to strangers." (says Caleb)
(3) Loosing faith? Our family, church and community have been dealing with an awful situation regarding a young man who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery to remove it. Following the surgery, the young man talked and joked with his family, but then his brain began to swell, and he was put in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Things did not improve and all the tests showed significant brain damage. We've been through a range of emotions. Lots of questions have been tossed around regarding our faith, or lack thereof; God's role vs. Satan's role; a roller coaster of emotion. Through it all, my children have been guarded, but still a part of the prayer. Last week, I told them that it would take a miracle for this boy to live. My oldest son said, "Mom, sometimes even at funerals people get up from the dead." Then he paused and added, "But, I guess that only happened in the Bible, right??" I love the innocence and faith that children exhibit. My oldest seems to be on somewhere in between childlike faith and whatever comes after that...I guess a little doubt. It's sad to me, I've counted on their innocent faith in moments like these - it somehow made me feel like things that I couldn't muster the faith for could somehow still happen because of their faith. (BTW, I'm sure none of that is theologically correct, just me trying to process life.)
(4) Last week, my husband and I had the joy of a leisurely supper with some old college friends. All of our kids were with sitters, and we visited long after our meals were finished and the waiters were stacking chairs on the tables. Then we moved to the parking lot and continued our visit for another 30 minutes. Our friendship began in college before any of us were married, continued through early marriage, and has now rounded the corner of kids and 10 year anniversaries. This time, our conversation centered around raising our children and our various jobs. Even though we live far apart and only get together periodically, the conversation still flowed; we enjoyed lots of laughs; shared struggles; and genuinely enjoyed each others company. We both made sacrifices to make this supper happen, and grandparents stepped up admirably to help in that regard. I sincerely believe that friendships are one of God's greatest gifts!
(5) Midwifery update: I received my classwork for the "Introduction to Midwifery" course around mid-April. I have 20 assignments due before October 10. One assignment includes reading eight different books and submitting notes. In fact, most assignments require submitting detailed notes and creating "files" about different subjects to use for reference should I continue to become a midwife. I can't imagine a better way to learn. I'm really enjoying what I'm learning. I'll try to write in more detail about this soon.
(6) Doula. I have my first doula birth scheduled for the beginning of June. I'll meet with mom and dad in the next week or two to outline what they would like to happen during labor and delivery. I'm excited, but nervous. I'm also meeting with the administration for our local (rural) hospital to educate them on what a doula is/does. When I asked for the meeting, no one knew what a doula was, so I'll anticipating an interesting conversation. I am hoping they are receptive!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
House of Dreams
Have you ever had a reoccurring dream? I did when I was little - probably about six years old - I had two and they were both scary. When I got older I recognized it was probably my subconscious trying to process the new world of school and relationships.
Within the last year, I have had another reoccurring dream. As of this morning, I've had it three times. It isn't exactly the same every time, but similar enough for me to call it reoccurring. The first two times, I was in my house - not the house I actually live in, but the house I lived in in my dream. And, all of the sudden I discover a whole new section of the house that I didn't even know existed. I felt upset that I had all this space going to waste and I didn't even know it.
Well, if you know me at all, you know that I've been longing for, dreaming of, coveting a bigger house for several years. So, naturally, I figured this dream had something to do with my subconscious somehow processing that unfulfilled desire.
Then, this morning, I had the dream again. This time, instead of a whole new section of the house that I'd never seen before, there were lots of smaller rooms located here and there throughout my house, and it was obvious that I had at some point known about them because they were partially decorated with my things. But, somehow, I'd forgotten about them. Again, I was upset about all this space going to waste. I wondered how I could have forgotten, when the one thing I'm always looking for is more space.
So, today, I processed those dreams a little more. Could they be spiritual? Is the house really my life? Is all that space that I either (a) didn't know existed or (b) forgot about - really spiritual gifts or purpose that I am failing to use or fulfill?
