~Birth Story ~

As some of you have requested a more detailed account of what transpired during Charis' birth, I hope to fill in the blanks with this post, but before that... I have to say that I have learned a few things that I did not know before:


1) I never knew that baby's made sooooo much noise when they sleep. It is as if they decide to keep you awake whether awake or sleeping.


2) I never knew that a baby could manage to use the restroom (to be delicate) in three different directions -- on the wall, the changer, and me.


3) I never knew that breastfed babies gained both weight and height so quickly. Charis was 7lbs. 6oz. at birth, but dropped 5 oz. and is now 8lbs. 9oz. She was 19 1/2 inches at birth and is now 20 3/4 inches.


4) I never knew, but am delightfully surprised, to find that postpartum moms can lose weight so quickly. :)


Now on to the birth story...


Signs that early labor was beginning started on the 8th of October. I really believe that I could have urged my body into active labor, but as I had been advised to sleep if tired, I managed to force myself to sleep and then enjoyed the following day walking at the mall with Sean and resting. The evening of the 9th after having painless contractions all day, contractions became definitely more noticeable. I managed to doze for a couple of hours but then awoke around 2 am, and thought, "finally, this is the real thing!" I used "contraction master" via the internet in order to count the minutes between and the length. Around 6 am I decided that a trip to the hospital was sounding more and more inviting. I woke Sean up, called family members, and then called my doula about quarter to 7 (attempting to allow her as much sleep time as possible! :). She arrived about an hour later, and we then headed to the hospital after contacting the necessary people: doctor, attending nurse, etc.

Upon checking in at the birthing center (one of 9 birthing centers actually attached to a hospital in the States, and we providentially live at the other end of the street...), they took me straight up to the birthing center and even allowed me to choose my favorite room! For some reason, I really did not feel up to decision making and asked which they would suggest.

I wish I could say that I immediately assumed my most comfortable position, but I simply could not find a position remotely comfortable or relieving, as I had been led to believe was possible. :) I think this is what surprised me most about the whole birthing experience. I honestly thought that there would be a position that would somewhat suppress the pain I experienced whether on the birthing ball, sitting in the glider, relaxing in the jacuzzi, etc. This was not to be. The nurse did check me upon arrival (about 9 am), however, and I was already fully effaced and 6-7 cm dilated -- a wonderful answer to my prayers after hearing of other friends who took so long to reach that point. After sitting in the jacuzzi, walking the halls, and then leaning on Sean, I finally thought maybe pushing was the next item on the agenda. I do have to point out that again, despite what I had been told, I did not experience the internal desire to "push." I think those who were assisting simply knew based on my rather emotional responses!!! Two thoughts kept rushing through my head during this final stage... "This is just like one of those horrible rides at a theme park that you want to abort but cannot!!!" And secondly, " I wonder if I just held my breath and passed out if they would be forced to just get this baby out of me!!!" My doula along with Sean and the attending nurse made sure, however, that I did not get the chance to "hold my breath."

I must interpose at this point, how exceedingly gracious and loving our God is to provide such a hospital so wonderfully staffed. I am not certain about my doctor's beliefs but the nurse, my doula, and of course, Sean are believers, and I could not have asked for better support during this time!!! Sean was the one upon whom I leaned, quite literally for about 6 hours, my doula put up with my nonsense and continually massaged and talked me through contractions, and if it had not been for the attending nurse during the last hour, I think I would never have made it. She politely got right in my face and told me exactly how to push and even accompanied this advice with facial expressions. My doctor was the one who kept everything calm, asking that the computer noises be turned off, telling the nurse that she did not have to check me yet again with the fetal, heartbeat monitor (which for some reason was driving me "crazy"), applying hot compresses, telling me when exactly and how much to push, etc. I would drive straight back to this hospital without hesitation in order to have any future baby(ies) with his assistance, if possible! One hour and fifteen minutes later at 12:57 pm, Charis Bobbett Humby made her appearance.

Though I am not the most quiet of birthing moms, apparently, I am quite polite. I asked if I could "please" push a number of times, and even apologized to my doctor for accidentally almost spitting in his face (My aim was true, but he quickly dodged.).

In closure, Sean and I are both so grateful for everyone's prayers, encouragement, and gifts. God has provided for us in every possible way, and we have been richly blessed!!! Much love to all...

