Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Birth Stories

Have you noticed that women love talking about giving birth to their children? I can't tell you how many hours and how many women I've shared with about the births of our children (theirs and mine). Last week we were swapping birth stories with our neighbors, and their kids are 14 and 12. I think one of the reasons we continually rehash this time in our lives is that the emotions were so intense that we're unable to forget the feelings. I also think a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of camaraderie play a large part [in our story-swapping fascination].

I personally feel I was created to give birth. Now, don't worry, we're not the Duggars or anything - but, for some reason, my pregnancies and births were ideal. I'm sure it helped that we were quite young when we started having children, but I kind of enjoyed the whole birth process. I didn't particularly enjoy the pain aspect, but by the end, I kinda rocked those birthing rooms.

I know that all of these memories are surfacing because of the new arrival of our nephew, but don't you think it's fun to remember?

I thought I'd show you our three kiddos when they were new! By the way, I'm really glad they've grown into their looks! :)

Joshua Wesley
July 24
9lbs 6oz



almost 2 months...doesn't he look uncomfortable? Obviously breast-feeding went very well.




Kate Clair
March 25
11lbs 4oz





almost 2 months



Emma Louise (being held by my grandmother, Louise - 6 days old)
December 16
8lbs 14 oz



almost five months





While I was looking for pictures, I came across these...

Don't you love the painted fingernails and curled hair? Kate was about four, I think.





I really love this guy - even when he doesn't like my pizza!

6 comments:

  1. Love this! I'm with you- I feel like my body was made for birthing. I had the BEST pregnancy and labor imaginable. It was almost easy. Almost. I didn't even consider drugs. I chalk it up to being in shape and being young- hopefully it goes as well next time around! :)

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  2. Oh, I wanted epidurals, but only had "time" for one with Kate! I often thought (barring any moral implications) that I would make a great surrogate....
    So glad you had a good experience as well! I bet the second time will be even easier!

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  3. Your babies are adorable!

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  4. Kirsten-my goodness, I didn't remember Kate being +11 lbs. I don't know how you carried her full term--you're such a little thing! I thought my Josh was big at 9 lb 9 oz! I love the last pic of Rob with the babies--was that at Ang or Nic's wedding? What a guy!!

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  5. Well, a beautiful family.

    I have to say I'm not the norm, though. I don't much talk about the births unless specifically asked and even then, it's not with a lot of emotion. There's a slew or reasons why, I suppose, but suffice it to say, I'm just not the typical "girl" when it comes to this kind of stuff. hehe

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  6. Thanks, Kirsten, for sharing. I, too, loved being pregnant. The times that my 16 year old doesn't love me I try to think back to those first precious moments for comfort. Dave says that I should have married an Amishman so I could have been pregnant all of the time :)
    p.s. thanks for the help with posting!

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