I don't know. But I did ask God to show me how to use my giftings to better glorify Him. And, to take me down that road.
Either way, I figure I'm better now than I was before those dreams.
Within the last year, I have had another reoccurring dream. As of this morning, I've had it three times. It isn't exactly the same every time, but similar enough for me to call it reoccurring. The first two times, I was in my house - not the house I actually live in, but the house I lived in in my dream. And, all of the sudden I discover a whole new section of the house that I didn't even know existed. I felt upset that I had all this space going to waste and I didn't even know it.
Well, if you know me at all, you know that I've been longing for, dreaming of, coveting a bigger house for several years. So, naturally, I figured this dream had something to do with my subconscious somehow processing that unfulfilled desire.
Then, this morning, I had the dream again. This time, instead of a whole new section of the house that I'd never seen before, there were lots of smaller rooms located here and there throughout my house, and it was obvious that I had at some point known about them because they were partially decorated with my things. But, somehow, I'd forgotten about them. Again, I was upset about all this space going to waste. I wondered how I could have forgotten, when the one thing I'm always looking for is more space.
So, today, I processed those dreams a little more. Could they be spiritual? Is the house really my life? Is all that space that I either (a) didn't know existed or (b) forgot about - really spiritual gifts or purpose that I am failing to use or fulfill?
I don't know. But I did ask God to show me how to use my giftings to better glorify Him. And, to take me down that road.
Either way, I figure I'm better now than I was before those dreams.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bits and Pieces
Willow slept in a regular bed last night - two days before her first birthday. It was way to soon for this momma to let her last baby move out of the crib. But, after four kids, that crib was on its last leg. So, for her safety, the crib came down and the bed went up. She did great. This afternoon, however, has been another story. She and Benjamin (who share a room) are still in there jabbering and laughing - they should have been asleep about 45 minutes ago. I'm hoping they tire out in a little bit!
Homeschool. Just a quick update. LOVIN' IT! It's so rewarding. And, the relationships that I'm enjoying with my children, and the relationships between my children are hands-down my favorite part. What a blessing!
Doula training. Awesome. I learned SO much - wish I would have known it BEFORE I went through labor four times. But, hopefully, I will be able to help other women as they are going through labor! Let me know if you would like a Doula for your birth!
Homeschool. Just a quick update. LOVIN' IT! It's so rewarding. And, the relationships that I'm enjoying with my children, and the relationships between my children are hands-down my favorite part. What a blessing!
Doula training. Awesome. I learned SO much - wish I would have known it BEFORE I went through labor four times. But, hopefully, I will be able to help other women as they are going through labor! Let me know if you would like a Doula for your birth!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Rhythm or Not
I have NO rhythm. In fact, I even had to ask my husband how to spell that word, rhythm (no vowels, interesting). I was just thinking about something that happened to me years ago in Africa, generally a place that it's good to have rhythm.
(It's weird how things that happened to you years ago pop into your brain without warning.)
I told this story recently at a Bible study for Pastor's wives. There is this erroneous belief that to be a pastor's wife, you must play the piano and/or sing (preferably both). Unfortunately I can do neither. (That's so NOT fair by the way!). Fortunately, I realize I can do neither, and my "Africa story" probably helped me with the understanding that music just isn't my gifting.
In 1998 I went on a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa with a team from my college ministry. We spent two weeks doing various outreaches and helping a missionary couple in Tanzania. While we were there, we did several Vacation Bible Schools. One such VBS was in the Bush. The African Bush is amazing! There is nothing for miles. It really looks like a scene out of The Lion King. Long stretches of African plains with random vegetation, a few scattered up-side-down trees (I don't know what they are really called, but they kind of look like they are upside down), an occasional mesa, and a few mud huts situated in small clumps.
This particular day, we traveled several miles to the bush to do a VBS for a small community that had indicated an interest in the Gospel. In the African bush, VBS is for the entire family, not just the kids. So we hauled our generator and primitive sound system, which consisted of a microphone and a keyboard, to the middle of nowhere. And we set it up. Not a house in site. Not a person in site. There was a "cornfield". Or maybe I should say there was some corn growing. Not anything like a field you would imagine with nice neat cultivated rows and sprinkler systems.
