Moriah's Birth

It’s hard to believe it’s been over a week since our little Moriah was born.  I had a home birth this time (my first and long-desired) and absolutely loved doing things that way.

No bumpy drive to the hospital in the throes of agonizing contractions.  No one waking me in the middle of the night to empty my trash can or take my blood pressure.  In fact, no hospital red tape whatsoever.  Ahhh.

Instead, I had my baby where I was most comfortable—at home.  I know everyone is different regarding what’s comfortable for them, but I’ll tell you—this was perfect for me.

In case you’re wondering . . . the kids were at home but no, they were not present during the birth.  I’m not quite that laid back.

Joseph having his turn snuggling his new baby sister

But later, when my midwife was neatly trimming up Moriah’s cord and weighing and measuring her, everyone was in the room.  I loved that.  Hannah, Joseph and Elisabeth were piled up on the bed with Moriah and had front row seats as they eagerly watched all the goings-on, while I basked in the moment as I looked on from the couch, enjoying all their excitement.

For some reason 4-yr old Elisabeth kept singing How Firm a Foundation during this whole time.  What a blessing she is.  She just likes to sing and likes that song, but she had no idea of how truly appropriate it was for that moment.  Or how much it meant to her mother.

You see, we discovered at birth that our sweet, precious Moriah has Down syndrome.  At least we were fairly certain at birth, then completely convinced the next morning as we reviewed the list of traits with our midwife and saw that Moriah had a number of Down’s characteristics.

That would have sent us into a tailspin, but for our firm foundation.

Through a variety of circumstances, I feel that God prepared us, and especially my mother’s heart, for any outcome regarding my pregnancy and birth.  Not that I fretted over all the what-if’s, but that I was resolved to be okay with His plans and purposes, even if they weren’t quite what I would have chosen—his grace at work.

So we’re at peace, trusting in the sovereignty of God.  We believe Romans 8:28 is true and also that children are a blessing (and not just the “perfect” ones.)  And while there surely have been tears in thinking of the struggles this little one will face, we also believe that each life is precious and created for God’s purposes.

It’s been a busy week adjusting to life with a newborn, as well as learning all we can about Down syndrome and the challenges that lie ahead.

Fortunately, Moriah seems healthy and has no present heart concerns.  But, as with most babies with Down syndrome, nursing her is quite difficult for a variety of reasons.  We’re getting the job done, but it sure isn’t easy, and we appreciate your prayers for that.

Aside from the feeding issues, however, she is by far the easiest baby I’ve had.  See how sweet and content she is?

Psalm 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.