Sunday, August 7, 2011

Ariella Grace

We are pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the family, Ariella Grace. She was born on August 4 at 4am. She has been given the Marakwet name of Jepchemoi, which means born in the middle of the night. She is tiny, but mighty. She is beautiful and has brought joy unspeakable to our family.


On Wednesday we reached the 38 week mark of the pregnancy. 2 weeks away from her due date. Showing no signs of her upcoming arrival. Kyle had been doing weekly ultrasounds and keeping a close eye on her throughout the pregnancy, but especially the last couple of months. She had always been a little small, but this week showed she had not grown since the previous week. He diagnosed her with IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction). We consulted Christina, the OB-Gyn that had been working with us here and recently moved back to the states and she also consulted her colleagues. It was decided that a c-section should be done as soon as possible. The stress of a normal delivery could be too much for her. As well as there is not a way for us to continuously monitor the baby during labor here at our hospital. So the c-section was scheduled first thing on Thursday morning. It was a whirlwind and a bit overwhelming, but we knew this was the best thing for her. We went to bed praying for God's protection. I knew it was going to be hard for me to sleep, but not this hard. Contractions started and I officially was in labor. We were off to the hospital at 3am ready to meet little Ariella. Dr. Rhodes performed the c-section, with Dr. Ces as his assistant. Kyle was ready to take care of the baby along with a visiting med/peds Dr. Wong. We were in the best hands. A prayer was said and the surgery began. She came out beautiful. No need for resuscitation. Strong and healthy. Tiny, but mighty. She weighed 4 pounds 10 oz. Which is what Kyle's ultrasound showed.

As I reflect on this precious daughter of ours I am so grateful for the Lord's protection and provision. He gave my husband wisdom and knowledge to watch her growth carefully. We had our trusted friend and surgeon, Dr. Bill, here to perform the surgery. And Dr. Ces to assist him. Our beloved Kenyan friend Thomas, the anesthetist to watch and care for me during the surgery. And of course Kyle, the dad and husband and doctor to care for Ariella. Laura was here to take care of Ariella's big brothers along with some of the nicest Irishmen I've ever met. It is no easy task to feed and entertain 3 anxious and adoring big brothers while they wait to meet their little sister. The minute we found out of her diagnosis and the scheduled surgery, word got out and we had so many praying for us back home. It was humbling and comforting to know so many were lifting us up to a loving Father who created little Ariella in my womb and was watching her every step of the way. So praise the Lord with us for this beautiful life. We are so thankful.

First time with mommy

Kyle and Thomas, the anesthetist

Precious Ariella

Ariella with her sworn protectors in blue

Beautiful Mom and Baby

Ariella and Laura, Dr. Bill's wife

Some of the Irish guys, Gareth and Ian

Famous Dr. Bill after surgery

Dr. Ces and Ariella

Our Kenyan friend Edna