Anyway, we set up our sound system and we began playing some music on the keyboard (not me, for the aforementioned reasons). And they came. Out of the cornfield. I'm telling you, it was like a scene out of "Field of Dreams." My assignment was to lead a lesson complete with a flannel board and Bible characters and a translator. But that came after the singing. For now, I was all caught up in the moment. Watching the people come out of the cornfield, and join our VBS, and participate in worship. Soon, some dear soul brought me a drum.
ohhhhh. If they would have only known. If I would have only been in having a clear-thinking moment. But I wasn't. And, I played that drum with all my heart. And, let me add, it wasn't just any drum. It was a hand-made, goat-skin stretch tight over the top, big drum. Probably someone's prize possession. And they gave it to me. Like I said, I have NO RHYTHM. And, now Africa knows it. And, they promptly took my drum away. Really. They walked over to my and took the drum. The end. (I did do my lesson, and had more success.)
So, I hold no "pastor's wives" illusions about needing to sing or play an instrument - have I mentioned that I can't even remember the words to church songs that I've sung for years. If the projector screen were to go out, I'd still sing my heart out (in my seat, you don't have to be good to worship God in your seat) but I guarantee you the words wouldn't be the ones the author put together!
By the way, is it weird that I married a drummer? I mean, the boy beats on the steering wheel in the car. He beats on his leg, he taps his foot - he has a beat in his head ALL the time. And, he loves me. Strange how that works.
(It's weird how things that happened to you years ago pop into your brain without warning.)
I told this story recently at a Bible study for Pastor's wives. There is this erroneous belief that to be a pastor's wife, you must play the piano and/or sing (preferably both). Unfortunately I can do neither. (That's so NOT fair by the way!). Fortunately, I realize I can do neither, and my "Africa story" probably helped me with the understanding that music just isn't my gifting.
In 1998 I went on a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa with a team from my college ministry. We spent two weeks doing various outreaches and helping a missionary couple in Tanzania. While we were there, we did several Vacation Bible Schools. One such VBS was in the Bush. The African Bush is amazing! There is nothing for miles. It really looks like a scene out of The Lion King. Long stretches of African plains with random vegetation, a few scattered up-side-down trees (I don't know what they are really called, but they kind of look like they are upside down), an occasional mesa, and a few mud huts situated in small clumps.
This particular day, we traveled several miles to the bush to do a VBS for a small community that had indicated an interest in the Gospel. In the African bush, VBS is for the entire family, not just the kids. So we hauled our generator and primitive sound system, which consisted of a microphone and a keyboard, to the middle of nowhere. And we set it up. Not a house in site. Not a person in site. There was a "cornfield". Or maybe I should say there was some corn growing. Not anything like a field you would imagine with nice neat cultivated rows and sprinkler systems.
Anyway, we set up our sound system and we began playing some music on the keyboard (not me, for the aforementioned reasons). And they came. Out of the cornfield. I'm telling you, it was like a scene out of "Field of Dreams." My assignment was to lead a lesson complete with a flannel board and Bible characters and a translator. But that came after the singing. For now, I was all caught up in the moment. Watching the people come out of the cornfield, and join our VBS, and participate in worship. Soon, some dear soul brought me a drum.
ohhhhh. If they would have only known. If I would have only been in having a clear-thinking moment. But I wasn't. And, I played that drum with all my heart. And, let me add, it wasn't just any drum. It was a hand-made, goat-skin stretch tight over the top, big drum. Probably someone's prize possession. And they gave it to me. Like I said, I have NO RHYTHM. And, now Africa knows it. And, they promptly took my drum away. Really. They walked over to my and took the drum. The end. (I did do my lesson, and had more success.)
