Sunday, January 24, 2010

The Week/Weekend/Birthday I'll Never Forget

Where to start?

Last week was FULL of taking care of various PWOC Asia things. I had been "on break" while the boys were here, and things had piled up.

A highlight of the week was hosting our weekly Bible study group in our home again. We are still finishing up Beth Moore's, Esther.

I spent a significant amount of time recreating my notes for a 7 hour Inductive Bible Study Workshop. I have no clue what computer ate them....but it is a computer that I no longer own.

Yesterday was the Bible Study Workshop. I realized, as I began, and Mike was making encouraging signs from behind the women, that he'd never heard me speak before. He isn't usually at Women's Bible Studies or Ladies Retreats. He seemed to really enjoy the whole experience and I must say he was the BEST workshop prep team I've ever seen. The day went well.

As the day wore on, I noted that one lady was standing up periodically and getting a bit red in the face, then sitting down and joining back in. I'm observant this way....us teacher types are. ::snort:: Seriously, Tanya went into labor. It became apparent that the contractions were becoming more intense and more frequent. Mike finished the section on Word Studies (which we'd planned anyway) and I walked Tanya over to the hospital. I could have driven her but I knew if they were false pains they'd go away....and they increased. They were 3 - 4 min apart when we reached the hospital. How fun! I got to walk the halls and visit with Tanya. I got to bounce on the birthing balls between a contraction - because she didn't want to. I left when her dh arrived.

Today, I got to hold a darling 9 lb baby boy - born on my birthday. Mike took a photo. I told Tanya this photo will be shown at every workshop from now on - much like Sarah's James observation sheet is currently shown. I'm going to tell everyone at workshops that I expect great things of them during the day - and challenge them to "try to top this"!

We had lunch at the food court. We had ice cream. Arielle played Happy Birthday and everyone else sang.

A package with goodies for all arrived from Mom and Dad.

I got lots of hugs at chapel.

I received gifts and I'll have to show photos of that later.

I got incredibly sweet emails from Jamin and Josiah.

I was able to skype with Krista and Bre.

I spent the past couple of hours downloading the Digital version of our curriculum. I'm EXCITED. We were able to get the DE for only $20 when we ordered the print version. Mike wanted print in case the company ever goes out of business....we'll still have something. Makes sense...but I think we are going to have the best of both worlds.

I started researching the world of Doulas. Tanya says I'd make a good one...and she should know...she watched me bounce on the birthing ball.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

14 comments:

Linda said...

Happy birthday a few days late!

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

Thank ya, it was yesterday the 24th- I think you're right on time American time.

Paula said...

Happy Birthday! I'm sure you would be a fabulous doula. That's something I have on my hope-to-do list, saved for the day when I don't have babies of my own, though (and who knows when that might be)!

Adriane said...

Happy Belated Birthday!

berrypatch said...

I had forgotten - my FIL shares your birthday. We did cake & ice-cream for supper tonight for him. Well, it's the 25th for you, but still the 24th here. ;-) Happy belated birthday and yeah - it all sounds very memorable!!! I loved bouncing on the birthing ball though & used it a lot for my last two boys.. LOL

Darshia said...

Happy Belated Birthday!

Romany said...

What a privilage to be able to spend time with Tanya on such a special day for her.

Happy birthday to you!

Renee said...

Back in March 1993 at Fort Hood, TX I went into labor with James at PWOC. I had ladies asking me when I was due and I would answer --- I'm having lots of contractions. I went home after the session ended, had lunch, tried to take a nap, called dh and went off to the hospital to give birth

Debbie said...

What a day! I think you would be a terrific Doula...think of all the experience you've had. :-)

Sure sounds like your birthday was a good one. Happy, belated birthday greetings.

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

I would LOVE to be a Doula....but I wonder if this is yet the time. I need to figure out how much time it takes....because I know that I'm called to serve Asia Region faithfully for two years....

Cynthia said...

What a FUN b-day experience!

Anonymous said...

SIS: WHEW!! What a week. However, what a special thing that on your birthday you were able to be with another lady who was having her baby....... Glad you got to do that.

love/prayers - Mom T.

Lois said...

Ok, I'll show my ignorance. What is a doula? Does she wear a grass skirt?

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

Lois - a DOULA is a lady who attends births. She's not a coach (but could be if needed), she supports the family in what they want, allows hubbies to take breaks,encourages the laboring lady...that sort of thing.