Leila Evangeline

                                                        Waiting...
                                                        
                                                        waiting...

                                                        waiting...
                                                    
 Walking what felt like miles in the hot, dusty corridor outside our room.
Feeling willing to do anything to sustain the contractions that had been coming intermittently for weeks thanks to illness, heat & caring for my family.
 Hearing the mosque call to prayer.
Offering snatches of Ps. 139 as timing to my steps.
You hem me in behind & before. You lay Your Hand upon me...

 

 

 

 

 

 

A labor of love that began with 4 hours of light contractions and then started in earnest at 11:30 am on March 5, 2013. The physical labor ended at 2:50pm when a little girl took her first oxygenated breath in the delivery room of Egon German Clinic, Abelemkpe, Accra. The truest labor of love has now begun as we begin the journey of shepherding another soul.

We are happy to introduce Leila Evangeline Sauder.

March 5, 2013 at 2:50pm

6lbs 8oz, 18 inches long

Her first few minutes were quiet. A few squeals proved healthy lungs, but she took in her surroundings with calm eyes.

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Annabelle & Angela, the midwives who delivered Leila are overseeing her first set of clothes We agreed to their recommendation of removing only facial vernix, leaving the first bath for the next morning.  A choice we now regret since the bath oil they use has given an ugly rash to her sensitive skin. Lesson learned.
They were also present during labor. They were working in the adjoining building. Jon was my 'call light' to get Angela when I knew the time was now. Then they stationed themselves outside my door until I wobbled past them to get to the delivery room, saying this baby is coming. Don't think them negligent. I was happy they didn't hover & they were happy to help when needed. :)

 The fun of a few phone calls back to Pennsylvania.

In 2 hours we had walked to another building & climbed to the second floor to find our room for one night. We brought it many things from snacks to towels to diapers to a sleeping mat for Jon. No provided meals, white towels or deluxe cable nearby. Our simple room had hot water & air conditioning as it's best features. We enjoyed it very much. A few blood pressures taken, a few cursory checks of Leila were all that interrupted our quiet rest. I was left to knead my own fundus (just for you, Bethany,Becky & Danielle ;) ), take my own meds & marvel at our new daughter.
The sweet housekeeper did offer to hand wash my laundry & then kindly requested that I finish my 'bafing' so that she could turn off the hot water heater.
Looking back, I realize how anxiety giving that quiet atmosphere could have been to nurse-Sara. I believe God laid His hand on us these last few days, covering us with His peace. We were resting in His promise. He had hemmed us in behind & before. It didn't depend on how we were feeling about life at the moment. The last few weeks had brought more moments of frustration & impatience than I care to recount due to lack of water, electricity & unending heat. And wanting this pregnancy to end!
We were able to rest. Peacefully.

 A proper welcome home began with shrieks of delight from two of our neighbors who are young mothers. Gifty & Patricia were delighted with my 'very white' baby.

 A long awaited look at the little girl who, according to Max, makes the teams even. :) Though he did think she'd need to be bigger than cousin Chayel to play ball with him. More big sister/big brother pictures soon. They crowd around for every new squeak.

And last but never least is the servant of the house, my mom Lucille. This is the lady who threw her schedule to the wind and hopped a plane to Accra to serve us. She's holding back the tide of dirty dishes, laundry & grumpy children. The last 2 weeks have earned her a place in a comfy chair with a cold drink & sweet Leila. We are so thankful she's here!