So, I hold no "pastor's wives" illusions about needing to sing or play an instrument - have I mentioned that I can't even remember the words to church songs that I've sung for years. If the projector screen were to go out, I'd still sing my heart out (in my seat, you don't have to be good to worship God in your seat) but I guarantee you the words wouldn't be the ones the author put together!
By the way, is it weird that I married a drummer? I mean, the boy beats on the steering wheel in the car. He beats on his leg, he taps his foot - he has a beat in his head ALL the time. And, he loves me. Strange how that works.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Doula
I'm taking a class this weekend in Oklahoma City - a Doula training course.
What the heck is a doula?
I signed up for the course primarily to supplement my midwifery training. In order to prepare for the class I've read two books, "The Birth Partner" and "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn". I wish I would have read them before I had my four kids! I would definitely recommend them if you are expecting.
Deciding to pursue midwifery training has launched a range of emotions in me. One of those emotions is the possibility of letting down my husband and/or kids. Fortunately, Nolan and I have a strong marriage. He is supportive of my dreams, but we've also agreed to take this one step at a time and be on the lookout for things that would not be good for our family. So, I guess I'm viewing this weekend as the first kind of "test" of that commitment.
In case you are wondering, I've submitted my application for the Introduction to Midwifery class at the Ancient Art of Midwifery Institute. I should hear something in the next few weeks. Check out the link for more info on this class and the school.
What the heck is a doula?
A doula is a person who supports a woman in labor. The doula is trained in comfort measures, stages of labor, positions for labor, the 3 Rs - rhythm, relaxation and ritual - which are helpful in labor. She also helps a couple, or single woman, prepare a birth plan, she provides extra support for the woman's partner, she helps you communicate with the caregivers (like doctors, nurses, midwives, etc) if necessary. A doula can also be certified as a postpartum doula. She then helps the woman/couple transition at home. She helps with breastfeeding, sleeping, newborn questions and can even do light housework and cooking. (For more info. see the "doula" link above.)
I signed up for the course primarily to supplement my midwifery training. In order to prepare for the class I've read two books, "The Birth Partner" and "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn". I wish I would have read them before I had my four kids! I would definitely recommend them if you are expecting.
Deciding to pursue midwifery training has launched a range of emotions in me. One of those emotions is the possibility of letting down my husband and/or kids. Fortunately, Nolan and I have a strong marriage. He is supportive of my dreams, but we've also agreed to take this one step at a time and be on the lookout for things that would not be good for our family. So, I guess I'm viewing this weekend as the first kind of "test" of that commitment.
In case you are wondering, I've submitted my application for the Introduction to Midwifery class at the Ancient Art of Midwifery Institute. I should hear something in the next few weeks. Check out the link for more info on this class and the school.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Have I mentioned that I really enjoy Facebook? I do. My favorite part - connecting with friends and family that I wouldn't otherwise connect with. Just thought I'd let you know.
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I've been doing some soul-searching lately. I have a...dream? I'm not sure it's really a dream.
Maybe - a desire, a "want-to".
A, "I think I'd be good at and really enjoy."
A, "I could live my life and not do this, and be just fine, but I think my life (and maybe some other people's lives) will be better if".
I've prayed and sought counsel. I've researched and made contacts. My emotions have been up and down and back again. And, finally I've found peace, which is what I like to think is God's way of guiding me.
I want to pursue becoming a midwife. And, I am. I'm not quite to the jump-in-with-both-feet point, but I've signed up for an Introduction to Midwifery (funny word) course.
This is a stretch for me. I'd really like to be able to see the BIG picture about now. I consider myself a "follow-the-rules" kind of gal. I like to go with the flow, not stand out - at least not for being different. But, the past few years, God has really stretched me out of my box. It began with home birth and was followed by home school. Two decisions that aren't in my "color-inside-the-lines" comfort zone. Now this desire to become a midwife too??
