We had a grand-baby this week!

They called us about 3:30 am and said it was time. Olivia and I followed them on the way to the doula’s house to labor before we went to the hospital… and the labor pool.

Her labor was horrible back labor for about 12 hours. She would cry out to God for a little break, and about 3 times He gave her 5 minutes or so to ‘rest’. It was awful!!!! Just being real.

Her doula was WONDERFUL.

Josh never left her side.

When her water broke while she was out of the labor pool, Javi had pooed, so they would not let her back in the pool and wanted her IN THE BED so they could monitor baby. Emma said there was no way she could have that kind of pain and not be able to move around (the pool was a HUGE help).

Her doctor, who was wonderful, checked her and said she was STILL 7 cm. which is where she had been for a while. When Emma asked him how much longer he told her she would not be having the baby in the next couple of hours… this is when she said she’d take the epidural.

She clasped on the bed and cried the worse GRIEVING cry I have ever heard out of her… she felt like a failure. The doctor and doula both got in her face and told her she was not a failure, the meconium changed the game plan and that she was not at fault. They had to do what was best for baby.

The doctor quickly called for an IV and the epidural, everyone was hustling.

At this point Emma got up to use the bathroom and called out, “I feel the baby’s head… I think she is coming!”

The doctor came back in fast… yes, indeed baby was coming!

The room ERUPTED with all of us giving loud praises to God… doctor and nurses included. I even saw a nurse raise her hands heavenward… she saw Emma struggle all day and knew how badly she wanted a natural birth.

Literally in 1-2 minutes she went from 7 to ready to birth — and no epidural!!! God granted her the desire of her heart.

Next day the doctor and doula both said they witnessed a miracle!

She stood and squatted and then pushed a few times… actually she most likely pushed too soon because she was so ready to be DONE! Because of this, she tore badly.

The doctor and baby were behind Emma for delivery, Josh was standing face to face with Emma. Javi did not do well at first, limp, not breathing good… no cry. My heart sunk. 27 years ago this week I gave birth to my first baby who died the day after birth. It was a very surreal few moments.

Josh kept Emma looking away. The doctor quickly worked at stimulating her, suctioned her and gave her oxygen, then she was fine. Praise God!

It was one of the most horrible days watching MY baby suffer incredible pain, but it was one of the most glorious days as I watched my baby want what was BEST for her daughter, even at the cost of horrific pain. And then to witness a miracle and see new life come forth! Simply Glorious!

I think on how Jesus suffered such horrific pain because of what was BEST for us… so that we can have new life in grace and not in the law.

I was so proud of Josh. I heard him whisper words of encouragement to Emma has she struggled. I could see on his face that he wanted her pain to be over. I could tell he would have given into an epidural just to give her relief. I think we overlook the emotional struggle the dads go through.

They have to be strong when they are helpless to aid the one they love the most.

Josh is a real hero. He never left Emma’s side. He is a devoted husband and I believe he will be a dad who will never jump ship.

 

Javelin Grace -Piercing the Darkness with Truth

 

At one point during labor Emma sang/moaned the song used in this video, Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer. It seemed fitting to use it for this.

 

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You can see their love story and wedding video here.