motherhood monologue

Brothers

They're just 22 1/2 months apart, but John David seems so much bigger than Elliot, who is just about 10 days old in this picture. At his five-day pediatric visit, Elliot had already gained six ounces, so he's on his way. . .

But John David has been growing rapidly these last busy four months or so. I think I've blinked, and he's not a baby anymore (this is getting very sad. . . ). It is hard to imagine that he was the one I was nursing until just five months ago, when he decided that he had had enough. He doesn't seem to be looking back. He has even begun to drink cow's milk--which he could not tolerate until recently--though he calls it water which has been his favorite and almost exclusive beverage up 'til now.

Well, these boys are so different in their needs right now too. It's quite a juggling act during the day. It can be frustrating when I feel I'm failing them both. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and odd when you're carrying a child in each arm up and down stairs a dozen times daily or becoming crushed by tears you can't presently console because some other emergency begs response.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed, but then I remember that these concerns are common among so many moms who are and have always been doing this hard but wonderful job of nurturing and guiding children. Before I know what hit me, these boys will be running around together. I think each one is the best gift we could ever give to the other; they will have each other for life, hopefully as great friends.

Elliot James

Our new baby was due to be born in early December. I was busy enough with the renovations to our new house that I didn't mind the baby's later arrival. Still though, I was surprised that it was the 18th of December before contractions began with some regularity, around 1:00 p.m. Since they were milder than anything I experienced with the labor for John David, I was still hesitant to declare that this was it. I was even able to lie down and rest for a while. A few hours later, I went for a walk through the neighborhood with my mom. It was a beautiful day, a clear and cool Saturday one week before Christmas. David and I watched some of the movie of John David's first days.

This labor can actually be divided into the typical early, active, and transition stages. Around 7:00 p.m. I needed to focus more on my position and visualize why I was going through all this (I started having back pain). I thought about being with the new baby in front of the Christmas tree. I was relaxing pretty well, sitting on the floor with David's arms and legs wrapped around me, supporting me. Around 8:30, he thought I should be on my feet. We went into the kitchen, and I sucked on a few spoons of honey. By 9:30, I was shaking and having serious doubts about my progress and ability to continue. I mentioned something about pushing and David had me out of the door by 10:00. The car ride to the hospital was not too bad. I thought about the work the contractions were doing and that soon I could be holding my baby in my arms (rather than my belly).

Somehow I made it out of the car, through registration and mandatory fetal monitoring. I found out I was 7-8 cm dilated with a bulging bag of waters. That was such a relief. I made it to a labor bed within 30 minutes of the baby's birth. I was on my knees leaning forward against the back of the raised bed when I finally asked my midwife if I could push. She checked me and could feel the baby's head. I pushed three times and my baby boy was born, at 11:51 p.m.

This peaceful baby weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz., was 20.5 inches long, and had a 14 inch head circumference. In size and looks, he is so much John David. In his own sweet way though, he has inspired my awe.

My husband

My heart's new love, Elliot James Gidcumb is almost four days old. He is wonderful, but before I tell of his journey into our world, let me express some respect and appreciation for my first love, David Gidcumb.

I am so grateful for the support David gave me through the labor for our new baby. Even though this second delivery was shorter and less intense overall, I needed David this time just as much as with John David's birth. He was my rock. I leaned on him when I felt I had nothing left, when my doubt literally left me shaking. His steadfastness and sweetness got us through another wonderful and memorable birth. He is a great man, and I am so honored that he is my husband.

Thank you, David.

Good websites

I have added some of my favorite links to my "sites worth visiting."
You can purchase Patapum(s) and Patapum Carrier(s) from here.

The Mei Tai is pretty popular as well, and can be used as a back pack carrier. The
Ellaroo Mei Tai is probably on of the better known makers of Mei Tais. The Podaegi is a lot like a Mei Tai except it has two straps vs. four.

Also, if you are looking for a community then here is a good place to start. If you do not yet have a Baby Sling, Mei Hip or a Baby Wrap then here are some links to find them.

If you check back in the furture the Babywearing blog should have some product reviews of the Ellaroo Wrap and the Moby Wrap

Here is one more babywearing link worth checking out

Midwifery Today

Introduction

These past eighteen months or so, as I've shared my discoveries about motherhood with David, he tells me I should blog about it. At first, of course, I thought maybe he was tired of hearing my occasional impassioned remarks about grace-based parenting, cue breastfeeding, co-sleeping, home-based education, and natural childbirth. Now I believe he's actually proud of all the thought, introspection, and research that have developed into my philosophy of motherhood. Unfortunately, most times I find that my instincts as a mom mark me as radical, even among Christians.

I believe that my children are gifts from God to be nurtured in all the grace with which he delivered me as his child and continues to parent me.

"For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance. . . you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. . ."
~ Isaiah 66:11, 12b, 13a

Jesus' regard for children:

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. . . and he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."
~ Mark 10:14b, 16
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
~ Matthew 25:40b