A few years ago, I wouldn't have even thought of those unconventional options. But, let's just say they wondered into my brain: I would have hoped that IF God wanted me (and He surely wouldn't) to do those things, I would somehow find a way to obey. But as we've encountered each decision, God's peace has been so sure that it was the only NATURAL option. Isn't that amazing. AMAZING!
So, will I become a midwife? I don't know. Right now, I have peace about this introductory course. We'll see what comes next.
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I haven't talked about Isaac (son #2) lately. Nolan and I often say, "I love that kid." He's so passionate. He's our cuddler. He'll hug you and not let go. He'll stop what he's doing just to come give you a kiss. Love is not the only emotion he shows, however. It has been, and I'm sure will continue to be, his challenge to operate in self-control. As he is struggling with this, I have found myself, often unsuccessfully, trying to be a role model. Did you know grown-ups are used to getting their way? How did you react the last time things didn't go your way?
.........................................................................................................................................................................
I've been doing some soul-searching lately. I have a...dream? I'm not sure it's really a dream.
Maybe - a desire, a "want-to".
A, "I think I'd be good at and really enjoy."
A, "I could live my life and not do this, and be just fine, but I think my life (and maybe some other people's lives) will be better if".
I've prayed and sought counsel. I've researched and made contacts. My emotions have been up and down and back again. And, finally I've found peace, which is what I like to think is God's way of guiding me.
I want to pursue becoming a midwife. And, I am. I'm not quite to the jump-in-with-both-feet point, but I've signed up for an Introduction to Midwifery (funny word) course.
This is a stretch for me. I'd really like to be able to see the BIG picture about now. I consider myself a "follow-the-rules" kind of gal. I like to go with the flow, not stand out - at least not for being different. But, the past few years, God has really stretched me out of my box. It began with home birth and was followed by home school. Two decisions that aren't in my "color-inside-the-lines" comfort zone. Now this desire to become a midwife too??
A few years ago, I wouldn't have even thought of those unconventional options. But, let's just say they wondered into my brain: I would have hoped that IF God wanted me (and He surely wouldn't) to do those things, I would somehow find a way to obey. But as we've encountered each decision, God's peace has been so sure that it was the only NATURAL option. Isn't that amazing. AMAZING!
So, will I become a midwife? I don't know. Right now, I have peace about this introductory course. We'll see what comes next.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
I haven't talked about Isaac (son #2) lately. Nolan and I often say, "I love that kid." He's so passionate. He's our cuddler. He'll hug you and not let go. He'll stop what he's doing just to come give you a kiss. Love is not the only emotion he shows, however. It has been, and I'm sure will continue to be, his challenge to operate in self-control. As he is struggling with this, I have found myself, often unsuccessfully, trying to be a role model. Did you know grown-ups are used to getting their way? How did you react the last time things didn't go your way?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Just ignore the fact that I haven't written on this blog in who knows how long.
So, I seriously need a new look for this page. It looks like I spilled a bottle of Pepto Bismol, and while Pepto serves a purpose, I don't like reminders except when absolutely necessary. I'm sure I picked out this layout when I was pregnant with Willow. Looking back, I should have known she was a girl way before the sonogram confirmed it. For the first time in my life, jewelry took on a life of its own. I HAD to have earrings, a necklace and bracelets or at least two of the three. I'm pretty sure I even dreamed in Pink. After she was born, I went back to my old self - wishing I wanted to put on the jewelry that I had accumulated while pregnant. Instead, I grab the same pair of earrings I wear every time I think to myself, "oh, I really should dress up a little." Forget the necklaces and bracelets.
Everyone asks if I think she'll be a girly-girl or a tomboy. Who knows? Right now she chooses balls and cars over dolls, but with three big brothers does she really have a choice? In the long run, I imagine she'll be a little of both.
