Birthday Slideshow

The Name

Michael is named after his grandpa, a hard-working man who faithfully loves and serves his wife, family, church, friends and neighbors. He is a man who has surrendered his life to JC. It's our hope that Titus and Michael will be best buddies with all their young and fantastic grandparents -- Mike, Jon, Louise & Jen -- even across the miles and with visits less than we'd like!

Isaac is given as a middle name because Drew & I want to remember the story of Abraham and Isaac as we raise our boys. Abraham was willing to obey his Heavenly Father, even unto the point of giving up what he most held dear -- Isaac -- because he believed that his Heavenly Father was completely trustworthy and loved Isaac more than Abraham ever could!


The Birth Story

Michael's Creator heard all our requests. We asked for a healthy, happy, brown-eyed little boy, born on a Sunday morning via natural waterbirth. Asked for a shorter labor, too. Got all that and more.

I started light contractions at 2am. Went for a walk and hung out in the cool night. Labor picked up around 4am. We timed some contractions around 5am, and called the midwife to touch base. I was experiencing back labor, and crawling around on all fours seemed to be the best way to cope with the pain. Seriously, I was doing crawl-laps around the living room.

6am it was time to go to the hospital. Off we went --- a 20 minute drive to Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN. Titus was born here, too. I love the Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) here because they are supportive of natural childbirth. Anyway, I was dilated to 5cm/7cm during contractions. Still crawling around on the floor. Baby's heart rate was doing awesome (you don't want it to drop).

Got into the waterbirth tub at about 7am. If you've never heard of the advantages of waterbirth, google it! It's amazing for mom and for baby. It relaxes mom, and gives baby a nice transition from water-in-the-womb, to warm water of the tub. Rather than ho-ho-ho and he-he-he-ing through contractions, I sang to baby, to myself and to Abba. Why moan and groan when you can sing?

Ok, so Michael started to come down, and I had tons of back labor because his head was digging into my tailbone. Finally, he turned. After some screaming and a few good pushes he was out and onto my chest! Amazing!

Drew cut the cord (yuck, I can't watch that). Drew is an awesome labor support person.

Michael was nice and pink and content from the first second. He did some skin-to-skin time with Dad while I delivered the placenta. Immediately after that he nursed. Drew and I were both surprised at how good he is at nursing. The midwife described him as Piranha-style.

Though there was some soreness, we all felt like a million bucks and had a fabulous day celebrating with our families. Michael is a handsome little guy and looks just like Drew.


So all praise goes where it is due -- to Michael's Creator. thank You.


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The Cutest

My husband says that I have to go to bed (it's not even 9:30). He's right. But I got to keep this blog fresh. So here's the cutest picture of Mikey from his birthday. More cute pictures of all of us tomorrow...maybe. I hope.

Let me just say that everything is going great; Titus is a good big brother, Drew is an awesome husband/dad, I'm doing swell, and Mikey is a professional nurser/sleeper. We're so thankful.

Love,

Rachel


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Michael Isaac Arrives

Michael Isaac was born today, July 18th at 8:21 am after 6 hours of labor. 8 pounds 2 ounces. 21 3/4 inches long. Waterbirth.

Beautiful. Energetic. Content. Happy.

Mommy is doing great. Thanks for all your thoughts!

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Baby Mike Sucking His Fingers

As of Friday evening, July 16th, baby Mike has not been born yet. But here's an ultrasound picture of him sucking on his fingers on Wednesday morning, July 14th. (I know you're probably looking at that picture thinking "where??")

I met with my midwife today. All my body's signs say that labor is imminent. I'm already a week overdue, but I still have another whole week before an induction is suggested. Please Ask that Michael will come naturally before next Thursday evening!

Keep checking our blog to see if he has been delivered. We'll post the happy news from the hospital, as soon as possible.

thanks,

Drew & Rach


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Titus, You're Cute

Reverse Culture Shock

I've only lived in China for a year and a half. When we moved to China, I knew that I'd likely experience culture shock, and I intentionally took on the attitude of a Chinese culture-learner. I thought that returning to my home culture, for this summer, would be natural. But in fact, I'm surprised at how difficult it was in the first weeks.

Part of the difficultly is related to my role as the home-manager mother. In Changsha we are just a little family of three -- very independent and autonomous. While our extended families are gracious, accommodating and kind for allowing us to stay with them, I miss being Mom of the House.

Another part of the difficultly is related to my role in the community. In Changsha my purpose is very defined and every day feels rich, full of relationships and seeing Abba work through me. Here in Minnesota, I want to be a servant, encourager and disciple-maker, but I feel directionless. Where to start? Who? What are the needs? Where are the opportunities? Our life is divided between Hutchinson (most of our friends) and the Twin Cities (Chinese community). Not to mention I'm having a baby right smack in the middle of the summer.

I am seeking to be thankful and content with the plans my Abba has for me. If you do think of me, this would be a fitting thing to uplift.


Rachel



p.s. today is baby Michael's due date!

p.s.s. Drew is not experiencing so much reverse culture shock -- for a number of reasons, one being than he is gifted as an adaptable, content guy.

Swimmer Babies

I feel like my life has come full-circle, taking my son to swim at the exact same community pool where I spent many summers as a kid. Nothing has changed.

Titus did awesome at the pool -- repeatedly dunking himself under the water and liking it. We always say that he likes swimming because he was born in the water (waterbirth). He must have swallowed about a gallon of water, though.

And here's the bathing beauty with bathing cutie at 39 weeks! That's right folks, Michael is expected to arrive in the next couple days. But I'm as certain as anyone can be that he's going to be born late.


I'd like to write a post about reverse culture shock. Maybe I'll get to that later this weekend. Happy 4th of July!

Rachel

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Fun on The Farm

June 19th -- Happy 25th Birthday Drew!!!


Titus has a new best buddy named Gunnar.


Buildin' stuff with Dad and Grandpa.


Watering Grandma's flowers.


Pickin' peas.


Flying Uncle Paul's remote-control plane.


Shootin' clays.

Nick & Erica came from Birmingham!!! They went flying with Paul the pilot.


Chinese Culture Nights: Tons of food, lots of guests, a couple culture-learning games. Big hit. We'll be having at least three more this summer. Do you want to come?


The creek is flooding at my Grandmother's house.


Four generations: Jen, Ruth, Rachel (w/Michael), Titus.


Fish kiss? or...
nice kiss?


Drew and Grandpa were working hard -- trimming trees and makin' fence to extend the horse pasture. Then Grandpa won't have to bail so much hay.


Driving the skid-loader.

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