~Katie

Pictures, pictures, and pictures...

While some of you may be tiring of pictures (and no, I have not yet forgotten about the need to post a birthing story for those of you who requested... ), I do not have anything else too exciting to post at present. Also, those many friends of ours who are overseas really enjoy the photo update! So, the rest of you at home and close by will have to endure the photos. Believe me, there are many, many more that I/we are not posting! :)


One, now larger, happy family!!!

"With which hand do I pledge allegiance?"

Growing prettier every day! :) (don't tell mommy
if you do not think so!!! )

"This tongue simply will not do what I tell it to... "

Daddy and I



Last but not least... My mother came in to assist for about a week, and we loved having her here!!! It is so nice to have some extra helping hands who are willing to do whatever is needed!!!

Grandma and Charis just getting back from a "cold" walk.

Update!

Dear all,

I seem to find myself doing three things primarily and trying many more things that one simply does not think of until having been pregnant, laboring, delivering, etc. :) I won't elaborate on the latter. However, the former three are as follows: feeding Charis, sleeping, and drinking water (or juice at times). The sleeping is definitely not top priority these days! Oh well!

Overall, these new tasks in life are going well. I have to "laugh" at the sin nature that becomes so evident early on. Charis is rather uhm... stubborn! (I can't imagine from whom she learned that!?! :) Feeding time is a battle. Yes, she is hungry, but it has taken almost an hour at times to get her to eat! If I attempt to force the matter, she either becomes quite angry me or melts into a sleeping puddle of baby, instantaneously! There is no awaking her from these sudden fits of "dead to the world" behavior. It is a wonderful example, though, of the need to train children up from the very beginning "in the way that he should go."

Brief prayer request... I was just notified Monday that the small symphony in which I have been playing just lost their concert master. The conductor was hoping that I would be able to audition for the vacant seat. The audition is tomorrow (Thursday) in the evening. My mom is flying in (yeh!!!) shortly after lunch and then will be driving me to the audition while Sean attends a business meeting. Lord willing, she will arrive on time as I am supposed to leave here late afternoon. Needless to say, I am completely unprepared. I found two orchestral excerpts that seemed somewhat familiar and then will perform part of the first movement of an old concerto. I am just praying that God will bless my efforts and display much grace. The conductor is being quite lenient and is willing to assist as timing might be somewhat crucial with Charis, who is not quite on any kind of schedule yet! :) Anyhow, I would really appreciate your prayers!!!

Well, Charis is calling. So, I must run! Have a wonderful day!

PS

... Here's that last shot in color.

Charis' 3 Day Old Photos

Hi everyone!

Here are some more photos of me (Charis). This time I'm three days old...

that's right, it's literally my third birthday.

I love my Mommy's kisses... she's so soft and cuddly!

As you can see, I'm not always asleep now. I manage to find a little bit of time to check out what's all around out there in this big world. I find it all pretty fascinating!

This is me in black and white. (Daddy was playing around with the photos a bit).
Well, I might go and have another feed and rest for now. Lord willing I'll show you more of what I've been up to some time soon.

Bye for now.

More photos!!!

Dear all,

Thank you so much for your support and prayers. Charis' arrival has been a great blessing and testimony of God's goodness, despite the pain and discomfort! :) We wanted to share a few more pictures with you. While you enjoy these, I will attempt to get a birthing story written, although I am not sure it will be as good as yours, Kelley! Again, ENJOY! ...


Woo hoo! I am finally going home!

Sleeping...

Mommy enjoying taking photos...

Sleeping...

Let's see... sleeping again!?!

Snoozing away... Mommy and Daddy both hope this is a developing habit

Mommy is about to try the sleeping thing too... :)

Charis Has Arrived!!!

Hey guys,

This is Sean just back from the hospital to do a couple of things, including filling in for Katie in posting a new post just to say, that haris was born after about 12 hours of labor at 12:27pm, weighing in at around 7lbs 6oz and 19.5" long. Mother and baby are doing well (I'm sure Katie can tell you a little more about it when she gets the chance.) We're both so thankful for the Lord's abundant mercies!!! Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Anyhow, we've already had a request from Rachel for photos, so if I can work out what to do I'll put some up. Charis has a couple of red spots on her eyelid and face, but only temporary.