Anyway, on to other things. We have these rabbits that live in our backyard. I really don't know how many of them there are, but they provide lots of entertainment for our family. Benjamin (son #3) loves the bunnies. If he doesn't want to eat his supper, we just remind him that the bunnies love (fill in the blank), and he happily munches his food just like a rabbit would. The other day, the boys mentioned again how they would like to have a pet. We talked about what kind of pet would be best. We decided we did NOT want a pet that could eat us, so lions were out. We did NOT want a pet that pooped a lot or that would smash our house if it sat down, so dinosaurs were out. We also agreed that cats were definitely out because they might eat our rabbits. In the end, we decided our rabbits were the best pets. They live in our back yard by their own choice. We don't feed them. We don't have to take care of them. But, they offer us lots of entertainment. So for now, the rabbits will remain our only pets...and as a parent, who would surely handle the responsibility for a pet, I am very glad for our "pet" rabbits.
Speaking of rabbits, I have a little David as my first-born. Last summer he was running along the drainage ditch near our house and he saw a rabbit (surely not one that lives in our backyard) and he picked up a dirt clod and took aim. From about 30 yards, that kid nailed the rabbit in the head and killed the varmint. Couldn't do it again if he tried, and believe me he's tried. He was so sad. He came running in the house and said, momma, I think I hurt a rabbit. I didn't mean to. I think he's asleep in the ditch. I checked out the rabbit. Fortunately, daddy's a preacher, and we had our own rabbit funeral that afternoon. Reminded me of the many funerals my brother and our friends performed over the years for mice and birds. We always sang, "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Maybe that's what was missing in that little rabbit funeral last summer.
So, I seriously need a new look for this page. It looks like I spilled a bottle of Pepto Bismol, and while Pepto serves a purpose, I don't like reminders except when absolutely necessary. I'm sure I picked out this layout when I was pregnant with Willow. Looking back, I should have known she was a girl way before the sonogram confirmed it. For the first time in my life, jewelry took on a life of its own. I HAD to have earrings, a necklace and bracelets or at least two of the three. I'm pretty sure I even dreamed in Pink. After she was born, I went back to my old self - wishing I wanted to put on the jewelry that I had accumulated while pregnant. Instead, I grab the same pair of earrings I wear every time I think to myself, "oh, I really should dress up a little." Forget the necklaces and bracelets.
Everyone asks if I think she'll be a girly-girl or a tomboy. Who knows? Right now she chooses balls and cars over dolls, but with three big brothers does she really have a choice? In the long run, I imagine she'll be a little of both.
Anyway, on to other things. We have these rabbits that live in our backyard. I really don't know how many of them there are, but they provide lots of entertainment for our family. Benjamin (son #3) loves the bunnies. If he doesn't want to eat his supper, we just remind him that the bunnies love (fill in the blank), and he happily munches his food just like a rabbit would. The other day, the boys mentioned again how they would like to have a pet. We talked about what kind of pet would be best. We decided we did NOT want a pet that could eat us, so lions were out. We did NOT want a pet that pooped a lot or that would smash our house if it sat down, so dinosaurs were out. We also agreed that cats were definitely out because they might eat our rabbits. In the end, we decided our rabbits were the best pets. They live in our back yard by their own choice. We don't feed them. We don't have to take care of them. But, they offer us lots of entertainment. So for now, the rabbits will remain our only pets...and as a parent, who would surely handle the responsibility for a pet, I am very glad for our "pet" rabbits.
Speaking of rabbits, I have a little David as my first-born. Last summer he was running along the drainage ditch near our house and he saw a rabbit (surely not one that lives in our backyard) and he picked up a dirt clod and took aim. From about 30 yards, that kid nailed the rabbit in the head and killed the varmint. Couldn't do it again if he tried, and believe me he's tried. He was so sad. He came running in the house and said, momma, I think I hurt a rabbit. I didn't mean to. I think he's asleep in the ditch. I checked out the rabbit. Fortunately, daddy's a preacher, and we had our own rabbit funeral that afternoon. Reminded me of the many funerals my brother and our friends performed over the years for mice and birds. We always sang, "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Maybe that's what was missing in that little rabbit funeral last summer.
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