Watching a New Life come into the world...

Just NEVER gets old!

As I write this, I'm sitting at the bedside of precious friends; as we struggle through the arrival of their first baby - an undeniably awesome privilege!

"My contractions are 4-5 minutes apart - we're going to the hospital!" Was the anticipatory text I received.

That was at about 1:30 this afternoon.....It's now three minutes past 11pm; and still no baby!

For hours on end, 'D' has been warring through contraction after strong contraction; easily 1 - 2 minutes apart; sometimes less.

"I just want him out."
"Why won't he come?"
Her frustration is justified. How long Lord?

I was asked to play the part of labor coach for this sweet couple because (having given birth to four children; two natural births, and one at home), they consider me a trusted and knowledgeable resource. (Follow me on this one.) But as I see my friend labor, hour after hour with her husband at her side, I can't help but feel like my husband and I are in their shoes again. Traveling down a scary and wonderful road that we've never been on before. Hearing stories and what could or did happen, but really, not knowing what to expect.

For 9 months now, we've been working on Rachel's adoption. Taking classes, filling out paperwork (and more paperwork, and more paperwork), being seen by doctors - being seen by doctors again. Poked, prodded, tested, interviewed.
"Will we have enough money for this?" We wonder.
"Is everything going to turn out all right?"
"When will she get here!?"

And as we get closer and closer to Rachel's 16th birthday - closer and closer to the point where, due to her age, we risk not being able to bring her home at all; the inevitable question escapes our lips:
"Why hasn't she come yet?"

When my friend asked this question just a little while ago, I knew what was true. I knew the comforting words to say. "He's coming D! When you see his sweet face in just a little while; it will all have been worth it! Each of these (painful) contractions are doing something, and I know one thing for sure; you're not moving backward. It's only forward from here."

Ahh. Comforting words indeed. This process of adoption is painful, but with each constricting squeeze, we move forward towards seeing our daughter - with the cheering words of our adoption-experienced friends to get us through.....

..........oh my goodness!.....it's time to push!!

......Welcome to the world little man!! Way to go D & G - you guys are rock stars!

....."It was totally worth it."