Life, Physical or Spiritual, is birthed out of sacrifice. I love life, and I love that so many things in this life point to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which provides us with spiritual Life. Christ's death is by far the ultimate sacrifice, giving life to an undeniably fallen humanity. I also firmly believe the sacrifice of a good, and loving mother, as she agonizes through labor to bring beautiful life into this world is God Glorifying, Christ Exalting, and to me the very humble "helper", a sacred, and holy moment. Who would go through such an ordeal for an accident, or if life weren't a sacred gift from God. Life IS beautiful in every sense of the word (Life and Beautiful), and women like my wife preach it without words, in a way that can be understood by anyone willing to see and hear.
Samuel Tyler Ross was born on March 3, 2010 after an epic and heroic struggle, full of both pain and sacrifice. The very fact that he exists in the world today is attributed to the Grace of God, and his mother's efforts to give birth to him. He is a special gift, and a person created for eternal purpose.
We left for the Hospital for a planned inducement. Amy had been second guessing herself on planning the inducement all week, as it was scheduled only a 1 day past her 40th week, but as it turned out she made the right decision. The woman who delivered Ava, Debbie Nussbaum, delivered Samuel as well. After speaking with her about the possibility of a c-section early yesterday afternoon, it kind of eased her mind about the Inducement decision. We found out that Ava had a very bad shoulder distocia(sp), and we found out yesterday that it was extremely bad. Ava's broad shoulders (knowing her now, you'd have never thought it), were trapped on Amy's pelvis, with her head hanging out of Amy. From what Debbie said, there was really only one other possible course of action if Ava would have not came out from the epesiotomy. So, because Samuel is a boy, it brought concern enough to offer Amy a c-section. They tried to get a good feel for Samuel, and like the ultrasound and previous hand measurements concluded, Samuel was just an average sized boy. Not more than 8 lbs probably. So, we (she) decided to proceed.
Throughout the morning Amy's contractions really weren't that bad. They had her cranked up to 18 on Pitocin (it is just a number to me, but evidently higher = stronger). She still really didn't feel much, and we were fairly upbeat, joking about her bouncing around on her little birthing ball. They decided to break her water, and at that point it was on. Time completely slowed as it progressed, and I was reminded of what the term "white knuckles" means. And then at exactly 4:00, after a bit of screaming and God given strength, Samuel was born at 9lbs 7oz and 22.5 inches. Much greater than what was expected.
I know my wife is imperfect as I am, and far to often I see her Imperfections or complain about them, but I believe true character and beauty reveals itself through difficulty. It amazes me that through the entire birthing process, she kept a Christlike attitude towards those tending to her, and to me as well. At most times, she was more concerned about me (having not eaten), or Samuel's well being. She is an incredible woman, and a true example of living out Christianity in love. I love her and admire her.
Here are some pictures. Thanks to all of our friends and family who have prayed for us in these 9 months, and these past few days. God Heard.