Sorry about the layout, but these photos just won't go where I intend to put them!

Odds and Ends ...

Well, I decided to post, as previously requested quite a while ago, some pictures of random baby items. This task also supplied me with the energy to do some cleaning. The most exciting area of cleaning I have accomplished thus far in my pregnancy was the task of borrowing a friend's carpet cleaner and cleaning our apartment's carpet. I know that there was a supposed professional brought in prior to our arrival almost two years ago, but... If there was a way to wrinkle one's nose in horror and disgust, I would most certainly be expressing my distaste at how horribly dirty our carpet turned out to be. Apparently, daily to every-other-daily vacuuming does NOT solve the problem. Wood floors are sounding more and more appealing! Anyhow, on to the pictures...!!! LOL! I am not sure that you will even see the carpet! Oh well, you can imagine. :) I just finished our bedroom floor about an hour ago. Woohoo!!!



Below is our car seat, granted a very unbecoming picture. I am so happy with the quality!!! I was also excited to receive, without requesting, a snugly, ever-so-soft, Koala Baby-over the top carrier cover. Found above is the "fuzzy" picture to display the last mentioned item, btw.





To the left is our lovely swing, and no, we have not tried it out despite it's alluring sales pitch and ever so enticing rocking system -- cradle or swing. AND below is Charis' bed -- sweet and simple. Yes, I am aware that those cuddly animals in the corner will have to be removed. :(

This beautiful piece of furniture is the changing station. I really like the design and was even happier with the color once seen in real life, not via the internet. It was quite simple to put together and really seems sturdy unlike other dressers at name brand stores!

How Big am I?

For those of you who so graciously attempted to make my size seem not quite so huge by your kind words, which I really did appreciate... this is a photo taken on the same day just prior to the "holding up my belly" picture. So, what do you think... am I really that big? :D

At Jen's Request... smiling! :)

A Few Requests...

Dear Friends and Family,

I just wanted to send out a brief note requesting prayer for my upcoming recital tomorrow. Due to an unusually difficult couple of weeks with my teaching, I have quite a few students who will unfortunately not be performing, despite all of the effort on my part which has been rather depressing for me. I am attempting to be satisfied with God's obvious working in this matter and not allow myself to feel completely worthless (I am know that many of you teach and can empathize... !). Anyhow, I am accompanying on piano as well as performing the 3rd movement of a violin concerto. I am not entirely sure what possessed me to play myself, but I would greatly appreciate your prayers that all will go smoothly. I am getting rather tired at this point and need a sudden burst of ... well something! :)

As always, though I don't say it, thank for listening!!!

Baby Requirements ...

I thought that I might shed some light on some accessories that are apparently absolutely necessary for the arrival of a baby! :)... at least from a guy's perspective. Here are our newest additions. (It seems like there might be a couple more filters that might be required: a protective lens filter and a "softening" filter to make the photo details less sharp.) Please take notice of the Rode microphone which has the ability to filter out unwanted noises and record clearly the voices/music/baby noises that are wanted from all angles to the camera AND the beautiful 52 mm lens on the front which allows one to zoom in more clearly on the desired image. Together these items create an end result of perfection both audibly and visually!!! :) So, how was that for a sales pitch, especially from one who may not exactly be soooo sold on the product!?! :) Thankfully, we already had the camera!!! (I am not sure that I like Ebay anymore. Shopping online seems to be an extremely dangerous pastime.)

Spell check! :)

First paragraph... "chance" not "change"!

Third paragraph... "rearing" not "raring"!


SORRY! I am really attempting to do better. Sean gets rather amused/horrified at my
blogging posts at times. :)

Feel free to correct as you see fit in regard to the rest of the post!

Update... and ramblings!

