Hello Family and Friends, this is Jordan.
First of all, Christina and I cannot express enough our gratitude for all of your prayers and support with our pregnancy this year.
A special thank you goes to Tia Brenda for flying in and taking care of Magdalene, Tobias, Philomena, Theodore, Francis and Josephina, while we were in the hospital.
Additionally, we must thank our Spiritual Intercessors for this pregnancy, as well, as we know very well, that we did nothing to "deserve" the many graces and blessings bestowed upon us.
Thank you, God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Blessed Mary every virgin (Specific Titles: Virgin of Childbirth and La Leche), St. Joseph, St. Philomena, St. Therese, St. Raphael the Archangel, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, Fr. Daniel Cooper, to name a few.
Lastly, our heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Scwhartz and all of the caring nurses and staff at the Hospital.
The well trodden path of pregnancy and childbirth is not an easy one, as you all know quite well. Each of our journeys, or rather "pilgrimages", have been unique, yet similar.
As for me, from a Husbands perspective, the pilgrimage of childbirth is one of great Joy (i.e. Announcement - Christina wearing a "Mommy of 7" shirt), and Anticipation (i.e. Boy or Girl? Cut the cake Philomena "It's Pink!!!!, "Will she have dark hair like me?" - Mena, "It's a Baby Boy." - Francis ), with a somber note of Concern/Fear of the Unknown.
As the Climax of pregnancy draws closer, the concern/fear become a reality that must be faced, not alone, but rather, together, as Husband and wife.
This pregnancy was no different.
The child birth experience was very similar to the previous five (5).
Christina was prepared for childbirth (met the anesthesiologist, signed consent forms,etc.) and taken to the Operating Room, while I scrubbed in the the Doctor and Surgeon. I watched and waited, looking into the OR, focusing on Christina's face, until they motioned me to come in.
I took my place by her side, praying and thanking her for her willful gift of self and the sacrifice she undergoes to bring our children into the world.
Sounds from the other side of the operating table curtain let us know the moment was getting closer. Then we heard it, the cry of our new baby daughter, Anastasia Maria, as she emerged into the world. The Doctor holds her over the curtain for Christina and I to see and a sense of relief overtakes us as we hear the OR staff say that's she's a healthy little girl.
Christina gently tells me to go to her. No words are spoken, only gracious thoughts of thanksgiving and joy to be blessed with another life in our family. I can't say a word for a minute or two, I just admire her precious features and thank Christina, by my glances, for being the mother to our children. When I can speak I tell Christina who she resembles and that everything is okay.
Once Anastasia's APGAR scores have been recorded, I go with the nurses back to the Nursery where Anastasia is weighed, measured, etc. Meanwhile, in the OR, the Surgeon and doctor take great care to mend Christina and prepare her to meet Anastasia.
While in the Nursery, I get to hold Anastasia for the first time and admire her petite features. The doctor comes up and tells us how everything went perfectly for Christina and the baby (Those words always bring an indescribable sense of peace).
I travel with Anastasia to the recovery room where Mother and Daughter meet for the first time. A true embrace does not occur as the effects of anesthesia prevent Christina from holding Anastasia. After 30 minutes or so, Christina, Anastasia and I make our way to the our room, with the help of the ever watchful nurses. Then Christina and Anastasia embrace for the first time. Her little eyes focus intently on Christina. In that moment, the bond of Mother to daughter is established.
I cannot thank you enough Christina for being my wife and mother to our children. You are an inspiration to me and continue to help me to become a better Husband and Father. I couldn't imagine my life without you. You are my Best Friend and Greatest Support.
Through each of these pilgrimages we continue to grow as one (1).
I Love You and Thank you.
I won't go on, but want you to know that both Christina and Anastasia are doing very well and we will be discharged today, 04Mar20.
Below are some pictures of the week.
Enjoy!
ANNOUNCEMENT
March 1st 2020 ( Pre-Baby Date Night!!!)
Recovery Room - 1st Meeting
I love my New Baby Sister - But I Love Culver's Shakes too!
