Amelia Frances Carel joined our family today, January 15, 2010 at 12:48 p.m. She weighs 8 pounds 6 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long.
Formed nine months ago as two cells meet, then perfectly knit together in the womb, the miracle of birth is an awesome display of God’s majestic splendor. Today I met my daughter for the very first time and although I have experienced the joy of being a new father three times before, the awe and wonderment of it all overwhelms me.
We chose this time to have our birth at our home under the amazing care and supervision of our midwife, Rene’e. It was such a privilege to share this miracle of new life with such a wonderful and godly woman. She and her assistant Rose Marie prayed and cared for Gretchen as she labored and then delivered. They graciously served us and made this experience a joy.
Mark and Jody Robinson drove from Illinois to be here for the birth. Jody has been at each of our children's births and it was such a privilege to have her with us again. She chased kids when necessary, helped prepare food, set up, cleaned up, took video, took pictures (amazing pictures of Amelia's first moments of life), encouraged and comforted us both. We did not see much of Mark as he had kid duty. What a gift to have them with us.
Gretchen and I were able to share a last minute date night last night and enjoyed a dinner and some time together “hanging out.” The birth was amazing. Her water broke at 3:00 a.m. about two hours after we went to bed. She progressed through the night and morning until about 11ish when labor truly began. We filled the tub (plastic kiddy pool) and prepared for the water birth. Gretchen was strong and I was very proud of her, after only about five strong contractions in the water, Amelia decided it was time to meet her expectant family. Gretchen caught Amelia and pulled her up and to her chest....amazing. We covered her and held her while Jake cut the cord. Each of the kids got to see, touch and kiss her before knowing whether they had a brother or sister.
The whole process was surreal. I look forward to the joy that this new life will bring to our family.
31 comments:
Congratulation Gretchen and Ed. She is absolutely beautiful! We cannot wait to meet her.
Oh My word, I can not wait to hug and kiss you both. She is BEAUTIFUL. She is Perfect. I am so happy for you. I am being a cry baby at my computer right now. I am so PROUD of you. You look so natural. I am so happy that we get to be a part of this blessing's life. Her name is so courageous, and lovely. I will stop being so blubbery. Whisper in her ear tonight that Aunt Vicki Loves her so and can not wait to hold her on Sunday. Oh ya, and totally help and serve you too Gretchen. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! You too Ed:)) Ok, You three Jake, Sophie and Vivi:)))
What a great story! Very well written, Ed. Congratulations to your whole family. Amelia is beautiful. Sounds like it was a wonderful birth experience. Can't wait to see you guys next week!
I can not stop staring. I just love your family. If you ever need somewhere for Sophie to go I will take her. Look at her being such a great Mommy. Ok I will stop, see you Sunday:))
What a blessing! Amelia is beautiful. God is so good! Congratulations to you all! Please call on us if you need anything at all.
Oh My!!!! Congratulations!!!! She is absolutely beautiful...just like every member in her family!!!!! Thank you or sharing..I am soooo happy for you and your family! We can't wait to meet her. I would love to bring you a meal! I will contact you guys in a few days. God bless all six of you!!!!
Blessings,
C.H.
Absolutely beautiful! What a great website! We are so very happy for you all! Blessing to you and have a great weekend getting to know your sweet Amelia!
Much love,
The Culps
Thank you for sharing your joyous news. It is truly a privilege to know you and a blessing to be a friend of your family. We eagerly await our time to meet Amelia. What an inspiration the Carels are to me.
Love to you all,
Liz
She is Beautiful!!!! Can hardly wait until we see her.
She looks just like her brother and sisters but am sure she will have her own little personality too.
Grandma & Grandpa
Gretchen and Ed, We are just filled with JOY over this great news! Amelia is a beautiful baby, and we join you in the wonderment of God's MIRACULOUS creation. CONGRATULATIONS! We celebrate with you!! Your blog is awesome, and your whole family looks fabulous and exudes the love of Jesus. Gosh, we need to get to know you better.
Much love,
C and B
What a glorious day! I will never have enough words...
WOW! What an awesome story of the birth of your newest daughter! She is perfect and beautiful! Gretchen, you did an amazing job! So proud of you. I can't wait to meet her!!
Wow!! The Rowland Family is so happy for you!! Amelia Frances is beautiful!! What a precious new little princess to add to your family! Thanks for sharing her birth story with us. Gretchen! I'm so proud of you! What a courageous and incredible woman you are!
Love, Jane
How wonderful!
Congratulations to you all!
Welcome to Baby Amelia, and congratulations Vivienne on becoming a Big Sister for the first time!
Best Wishes,
The Walls
Congratulations Ed & Gretchen & Family!!!
We are so happy for you! What a precious little lady!!!
Matthew
Amazing and Beautiful! So excited for you and your family. Well done!
Yippee! So exciting! And Jacob got to cut the cord. I'm so happy for you all! She's just beatiful! I can't wait to see her!
Katie
Gretchen and Ed-
She is so beautiful. What a precious gift to add to your family treasury! May God richly bless you and your family as you set a Godly example of loving life and living life!
We are so very happy for you!
Love and Hugs from the Polleys!
WOW!!!! You did it!!!!! Water birth, home birth, big baby
Awesome job girl- can't wait to hear more!!!
Congratulations! We rejoice with you. Your blog is so special! Thanks for sharing your great news with us! She is precious! Can't wait to see her in person! Love, The Marshalls
She is beautiful. I love the pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Love you guys
Oh my! what a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations to you Gretchen! You are so blessed to have
had this experience with your family surrounding you. Praise God!!! I was just thinking this
week that you must have already had her, but what a welcome surprise this morning!
Thanks for putting the sunshine in my day today!
Congratulations to all of the Carels!
Blessings, Elisabeth
Gretchen,
Thank you so much for the kind words. I never expected such an honor to be included in your blog in such a way. I am so honored and blessed that you chose me to be a part of your birth. You have a special family that will always have a place in my heart and prayers.
I love the pics! I can't wait to see the others. Miss Amelia was a beautiful blue. Wasn't she? :) Hopefully the underwater pic shows her sweet PINK head as she was being born.
See you tomorrow.
Many Blessings,
Rene'e
She is beautiful. God is amazing. What faitfulness God shows in blessing with children.
Leanch Family
Congratulations! What a lovely birth story. Enjoy her - in my experience, 4th babies are easy.
Oh my goodness! She is BEAUTIFUL!
Maria
Congratulations Gretchen and Ed! She is so beautiful!! What a beautiful story and blog. I loved it! Way to go Gretchen!!! Blessings, Cynthia
Gosh, I have goose-bumps. What a lovely birth story. Jake's face in one of those last pics is so lit up!! I don't think I'll ever look at a kiddie pool the same again :) You're a hero, Gretchen.
Congratulations to you all. Amelia is so blessed to be received into the world with so much love.
xo
Great pictures!!
I finally got to look at this tonight, Gretchen! How beautiful! Thank you for sharing your birth story.
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