Well, I missed my change to beat Kelley Collins!!! :( Oh well! No, I am so excited for her that her little one was born. Babies seem to be flying from all corners! It is a wonderful time, and I am so happy for you guys who live close to enjoy each other's little ones and see them grow. For the rest of us... blogging will have to suffice! :(

As everyone knows, I do quite a bit of violin teaching. I believe my private student number is up to about 20 + at the moment. I plan to take only two weeks off from my teaching schedule when the baby is born!?! We shall see how it goes. Since everyone I know seems to be running late according to their birthing date, I have a recital planned for the 6'th and am even "planning" on teaching my students from Indianapolis on the 10'th, granted they are traveling here! Anyhow, I am straying from the topic. I have just now fully realized what a blessing it is for kids to grow up with Christian parents who raise them in a godly manner (I know I am a little slow), after having taught the kids that I am currently instructing. Not that each parent doesn't love their child and strongly desire to bring them up well, but there is a difference between a parent whose goals are Godly development and one who does thing only because that is what is socially best for their child. I was contemplating these thoughts after an unusually rough day yesterday, and thought... What is their goal? Why should the child not throw a tantrum? What end benefit is there? For those of us who know Christ, we can point our covenant children to the Word and teach them that they must in all things glorify God. They can in turn see the love that He displays to us in all things throughout the day. But... what about these other children? It is indeed difficult to minister to them, and I would covet your prayers as I attempt to do so.

Not that I am the one strongly desiring a "ton" of kids :), but it is exciting even more so to me to watch those parents whose kids are well-behaved, thoughtful, polite, obedient, etc. What an encouragement and how it increases my appreciation for those parents of small/large families who have done such a wonderful job of raring godly offspring!!! I can only hope to emulate such examples.

Now on to some photos which were not exactly taken for the enjoyment of the public, I had just gotten back from the gym, my hair is a bit mussed, and ... Well, they speak for themselves, but I can't believe how large I have gotten!!! AND these were taken a few days ago!!! :) Enjoy!



Side -on


Front-on

Who's right!?!

Well, I went to the gym today despite the internal groanings of discouragement which whispered, "you need to rest; just stay in bed a little longer." Anyhow, I found a few of the comments somewhat amusing. As the weeks of pregnancy have turned to months (which are beginning to feel like years :), the bigger the eyes become of my fellow gym members. So, enjoy from first to last....

1) An acquaintance, Michael, who I usually attempt to hide from, commented that certain work-out machines I employed were just like "pushing" and that I really should just go home. This was after having exercised for a period of 3 min!?! Really! I honestly would have a serious complex by now after all of the times he rolls his eyes at me and tells me how large I have become! :) I just laugh at him. One would think that he has a degree in birthing babies and has had many himself. [You have to get the picture in your head of a big African American, who has had a stroke which causes him to look like he is strutting more than usual, shaved head, and not quite a handle bar mustache!] In no uncertain terms, Michael is confident that I will make my labor that much harder!!!

2) Just after that... a woman tells me how easy all of this exercise will make things... ( I am getting confused!)

3) A guy I don't know who apparently remembers me due to my weekly growth, tells me he gets more and more scared every time I show up in the weight room.

4) The last guy, again who seems to take notice of my size, says, "Noooo, you gotta be kiddin' me. There's no way you've grown that much. What'd you do; blow something up in there? You were small last week and now you are .... well, you must have stuck something in there! "
(Take into consideration the inner-city accent along with the slightly louder, let-the-whole-gym-know tone of voice!)

Anyhow, I was going to get a new photo and post it along with these comments, but didn't get a chance. So, you will never know... perhaps, I am really that much bigger this week!?! :)

Short and Encouraging!

Sean and I were able to attend an OPC church yesterday evening, and I was blessed to hear a sermon on divorce! Though it covered the ins and outs of divorce and when it is sanctioned, there was one point in particular that really encouraged me!!! The pastor was mentioning that two people who are believers are Biblically required to work things out when presented with an unseemly insurmountable difficulty! Moreover, he mentioned that really any issue that arises is really not just "his" or "her" area in life to fix, but "ours." He addressed the fact that problems do arise and that after marriage they become the other spouse's as well. If we acknowledge our "one-ness" in all things we are then able to look upon them in a much better light! For example, I might always leave my shoes lying around (which drives Sean crazy). He would not approach this as merely MY problem but OUR problem that we together must work out. From this perspective, Sean is then able to think more rationally and even have more patience, knowing that, though I am the one causing the mess under foot, he would not insist on perfection immediately from himself nor would he loose patience with himself... AND he might even see fit to condone a behaviour from himself if conceding that there really were more important things with which to deal! (Now I am sure that do much worse things that annoy him... but, you will just have to be content with this as an example. AND I am doing better... !!! )

Laughs and ... one more question!?!

