Maya Ruth

Maya Ruth has brought a unique glimpse of happiness into our home. In the midst of some heart-wrenching trials, she has made her entrance ever so gently to give us a sense of happiness and peace that can only be had by heavenly blessings. I started seeing Dr. Bieber when I was 28 weeks along with Maya. I was told at that time that I would have a good shot at an induction considering Lydia--born January 2009--was delivered at home. At 40 weeks along, I was still only 1 cm dilated, but Dr. Bieber, unlike any doctor I have ever had, said he would do whatever I wanted him to do, and in his words--on June 2nd, he said, "Do you want to have a baby tomorrow?" with a grin from ear to ear....

So....we had a baby on June 3, 2010! I made it to the hospital at around 6:10 am and the pitocin drip was started at about 6:40 am. It took a good 2 hours to dilate to 1.5cm with 80% effacement, but the contractions were easy to get through--no concerns yet!

See....not so bad!

It was an entirely different experience being induced. I loved my natural at home delivery--no cords, fluids flushing into your body and causing you to need the bathroom every 30 minutes, constant monitoring, etc... BUT...the induction was not all that bad--especially after Dr. Bieber broke my water and let me walk around and do what I needed to labor like a true Mama! My favorite place was the rocking chair!

My boy--my companion, my truest friend and comfort was there beside me to lift me and encourage me. I prefer to labor naturally, and it always feels like an impossible task towards the end of labor. I turn to my husband in tears and in agony, and his silent gentle touch allows me to pass through each contraction--one step closer to our baby. He never doubts me--never tells me to give in--because he knows who I am and what I want. He knows me better than I know myself in those moments of exquisite pain. I cried to my Father this time and asked Him to bear part of my pain. He did....just enough to pull me through to the end where it was just me and my baby--making our way to a new life.

Two long pushes...and beautiful Maya Ruth was here. I started pushing at the beginning of a contraction--not notifying the nurse I was pushing. When she noticed I was, she started counting, "1...2...3..." but little did she realize I was already at "5...6...7..."! Once I got to 10 and she was at 5, I wanted to stop and breath but she continued to tell me "PUSH!!!" I shook my head back and forth--as though to say no--but I continued, as is my nature. Inside, I will cry and throw a tantrum, but outward appearances matter--and I will fight like there is no tomorrow! I pushed to 15 on my scale...10 on the nurses, and Maya came!!! She was born at 12:43pm.

More beautiful than ever!

There's my doctor--he seems to know that a mother of 5 knows her body better than a male OBGYN!!! Thank you for inducing me!!!

Official weight...7 pounds 5.8 ounces! My tiniest baby yet!

Official length--20 inches--my shortest baby yet!

And officially, Maya Ruth has hair--my first baby with a head full of beautiful hair! I LOVE IT!!!

He adores his babies...

And he looks so darn handsome with them as well!

The children met their little sister later that afternoon. Lydia was a little cranky, but much to my surprise she didn't push Maya away. Instead, she came and cuddled with me and Maya--she kissed her, hugged her, and enjoyed her new place as the big sister! Aiden loved her as is his nature!

And Connor--being the eldest--smiled in his glory! He loved my belly with Maya's pregnancy and continues to rub and pat it as I am here at home with a postpartum pouch. He makes me feel very motherly, and happy to experience these changes and sacrifices we, as women, make for out babes.

Me and my JOY!!! I now have 5 bundles--Connor Reid, Aiden Obadiah, Shane Joseph, Lydia Shaelin, and Maya Ruth! Connor will be 7 in July--what a roller coater we have enjoyed!

Our life saver--my dear sister--Sunny came to our rescue this time around. We are in Louisiana, with new full time jobs, no family, a move that took place only a week and a half before my due date, and hearts that are still healing from a year full of disappointments. When the Lord said that He would give no more than we could bear, I believe we were oblivious to what we could actually bear. We were blessed to have a saving hand with Sunny and her baby Hallie over the last week. She has relieved a major burden from our plates and left our home full of good food, a place to store that food, happy hearts, some beautiful new clothes for Mommy's post partum body, memories galore, and children who simply adore her....they truly do adore her!

Maya cried at the beginning of her first bath and then enjoyed the water running over her head--she calmed immediately! I think my two girls and I will have to enjoy some salon time as they get older!

Perfection!

My little piece of heaven...curled right beside my belly!

Daddy's angel!

Mommy's pride and joy!

Life doesn't get any better than this!

Or this!

Oh, how I love my boy and the marvelous life we have created...temporally we struggle day by day, but in our quiver, we have children who hold us tightly together!

I adore this boy...he adores me...

Now...the sister chronicles begin! Watch out Maya, you have a big sister who still LOVES bottles and binkys! The Lord chose your timing Maya, this I can assure you! He knows you, and He must know that the bond you will share with Lydia will be unbreakable! You are 16 months apart! How fitting that my sister, only 18 months in age from me, was here to help me through this transition....sisters are gifts from heaven!