Carrie Faith Sims. Seven pounds, seven ounces, and 21 inches long. March 1, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. Our "little" shoe stretched again and we are filled up to overflowing. Pregnancy can do weird things to a woman; I mean wierd things. For instance, and maybe this one isn't so wierd (I have the feeling that many of you ladies have experienced the same thing.), but have you ever wondered just how in the world you will be capable of loving this little baby? I mean questioned yourself about whether or not you are actually capable of loving another human being as much as he/she needs to be loved. I have. I was never quite sure of the answer until the newborn babe was laid on my chest moments after delivery. Instantly almost instinctly my mother's heart was filled and pouring over with love and joy. It happened again almost a month ago.
Brad and I got to the hospital around 7:30 a.m. and the nurse got me all set up and ready to go by 8:30. Steady contraction were coming every six minutes or so, but since I was already scheduled to be induced I was started on pitocin. My water broke on its own at 9:50 a.m. and I was at six centimeters. Anxiety pounced as I braced myself for the pain I knew was coming. Brad could see the fear in my face. He kept reassuring me, "It's all going to be okay. You can do this." What a great man I have! It hasn't always been that way though... I won't digress. HA! (I'll blog about the Old Man in the Shoe another day.)
Starting to tense up after a hard contraction or two, I asked for a quarter dose of Staydol. AHHH - like a glass of wine. Relax...it'll all be over and you'll be holding your sweet little girl. Another hard contraction or two (10:30 or so) and I looked over at Brad and said, "You've got to get somebody because my body is starting to push."
All of a sudden the room was very warm (I had beads of sweat over my lips and on my brow) and things were moving very quickly. It was time. Dr. Harris was ready. With camera held out in front of him, my dad was ready. Brad was right next to me ready. BUT...I wasn't ready - flashbacks of Bo's delivery incited fear. I can laugh about it now, but it sure want' funny then. As I was delvering Bo I kept whispering, "This is so painful," over and over again. Ya think?!?!?! With the next contraction came the cheer to push...now don't push just breath...I can't not push - I've gotta push...no you can't push just breath...then once again...push! One more push and she was out. It seemed to me as if the whole entire room cheered.
Two hours and sixteen minutes. That's a record for me. And it wasn't even that painful. BIZARRE...Wonderful. God's presence was sensed and received. He poured Himself out on us that morning and it has been a continual down pour for these past weeks. Never have I experienced or sensed such elation and joy. The atmosphere was electric. We were all laughing and smiling. Obviously family would act that way, but I don't recollect medical staff having such an emotional response. Had I been able to see with spiritual eyes I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I would have seen scores and scores of angels dancing and celebrating the arrival of Carrie Faith Sims. God was there with us and it was unbelievably wonderful!
Something has happend in me as a result; Brad, too. I cannot quite put it into words, but it is as if everything I have learned and studied and expereinced has settled down - way deep down - into my heart. I feel God's peace - I am delighting in His presence - I am in love with Jesus. His Love has exploded into my heart and filled me up. I feel like an all new person - like I am awakening to something fresh and alive and real and amazing. I am loved and capable of loving greatly. Wow! Wow...I cannot fully relate what that means to me with all the things I have struggled with over the years. I am free...free to be loved...free to love...free...free...free.
This old lady's heart has finally found rest and contentment. And...it feels GOOD!!! There is so much more I want to share - so much, but it's getting late for me so I will say "good night." The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
