We have a 7 week old baby now!  She's beautiful, and getting more and more fun by the day.  Here's the story of how she came into the world on October 7, 2009.

Lucy’s Labor Story

 

My water broke at 3:30 am on October 6.  I woke Caleb up, and we called our doula, Angie Sonrode. She suggested going back to bed, but contractions started at 5 am, and there was no sleeping after that.  I was able to labor at home with Caleb and the doula until about 4 pm, at which point we decided to go to the hospital because my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart.

 

When we got to the hospital, I was breathing heavily, the doula was carrying all of our stuff and Caleb was helping me walk.  The nurse in the maternal assessment center looked at us and said, “Can I help you?”  Really?  You’re a nurse and you can’t tell what’s going on?  I’m in labor!

 

When they checked my cervix I was disappointed to find I had only dilated 3 cm.  For the next 6 hours I labored in and out of a birthing tub, and walking the halls of the hospital without drugs.  At 10 pm I was REALLY tired and contractions were starting to get REALLY long and painful.  They did another cervix check (mind you, this is 17 hours into active labor) and I was only 5 cm dilated! That's when I asked for the epidural.

 

I was expecting the doula to try to talk me out of it, since I hired her to help me try to have a natural childbirth experience, but she was totally okay with it.  She said, “You’re tired, and there's no way you can push out a baby unless you get some rest.” My main goal was to avoid a C-section, so I got the epidural, and it was a Godsend! I was able to take short catnaps all night between the nurse’s checks.

 

At 6 am, they did a final cervix check and found I was completely dilated.  The nurse on duty broke down the bed into stirrups.  Then they told me to start pushing. Our doctor, Susan Dahlin, arrived just in time to see the baby crown and catch her.  At 6:59 am, Wednesday, October 7 she was born!

 

Caleb cut the umbilical cord, and then they put her on my chest.  I looked at Caleb and he was crying, and then we looked at our baby together in awe.

 

As we debated over what to finally name her, she turned blue and the nurses whisked her away.  We began to worry when we heard a flat line sound, but Dr. Dahlin reassured us that our baby was okay.  In a few minutes, they brought her back all cleaned up.  Turns out she had stopped breathing, but they were able to clean out her lungs quickly and she breathed on her own immediately.

 

The Name

We named her Lucy Karis.  Lucy had always been her name; from the moment we found out we were having a girl.  Lucy is after my mother, Mary Lucile (Marilu).  Also, Lucy means “light”. Caleb and I thought that was appropriate because of where we met – our alma mater – Valparaiso University’s motto, “In thy light we see light” from Psalm 36:9.  Karis is the Greek word for “Grace”.  We thought “light of grace” was a beautiful thing to name our daughter.

 

The Doula

The Angie Sonrode was amazing. I don't think I would have been able to go as long as I did without drugs if it wasn't for her. It was nice to have Caleb just be supportive, and not have to tell me what to do. When the doula said, “Let's get up and walk around” I was much more willing to do it than if Caleb would have said it. Caleb and I were most touched by the fact that from 10 pm to 6 am, she slept on the floor of our hospital room with us, and then woke up at 6 am to help me push.  She was always positive and encouraging, and she made all the difference in our labor and delivery experience.

 

 

I know it's been a long, long time since I'm blogged, and a lot has happened in that time.  By the way, I'm pregnant, and due in just a few weeks.  Yeah, like I said, a lot has happened.

But the reason why I decided to log back onto Xanga today is because my little sister, Callie, is in her first month as a volunteer with Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Washington, D.C. and I had a conversation with her yesterday that inspired me to create a mix CD.

I put a lot of work and pride into my mix CDs, but I rarely explain them, so I figured I would explain this one.  I remember so vividly being in the tough place of self-reflection, internal struggle, and learning about cultural difference that she's in now.  (By the way, this feeling never really goes away, it just gets easier to deal with).  Often I find that music touches feelings that words cannot.  It has gotten me through the toughest times by making me feel like someone else understands what I’m going through, but is more articulate and talented than I am at communicating it.

The CD goes on a journey from frustration and brokenness to hope and humor.  I think it mirrors the journey anyone working for social justice goes through in order to get to a place of sustainability and not burn out. 

However, this mix is from a distinctly Christian perspective, and that is intentional.  I’ve tried working for social justice without God as a part of my perspective, and it predictably leaves me feeling powerless, empty and more frustrated.  It’s only when I purposefully call God into my work that I am able to feel his righteous anger, and have the passion to continue with love and patience and not bitter spitefulness (that doesn't mean there aren't days of bitter spitefulness.  Believe me, there are.)

So, without further ado, here's the playlist.  Feel free to make it for yourself.

Urban Inspiration - by Kristin Sancken

1. "Stop and Listen" - Agape
2. "Why (What's Goin' On?)" - The Roots
3. "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" - Switchfoot
4. "How Come" - Ray LaMontagne
5. "How Many Miles Must We March" - Ben Harper
6. "Symbol of a Lost Cause" - Ginny Owens
7. "When the Saints" - Sara Groves
8. "Give Me Your Eyes" - Brandon Heath
9. "Jesus Walks" - Kanye West
10. "I Can" - Nas
11. "I believe" - Blessid Union of Souls
12. "Diverse City" - Toby Mac
13. "Ain't Nothing Wrong with That" - Robert Randolph
14. "Hope" - Faith Evans & Twista
15. Peace in the World" - Young Son
16. "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" - Avenue Q

I got $35 worth in iTunes gift cards for Christmas, which is wonderful!  However, I have lost touch with my independent music side since marrying Caleb and listening to NPR incessantly.  So, I'm using my blog as a shameless cry for help.  If you had to pick 3 new (or unknown) songs to recommend to someone, what would they be?