Kid(s)...plural!

The Lord has an inconceivably glorious purpose for each of His children.

He's here! He's here!

Our newest bundle of joy arrived on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Abel James Daugherty weighed in at 8.04 lbs and 21 inches long. (At his one week check up he falls into the 30% for weight and 71% for height....the exact opposite of his big brother!)

Abel's birth was an experience that words could never describe. Being a mother has always been my heart's desire, and bringing a sweet child into the world is a blessing only the Lord could create to be so sweet and fulfilling. It was my heart's desire to deliver Abel naturally, rather than having a repeat c-section. I use the term "naturally" loosely...as in yes, I had a lovely epidural. :)

My actual hope was to deliver without an epidural. As it would happen, my plans went out the window and I had not one...but two epidurals! I'll spare all the details, but basically my spine area is very vascular. My epidural with Owen did not go smoothly and was pulled immediately after his birth. Well, during my labor with Abel I began dilating very quickly and my body was not responding well. It was decided that I needed to get an epidural to help relieve some of the stress my body was experiencing. My blood pressure had soared to 184/100 and I was also developing a fever due to my body's response to pain. So, the first one was placed and when I was still feeling heavy contractions every minute to 2 minutes it was decided to pull that one and start over. Frustrating? You better believe it! Once we finally got a working epidural my doctor was able to check me only for the second time during labor, and you guessed it- I was already a 10 and it was time to go! I later found out that my doctor preferred me to have an epidural due to the fact I was a previous c-section. Had something gone wrong during labor and I needed an emergency c-section, having the epidural in place is a necessity. If I had known that, they could have met me at the door with the epidural! :) I guess it will be wisdom for next time. :)

So, after about an hour and a half of pushing (thank you, large head!) I was blessed by hearing that beautiful cry all mothers long to hear! Our wait was over, and our little man had entered the world at 1:13pm! :)

I was blessed to be a part of a Kangaroo Kare study in which immediately after birth the baby is placed skin to skin on the mother's chest for at least 1 hour. Baby's vitals are taken every 15 minutes or so, but the baby is not moved. I am very familiar with Kangaroo Kare, as skin to skin time was strongly encouraged in the NICU when Owen was born. It is such a sweet, sweet bonding time. It's amazing how quickly Abel was calmed and simply snuggled into my chest, listening to my voice. It's also an opportune time to introduce nursing, establishing that trust and bond with baby as well.

We have been so incredibly blessed with help from family and friends. Thank you for you praying for a safe and swift delivery...it was definitely both! :) Our family has been so wonderful in helping us with Owen, cooking and cleaning and letting us get some extra rest when possible.

Bringing Abel home been a very smooth transition, as the Lord blessed us with two very easy going, mild natured boys! Abel has a precious, gentle nature and I often have to wake him during the night to nurse. He is so content and reminds me of Owen's peaceful nature. :)

Our miracle boy is quickly entering toddler hood and developing some strong opinions...but I love it! Owen's motor skills are developing like crazy, I know walking is in our very near future! He can pull up on anything, climb onto his Lego Table and his newest trick....cruising around the coffee table! My sweet boy had a big birthday this week as we celebrated his second year of life! I am daily blessed by Owen's life and the miracle that he is. The Lord is continuing to do great things through his story and we are so richly blessed to be a part of his testimony. Not a day goes by that I am just in awe that the Lord chose us to parent Owen. He is truly a perfect gift and my life is so blessed by everything he does...even emptying out the bottom shelf of the fridge! :)

I don't think I have completely wrapped my mind around the fact that we know have kid(s)...plural form! :) It is an honor and a blessing to be entrusted with God's children and it is our prayer He will infuse us with knowledge and wisdom is growing these boys in the name of Jesus. We pray that our lives will be a glorious act of worship as we raise our children to know, love and fear the Lord.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children are a blessing from Him.

Psalm 127:3