Peter and I have been saving up for a new camera. October is “Pastor Appreciation Month” and our very generous church allowed us to add a good bit of money to our fund. Yay! Peter found a great deal on Craigslist. A quick phone call to the Seller later, we agreed to drive 45 minutes to meet them on Friday night.
And then, Friday night turned into date night when our best babysitter, Sarah, called and said she was home from college and wanted to watch the kids for us. Score! Peter and I don’t get out much alone and we were quite excited. The camera was a great deal, so we ended up buying it right then and there. We went to Chili’s and then to Borders. We relished a night out alone. We love having conversations without interruptions. We also love sitting in the car in complete quiet.
However, I got this weird feeling as I flipped through magazines at Borders. Was I having contractions? I said nothing to Peter, but noticed that they weren’t going away. On the drive home, I casually kept an eye on the clock, not saying anything to Peter. It was odd. I had just scheduled our c-section with the Hospital for November 2.
About that time, I looked out the car window and noticed this:
A full moon.
I broke down and told Peter.
Every five minutes I was timing a contraction, about a minute long.
We sat in the hospital parking lot for awhile, pondering what to do.
I finally caved and we walked up to the Birthing Center to have them check me out.
The nurse’s eyes got wide when she checked me.
I was dilated to four centimeters.
And my contractions were coming every 2 minutes.
Dr. Allen called the team and announced that we were having a baby that night.
What?!
And all we had was our new camera.
No clothes, phone charger, or toothbrushes.
Just a fancy camera we didn’t know how to use.
An hour or so later, we put it to good use.
While the Anesthesiologists checked the baseball scores and I felt that oh-so-odd pulling sensation, a little cry pierced the air and Eliza Grace was born. October 22, 2010. 10:51 p.m.
We cried.
And we took pictures.
Most of all, we felt God’s blessing on us as we held her and kissed her sweet cheeks, fully realizing that the last time we held a baby girl, we had ushered her into the presence of Jesus.
“Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.”
2 Corinthians 6:10
P.S. We “Aunted” Sarah. After all, she ended up spending the night at our house, sleeping in our bed between William and Kate. What a way to spend Fall Break! We couldn’t have done it without her! I don’t think she minded that her babysitting turned into a little more than she had bargained for.
P.S. 2. Eliza weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.
P.S. 3. The camera takes pretty good pictures, huh? Don’t worry, we have plenty of dark, blurry ones. We didn’t have a lot of time to look at the manual. And, it turns out, you don’t need as much as you think when you check into the hospital.
OH Sarah! What a blessing! A sweet baby girl! And I LOVE her name. All our love and congratulations!
Love that last picture – I think she looks a lot like Miss Kate! God is good. So happy for you all 🙂
I am tickled pink! This is such a great story. If only we would have been on a double date when all this went down:) Eliza looks so much like Kate in the last picture! Beautiful! I love you!
Sara, You are a great author to your story, wish I could write .It truely must be a gift from God…Love the new camera shots!and the pictures of the kids…Kate & william's expression are priceless.. Can't wait to take pictures of my own of here..the Diller's
WOW!! Congratulations you guys! She is beautiful 🙂
Beautiful photos! Yes, God knew exactly what you needed and when. It's like when Paul was missing in our mountains, and all I took with me was a water bottle, a jacket and a Bible. Congratulations and enjoy your sweet little one!
Another story by Sarah to keep us glued to our seats!! Kate's hands over her mouth says it all, doesn't it? Welcome to our world, Eliza Grace!
Awesome!!! Congratulations! I'm soooo happy for you guys!
I have NEVER happened upon such a sweet announcement!! I LOVE your story – how it shows God's glory! CONGRATULATIONS SARAH AND PETER! Love, Sue and Ken
What a fun story! 🙂 Welcome to the world Eliza! Congratulations Sarah and Peter! (I'll remember to only pack the camera next time!)
What a great date night! Congratulations she is beautiful!
That is so awesome. You timed it perfectly with the built in babysitter and just the two of you already out and about! She is darling and I agree with the others. I think she looks like the beautiful Miss Kate. I hope you are recovering well. I'll be smiling all day.
agreed! what a great date night!!! that is such a neat story 🙂 can i ask what camera you got? we love canon's and are in need of a new one!
this is the best birthing story ever!!!! congrats!!
Sarah, I am so so happy to read this—what a wonderful "surprise" for Eliza to come that night! Love the name, too. Praying for peace and joy for you and the family.
Sarah-
I am in now way a religious person but I think and pray for the well-being and happiness of your family almost daily. You have been blessed with a new baby and I know you will love her, Annie, Kate, and William with all you have forever.
Best wishes.