Ok... So, I do not know how much you guys enjoy listening to talk show hosts... But, I find
myself listening rather frequently on my way to work as the ride is not really long enough to
absorb any other more edifying choices. Two stories shared today on the Rush program I found quite amusing:

1) It seems that a school located on Madison St. (I don't remember the particulars.) thought it would be cute as well intellectually-wise to name their brand-new public school after our fourth president. Please forgive me for not knowing exactly what grades were covered, but let's just say for the story's sake that is was a middle school... the name was: James A. Madison Middle School. Unfortunately, upon the opening people began to realize that the president did not even have a middle name! :) OOPS! No one seemed to know how the middle initial came to be.

2) There is an Asian elementary school who was interviewing children for pre-school.... There were restrictions placed on the hopeful applicants... any child who desired to be accepted must have a found head/face!!! LOL! (Dear me! I would never pass!!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for the question, and I will make it short.... For those who have slings, sorry..., what particular kind do you like best. I think that I will attempt to make mine as Rebecca so kindly suggested and gave patterns for... BUT, I cannot even begin to know which one to make: padded, pocketed, etc. There seems to be way too many options, and how would I know which one is best!?!

Requesting Information

From those of you who have experience or an opinion... Please feel free to post a reply. Sean and I are looking through possible carrying options. We tend to prefer the top example of a sling, but... I wasn't sure if anyone had any preferences or advice. Of course, I am a little reluctant to pay the 56 dollars for the top Maya brand... couldn't one just make one easily enough???

~Doctor's Visit~

No,... I am not posting pics this time... wonders never cease. However, I was just going to give a brief update on the baby. I got to see the male doctor in my medical care group (who seems sooooo nice and has 8 children of his own!), and he was quite encouraging. I guess, though I feel rather large, I am right on target. My stomach is measuring exactly 35 centimeters to match my 35 week mark as of today (They do measure in centimeters, right? Well, I just measured with a not-so-helpful tape that only does inches, and it is certainly some smaller increment!!! ) He said that "Charis" seems to be right on target. He was even impressed that I actually had gained some weight, even if it was only two pounds! I guess, unknown to me as I had not been paying attention, I had registered exactly the same weight for last three doctor's visits -- which spanned over the last 2+ months. Of course, I think I gained quickly at the beginning. So, I think that this was a good thing not to continue weight gain at the same rate. :) Charis' heart rate was the normal 150-155. So,... all is well, Lord willing!

Last Week!

I was so excited to arrive home after a very long day of teaching to find that two rather large boxes had arrived from an unexpected source. I dear couple who attended the Free Church conference (the denomination Sean and I are a part of), decided to mail us clothes, diapers, wipes, and other various items. I was shocked by their generosity! Apparently these were just a "few" things since they had not been able to buy girl clothes in the past only having had boys!




I just marvel at the ways in which God sees fit to bless our family. Sean and I really have not been required to purchase anything which has been wonderful considering the state of our bank account! :) Ok... it is not that desperate, but since the church is not going too well here at the moment, we have been relying predominantly/entirely on my income. (My studio size just recently has gone up to 21 students, I think. I am praying all will go smoothly and that I will be able to return to my teaching very quickly after the arrival of the baby!!! )

Anyhow, I simply loved all of the clothes sent to me, and I was just reminded of how we, as God's children, really do not have to worry about anything. He will provide, even when we do not necessarily ask!

One last photo which is not about baby clothes. My nephew, Thomas, decided to accompany his Dad up to a wedding in OH that we all attended last Friday evening. I was teaching when they arrived on Thursday, but enjoyed the time we spent together Friday morning and early afternoon, building castles out of my pathetic attempts to create toys out of board games (Sequence), making cookies with Thomas, and etc. We even took some of our baked goodies to our land lady who was quite impressed by Thomas' abilities. :) (I just think that it is refreshing for people not accustomed to small, well-behaved children to meet them every once in a while. AND definitely a reminder to us moms or soon-to-be-moms of how even the seemingly "little, unrealized tasks" we do every day or even when we sit for other people's children can be a blessing to those around us and may create even an opportunity to share God's plan of redemption and His grace to us!)