Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Season To Everything

I have been sitting here thinking about this past year. I had a lot of joy and a lot of sadness. The death of my grandfather was almost more than I could bear. I mourned his passing, and I am still grieving my loss. This year has been an example of the bible verse 'to everything there is a season' as I had days of joy this year even in the midst of the black cloud of mourning. The happiest days were the days babies were born. I was the midwife to a lot of babies with the biggest being 9 pounds 15 ounces! I found a small measure of peace for my grieving heart by getting closer to nature this year. I started hiking with my friend Summer. Going to the beach in June was healing- I felt like I could stay there forever watching the waves crash into the white sand. Smelling the salt air, feeling the warm sun on my skin, and listening to the waves is balm on a hurting heart. I remember my grandfather taking me to Cape May, NJ during my growing up years. But there I sat at Gulf Shores, Alabama, pondering how quickly life goes by. I watched my girls enjoying the sandy beach. I knew the torch was being passed to me. I knew my job was to be there for my girls, in the same way my grandfather had been there for me.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

The Balancing Act

I have found that being a wife, mother, midwife, and teacher is a challenge. I have been married to Jeff for fifteen years. I am a mother to three girls, ages 13, 11, and 10. I am a midwife to many women. I had 14 women use my services this past year, and I have 12 women signed on for next year already (and this is only December!). I have homeschooled my children for eight years. I am raising the girls in the admonition of the Lord. We attend worship on Sunday and Wednesday. The balancing act is a struggle; it leaves no time to waste!

Waterbirths

Have you ever witnessed a waterbirth? I was the midwife at six waterbirths this year alone. I had two women completely immerse themselves in water. One had seen the Russian waterbirth tape, the other had not. I have found that women need water when they are in labor. Women are drawn to it. Most women want to take a shower, soak in a tub while laboring, or give birth in water. Don't settle for putting your feet into hospital stirrups-----put your feet into hot water instead!

Piano Recital

Earlier this month, my three daughters had their piano recital. It was beautiful. Katherine played 'Ukrainian Carol'. Kaitlin played 'Jingle Bells'. Karaline played 'Good King Wenceslas'. All of my daughters have been playing since kindergarten age. I am so proud of them!

Great Birth!

Being a midwife is rewarding. Recently, I was midwife to a wonderful Christian family. She had a Cesarean as her first birthing experience. This time she wanted a vaginal delivery. She did it. She had a beautiful homebirth; it is so rewarding to help families achieve their dream births. She labored in my padded birthing tub. She reminded me of the Russian women who labor in water and totally immerse themselves during contractions. Laboring women are beautiful, and she was no exception. She radiated beauty from her face, in between immersing herself into the depth of the water tub.

Theatre

Katherine, Kaitlin, and Karaline were in a theatre play recently at the Ritz Theatre in Sheffield, AL. They performed in 'The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever'. Katherine sang in the chorus and loved it. She also sang a solo part in 'The First Noel'. Kaitlin played the part of 'Kirsten', and she also sang a solo part in 'The First Noel'. Karaline acted the part of 'Harmony'. Each of my daughters dressed up as angels in the nativity scene. It was so beautiful to watch them. The Christmas play was a touching tribute to the entire nativity story.