Thursday, November 01, 2012

From Whom All Blessings Flow

Our Heavenly Father has graciously sent us a wee little lady to love and raise for His glory!  

All that dark hair? It's even softer than it looks!

She very considerately arrived sixteen days early (beating her older brother's record by four days), and weighed just one ounce more than Little Man did at birth. Whether that's because I "bake" them fast, or due to my religious consumption of Gentle Birth Formula with both babies, I don't know -- but with less than five hours of labor this go around, I'm definitely planning on continuing use of the herbal supplement for (Lord willing) future pregnancies.




Labor was so fast, in fact, that we made it to the hospital with only thirty minutes to spare! The delivery nurse  asked me if I had wanted an epidural, though she said it was a pointless question because it was too late even if I had wanted one. Arriving too late to have an epidural? Sounds like perfect timing to me! Though maybe I should leave just a little bit sooner next time, since I have no desire to have a car-birth story to tell...

I knew the baby was posterior, which led to fears on my part about prolonged back labor, interventions, and possibly even C-section -- which are all possible complications with that positioning. But this labor felt identical to my last (just faster), and three pushes sufficed to bring our little one into the world, still sunny-side-up. 


Little ruffly skirts and ballet "shoe" socks -- definite perks to having a girl!

With neither tongue-tie nor jaundice to battle, settling in has been a bit less bumpy than last time! Little Man adores his wee sister, giving her frequent kisses, and doing his best to be gentle. She's such an easy baby so far, and seems quite content as long as she's fed and cuddled.

I am trying not to enjoy having a girl to sew for and dress too much, but so far I've had little success! Though I'll breathe a not-so-little sigh of relief when her baptismal gown is finished, since I'm finding that project a tad stressful.




As for what she'll be called in this little corner of the Internet? I think I'll take inspiration from the beautiful miniature blooms brought to us by our pastor, and call her "Rosa." I can only pray that one day she will blossom into a Godly young woman!


20 comments:

Brooke said...

Congratulations on a new baby girl! They are a lot of fun. :)

Sarah Jane said...

Oh Shannon, she is lovely! I am so very happy for your darling family and so thankful this precious little girl arrived safe and sound! Congratulations! God is good.

Janel said...

Congratulations! Her hair is so beautiful. :) Blessings to you and your family!

Mackenzie {WhiletheWaterBoils} said...

Oh hurray! She's just lovely...enjoy your baby moon! Congratulations to your family. <3

Anna said...

God Grant you and your little one Many Many Years!
Congratulations!

Cheri said...

Congratulations, Shannon! What a precious and beautiful gift from God!

Rachel said...

Congratulations! How lovely, and glad to hear that you had a short labour :-)

Jane Ellen said...

:D I cannot wait to meet Little Rosa. I'm so happy for y'all!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
Did you use the Gentle Birth Formula with red rasberry leaves? I'm considering it and wonder which you recommend.
Thanks!

Laura said...

Oh, congratulations, Shannon! Wow, all that hair -- how cute! I'm so glad to hear you had such a short labor with no complications. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

Ohhh! A sweet little girl!!!! Congratulations and may the Lord bless you and this precious little lady He's given you and your family. SO excited for you. <3

Blessings,
~Shannalee

Sommer said...

Congratulations Shannon! She is such a love <3 A most blessed arrival indeed!

Lots of love,
Sommer

Natalie L. said...

Congratulations! Daughters are just wonderful!

Daughter of God by grace. said...

She is the most lovely little blessing I could ever imagine. I love your prayer for her, that she may blossom into a godly young woman!!!!! In Christ Faith

Mountain Meadow Herbs said...

Congratulations on the gentle birth of your beautiful daughter! Blessings to you and your family.
- Kathy and the Mountain Meadow Herbs Family

~ Shannon said...

Many thanks for all of your sweet comments! We are so in love with this precious little girl, and it's lovely to know that you are celebrating with us!

Anonymous, I used the Gentle Birth Formula with Red Raspberry Leaf -- I just stopped drinking my RRL tea when I started taking Gentle Birth, as they do not recommend "doubling" any of the herbs that it includes.

Kathy, thank you for your congratulations! I'm so grateful that MMH offers the Gentle Birth Formula -- I'm a huge fan!

Blessings,
Shannon

Anonymous said...

Congratulation!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of your new little one with us. God bless!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! I was hoping you would give us a little peek at her. What a sweetie! Glad to hear that labor went well and everyone is adjusting well. Wishing you all the best, Jenny Stallings

Keri said...

How did I miss this???

Congratulations, Shannon! Little Miss is beautiful and I hope you are getting lots of cuddles in. I also had no tongue tie this time and no reflux to deal with. What considerate second children we have! :D

~ Shannon said...

Keri, so glad to hear that the second time around has been easier for you, too! And yes, we are *definitely* getting lots of cuddling in. ;-)

Love,
Shannon