It was 1:30am and I had been asleep for about an hour.  I awoke with mild contractions. I got up and went to the bathroom.  For a bit of time, the contractions were so hard, it scared me enough to hurry and take a bath and shave.  The warm water calmed down the intense pain and then I gingerly went back to bed, trying not to wake David.  I wanted him well rested to help me through the labor.  I lightly slept as I continued to have contractions all night.  Rising frequently to use the bathroom was part of the restless night.  Finally, day break came and I rose to take a shower.

Shortly after, David came into the bathroom and questioned how I was doing.  Well, I think today is the day that we have to go to the hospital.

“REALLY?!”  He exclaimed.  “Let me call to let the print shop know that I can’t come in today”.  (He works there sometimes when in town).

“Okay,” I readily agreed.

Bending over in pain with each contraction, I put on my makeup, did my hair, and packed my bags.  I was ready to go.  As one last effort to make sure my contractions would not slow down, I took some herbs my midwife from NY had given me.  My contractions became more intense just a few short minutes later.  David had suggested that on the way to the hospital, he would stop and get me some breakfast and maybe we could even go to Lowes and walk around and he could get something he needed to fix something in the RV.  I agreed.

On our way, my contractions became worse and I then remembered I had forgotten my purse.  So, we turned around to get that.  Each bump in the road, became an agony to me.

“Maybe we should for-go Lowes”, I suggested.  David readily agreed.

As the 20 minute trip progressed, I then groaned that maybe we should also for-go the breakfast idea too.

“Okay,” David anxiously nodded.

Our original plan was to go the doctors office first to have the doctor check me and make sure that I was dialating before walking over to the hospital  (both buildings are attached).  Unfortunately, my midwife was on vacation the very week I went into labor, so we used the “back-up” doctor.  He did a great job though.

As my contractions took on a crippling pain, I suggested that we also for-go going to the doctors office first and go straight to the hospital.  By now, David was really getting nervous!

By the time of our arrival, I could not walk and could feel the pressure of the baby’s head.  They wheeled me quickly to the labor unit in the hospital and it was about 20 to 30 minutes after we arrived that little Sofia Amy Julianne made her appearance.  The pain was SO intense at the end that it was nearly unbearable.  I threw up violently, causing my water to break and I was SO relieved to push out our precious new baby!

It is amazing how the Scripture verse is so true……………..Joh 16:21 “A woman when

Our dark-skinned little Sofia. xoxoxo

she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man (or girl……smile) is born into the world.”

This was the fastest labor and delivery I have ever had.  I have only had an epidural with one baby, due to her being breach.  I am thankful that all my labors and deliveries have been vaginal and not C-sections.  God has been MORE than good to me and for that, I am TRULY grateful!!  Thank you for all of your prayers!  They DID help!!…..smile.

When I was in the midst of all my pain, I would look up into the most comforting eyes on the face of this earth………….my DEAR husband – David.  I would G-R-O-A-N to him that I could NOT do this, and he would lovingly, with a yearning voice, encourage me forward and that YES, I could do this!  He helped me with the breathing pattern and would lovingly stroke me.

Sweetheart, (outside of the Lord) you are my greatest comfort, my knight in shining armour, my mate,

Daddy/Daughter moment. xoxoxox

my support, the father to my children, and the man that I want to grow old with.  Life is not without struggles and trials, but YOU are the one that I long to remember the past

Nice meal the hospital served to David and I! It even had sparkling grape juice!! Ymm!

with and live the memorable moments of the future with.  THANK YOU, for choosing to “come grow old with me”!!

With a GRATEFUL heart for our newest miracle – Sofia – from God,

Mama ~ Jill Rodrigues

One BIG happy family!!