New Baby!

At around 3:30 on Sunday morning Sarah and I had both woken up, which had been the norm the last couple of months. Sarah had some back pains and then decided to go to the bathroom. She thought that her water broke, but was not for sure until she laid back down and started to have contractions. We both took a shower and prepared everything to leave. Sarah said that it was like getting ready for going to Six flags because of getting up early and being so excited. Sarah even did her hair, which she claimed was not as far fetched to do while in labor as her aunt who also did her make-up. Southerners, unbelievable. We grabbed everything (except Sarah’s purse that had all her ID’s in it) and our friend Monica met us at our apartment to go with us. Being that it was 4:30 in the morning, traffic was fortunately light. Upon arriving, we sent Monica back the 40 minute drive to get Sarah’s ID (thanks Monica) and I dealt with the payment stuff while Sarah got checked out upstairs. Unfortunately, insurance proved to be a pain again, but the staff here was very kind. In our tour of the hospital, we were shown the five rooms Sarah would be switched to through labor and her stay in the hospital. But after the first check up room, they moved her straight to the labor room because she was having a quick labor. After the contractions got worse and worse, we had the anesthesiologist come and give her some shots (not an epidural) and that relieved the pain enough for her to really be able to push more. For a while Evelyn would pop back up every time Sarah pushed her down, but after the doctor told Sarah she would have to have a C-section if Evelyn did not come out soon, she came out on the next contraction. I have never seen Sarah so relieved, excited and happy all at the same time in my life. I have also never been more proud of her. She did a great job and we were so excited. It took Evelyn a while to warm up after her bath, but it did not seem to worry any of the nurses. Soon after weighing, measuring, footprinting, bathing and warming her she arrived in her mother’s arms again.
We praise God for this little miracle He has entrusted us with for this passing moment. We had wanted Sarah’s mom and sister to be here to witness the birth, but once we arrived at the hospital, we found out that they would only have been able to come in once, one on one day, and the other on the next from 3-5 in the afternoon. The swine flu has scared people down here into making some crazy little rules. So the actual date of their arrival, Tuesday, will actually work out perfect because it will be our first day at home. So it has been neat to see God’s sovereignty in even the little things in life!

Just thought I would brag a little here. I feel fine doing that as long as it has nothing to do with me. Two of my brothers are going to be having their work shown in Grand Rapids soon. Phil for a short film: http://www.grfilmfestival.com/film.php?filmID=84

and Dan for his paintings: http://www.artprize.org/artist/id/4108

Both are very talented in what they do and I am looking forward to what they do in the future.

Family

I guess I do a lot of posts (in proportion to how many posts I actually write) dealing with family, but I guess it is because family is important. Recently I feel like I have seen a little bit about what the Bible says about family in one part of the Bible. Someone asked Jesus about leaving their family for His sake and He replied saying that they would receive a hundred fold as far as family goes. I think what He meant by that has something to do with what we have experienced here in Brasil.
By no merit of our own, we have a bunch of mothers here and fathers and brothers and sisters. There are so many people that would do so much for us and care so much about us. Recently we moved to an apartment where we will live for six months. We needed a few little things like plates, cups, and other kitchen things as well as a few other items. We had so many people here help us out with whatever we needed. Also to rent we needed a cosigner. And the process is a lot more involved with cosigners here. We had a friend who took care of so much of it for us and even though he is very busy, was available for whatever we needed. The relationships here have been amazing and we are so blessed despite how much we do not deserve it.
I write this not meaning to talk about ourselves, but just cause I thought that it is neat to show how God provides and fulfills His promises.

Family

Last night we had our family Christmas for my side of the family. All my siblings were there and I was able to attend on skype. It was a very interesting experience, but I would have rather been there in person. I have the coolest family in the world. Every sibling is different and brings a whole new dynamic to a get-together. I wanted to add to the fun, but my jokes are usually pretty bad, and online on a phone, they are even worse. Oh well.
I experienced a first too in that they opened our presents for us in front of the camera. That was pretty interesting, although it was kind of hard because we cannot remember everything we received. We will actually get them next month when we are home for Sarah's sister's wedding. It was also interesting with giving presents as we had other people buy for us. My brother Dan did a great job and got everyone great stuff.
Moral of the story: Don't take being with your family for granted, even if it is a family reunion and everyone gets on your nerves.