Sock Ons

While we were at my parents' house for Thanksgiving, my Aunt Jan and sister-in-law Vanessa showed me these clever little elastic bands for keeping babies' socks on. I ordered some right away. Abby was pretty mad about them for the first hour, but then she seemed to accept them. Not that she hasn't kept trying- but as of yet, she hasn't gotten either of her socks off when these are on. Pretty impressive!

Bingley and the Baby

Bingley is doing a little better with the baby. Like a youngest child, he appears to be both jealous and curious. I am trying to be patient but firm with him. I guess I really have four children...

The Most Meaningful Gift

A number of people have asked me this week if we need anything for the baby. Quite honestly, the answer is no. We already had lots of baby items from the first two kids, and family and church friends have blessed us with lots of presents already.

What would be very meaningful for those of you who want to share our joy, is for you to take the $5-10 you would spend on a cute outfit or two and instead donate it to Hamlin Fistula. Everyone has a cause dear to their heart. For me, it's vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs). We don't know if the fact that William went into distress during labor caused or contributed to any of his special needs. But we do know for sure that if I hadn't had an emergency c-section, he would not be with us today, and I would probably have a VVF as a result.

Without treatment, that means incontinence and consequentially becoming a social outcast with no hope of childbearing again. And yet the treatment is usually simple. This is one of those issues where the medical science is available, it's just a matter of financial provision. So a donation can make a significant difference.

If you want to read a short article about Dr. Catherine Hamlin, check out this Christianity Today blog post. To learn more about Hamlin Fistula, you can visit their website. It is my hope that some day Abby will feel honored that her birth helped bring about the relief of others' suffering.

Bringing Home Baby

God's Gift

God totally answered all our prayers for this baby's arrival. Last Friday night, Eric gave her a little talk in utero. ("Abigail, this is your father speaking. It's time for you to make your appearance.") That night I woke up to contractions about midnight, and by a little after 5am, we were holding our newest daughter. I was able to have another successful VBAC. Abigail was and is totally healthy and strong as well as beautiful. And she's eating well and sleeping even more. God didn't need to make it all that easy. It was simply His kindness. We are so grateful! Thank you all so much for your prayers.

Getting Acquainted

Introducing...

Abigail Rose
Born Saturday, March 5th at 5:02am
7.4 lbs 19.5 in

Good News

I had a final sonogram yesterday to estimate the size of the baby. She looks nice and little- probably Lily's size or maybe a little smaller, so my chances of VBACing are good. Praise the LORD! They still don't want me to go late, so the C-section is scheduled for March 11th. I'm praying that I will go into labor before that.

Grandma B and Lily came along with me for the sonogram. I wasn't sure how much Lily would understand, but she was well-behaved and seemed interested. The technician let her have the pictures, so she's had fun showing them to people. When we came home she wanted to look again at the sonogram pictures of when she was in Mommy's tummy.