The Birth of Trisha Lynn

Is there anything in this whole wide world more amazing and incredible than the miracle of birth? I don't think so! How anyone can be any part of the birth process and not believe in a God who lovingingly and meticulously planned it all is beyond me.

Early on the morning of 7 November, Christy called to let us know she had been having contractions 5 minutes apart for several hours and that I should cancel my participation at the Atherton Baptist Homes Board meeting, with apologies to friend and CEO Dennis, help her daddy finish loading the van, and head to Sacramento. Neil and I headed out with prayers going up and heavy feet, if you know what I mean! It's usually for us a 6 1/2 - 7 hour drive, but that morning, it only took 6 hours. The big question: would we get there in time?

Funny how "the big question" became totally immaterial because Chris and Rich were sent back home late that morning, after 6 hours of 5-minute contractions, which then slowed down but continued throughout the day and night. Chris suggested playing Five Crowns that evening after we got Jon to bed, a favorite activity of the four of us. It provided a great distraction from the contractions. Here's a pic of Rich poking Trisha, saying, "It's alright to come out now!"

Leaving Neil (aka "Papa") home with little Jon that Saturday morning, the three of us went back to the hospital, after 32 hours + of contractions, with the waters leaking this time. Chris was getting really tired from dealing with the pain of the contractions, which were long and strong but not as close or predictable as they'd been the morning before.

Decisions? Here you are in the midst of a long and painful endurance process, concerned about getting through labor, fervently praying for the safe delivery of a precious and healthy little person, and the medical people expect you to make decisions! What's with this? Although the original desire had been to do without meds, Chris and Rich made an excellent choice in having an epidural, which she said was definitely one of the best decisions of her life, given all that came thereafter. Here's a pic of a relieved Chris on drugs and finally without pain!

Taking her own sweet time in joining us in the "real world", Trisha Lynn Carter was born at 6:08 a.m. on Sunday, 9 November 2008, weighing in at 8 pounds 15.9 ounces at 20 inches long. "Papa Frey" would like you to note that her initials are TLC, and TLC is definitely what she gets!

When this precious little one was born, the cord was wrapped around her neck, so there were seemingly endless minutes (seconds??) of waiting to hear her cry while two nurses worked on her to get her to give that first critical little wail -- and little it was, but oh, so welcome! Talk about added incentive for intense prayer!

That first little sound brought tears to all our eyes, believe me. The relief was great!

It's a long time since I've pulled an all-nighter, but I can't think of a more worthy cause than being with my baby while she had her baby. Since Jon was transverse, and thus had to be a C-section, watching the miracle of birth was a new experience for Chris & Rich. As you know, if you've experienced it, it is overwhelming and powerful. As I said earlier, how can you be part of that process and not believe in a God who created this plan of conception and birth? God is awesome!!

Although our first labor/delivery nurse hoped and expected that we would deliver on her shift, we actually got to spend almost the entire 12-hour shift with our second labor/delivery nurse, Danielle, pictured here with Chris, Rich, and little Trisha in the delivery room.
Neil and I are rejoicing in adding this third beautiful grandbaby to our family. Mea who is 9, Jon who just turned 3 this week, and now Trisha Lynn add such an amazing dimension of love and delight to our lives. Our hearts are filled with great joy and thanksgiving!