Blessings 2008
We give thanks to the following babies and their families for allowing us to attend their births: Aelia Therese, Augusta Byrd, Jerry Wayne, John Isaac Solomon, Uriah Orien, Hezekiah Zayin, Landon John, Henry Langston, Nathanael Blayne, Samuel David, Jennifer Nicole, Karley Evone, Sarah Grace, Isaiah Samuel, Rilee Daniel, Cristopher Gabe, Wyatt Cage, Isaac Perez, Sarah Jean, Lester, Annalea Beth, Lucy Caroline, Conrad Jaden, Eliana Zalyn Mae, Caitlin Faith, Matthew J., Elizabeth Cheyanne, Sophie Grace, Elsa Ruchama, Jedidiah Noble, Emily, Loretta Sue, Micah Scott, Honey Naomi, Justice Mark, Caroline Grace, Sophia Revonna, Fiona Jane, Rebecca Irene, Annie N., Joanna Ruth, Roy Brian, Aria Gail, Thaddeus Clay, and Kathryn Rose.
That’s 24 girls and 21 boys for a grand total of 45 for the year. We had ten couples having their first babies, eight water births, one breech and two ladies that previously had c-sections. Our shortest labor was 30 minutes and yes, I missed it. There were eight families having their first homebirth, and twelve families with Blessings for the first time.
Jennifer attended 5 births with me, (including her own!) Shannon attended 17 births, and my daughter, Jill, attended 3 births. Our biggest baby was 9 lbs. 13 oz. and the smallest was 5 lbs. 15 oz.
The year started off slow. I had planned to go to Kenya in January, so I had no babies due. My trip was canceled due to civil war there. The Presidential election was not handled well. Also, all my friends there, were gone to other places. So, I was at home with no work. My husband and I decided to use my air miles and got free first class tickets to Hawaii. What a change in plans, huh? We spent 2 weeks on Kauai and it was wonderful!
February was quiet, and then March started the spring off with a bang. Jennifer and Jay moved to a new house. I got a new car. ( a Honda Civic, for gas mileage!) Over the summer, we had 23 births in 12 weeks. During that time, Jennifer had a baby herself (my 8th Grandchild!) She finally got her perfect homebirth and has a great birth story on the web sight. Isaiah Samuel weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was a month early. My son and his family also moved into a new house.
The family had a great 4th of July camp out at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Then in August, Jennifer and Jay moved to Little Rock and changed jobs again. I started planning a trip to Haiti to attend a birth there in December. My Kenyan “son” and “daughter in law” were also expecting a baby in December. My hopes were to attend their birth as well. They were in Costa Rica teaching at a missionary school.
Also in August, we found out that one of my moms expecting her 3rd baby, had colon cancer that had spread to her liver. She was induced and delivered at Vanderbilt two months early so she could start chemo. Jessi had her two boys at home with me and had never had a hospital birth before. Little Honey weighed 4 lbs. 4 oz. and was my smallest baby ever. Yes, I did get to catch her! The baby came home at 1 month old and Jessi went home to be with the Lord 3 weeks later. She was a special lady and loved by everyone that knew her. She will be greatly missed.
I left for Haiti the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Overholts had their first son on December first. I enjoyed a nice visit and some rest in a beautiful, tropical place! Then, on December 5th I left for Costa Rica to see Chris and Grace and baby David Williams. He was named after my husband and was born the day before my husband’s birthday. So I didn’t get to be there for his birth but I had a great time with my newest “grandson”. I didn’t get to see much of the country, but was only there 5 days. I came home on December the 10th. There was only 1 baby due in December, at Christmas. She was born while I was in Haiti! The rest of the month was very busy with sleepovers, dinners, breakfasts, family and friends. It was a great year!
We already have 27 clients for the new year and will be taking May and part of June to go to Kenya. I pray that you will all be blessed in the coming year and stay in touch.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, and establish the work of our hands…” Ps. 90:17 NIV
Kathy, Jennifer, Shannon, and Jill
Isaac, KayLeigh, Rustin
Kathy, Joseph, David
Josiah, Gabriel, Isaiah, Isabella