Tuesday morning dawned bright and early in our Happy Home as the Happy Hubby and I packed our things and headed out the door for our 5 am arrival time at the hospital.
I have been wrestling for months with the idea of having a repeat C-section.
If you haven’t read about our first C-section, you can HERE.
Needless to say, every day I would lay the whole thing before the Lord and then pick it right back up again (usually in the dark, at night, in bed) and cry myself to sleep at the overwhelming fear of surgery (especially things like giant needles going into my spine), the reminders of the physically uncomfortable surgery aftermath, and the general disappointment that I will never be one that gets to experience a natural birth.
But Tuesday morning came and I literally felt enveloped in the peace and presence of the Lord.
Fears and anxieties had no place in my heart that day as they rolled me into the OR.
“I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all of my fears.” Psalm 34:4
It also helped that the Happy Hubby kept me giggling with his silly antics (and over-sized scrub pants).
From the nurses to our wonderful doctor to the man with the scary needle anesthesiologist to even the fun reggae music playing throughout the surgery, I have never sensed the power of His presence more strongly in my whole life!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” Psalm 23:1
Then the Happy Baby came into the world and the atmosphere in the room changed.
Things got very serious and intense and the look in my Happy Hubby’s eyes told me that all was not well.
But even as I stared at the blue curtain, wishing I could burn holes into it with my eyes so that I could see what was happening as they worked on our little guy on the other side, I felt a supernatural peace.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
We soon learned that the Happy Baby was having a hard time breathing and would need to be rushed to the NICU for oxygen and constant monitoring.
Before they whisked him away, I had a few brief cheek-to-cheek moments with our precious miracle.
And that was the only time I got to hold him!
He is still in the NICU, so, sweet Happy Home Friends, would you please say a prayer that our little man would get breathing on his own?
My arms are aching to hold my baby, and I am so looking forward to nursing…
How these unexpected trials cause us to press into the Father as we trust in Him to be our strength, our shield, and our help (Psalm 28:7)!
Thank you from the bottom of our Happy Home’s heart!
Praying now!
Praise God for your Happy Baby! I will certainly pray that his body figures breathing out quickly!
Prayers are being offered up right now for your sweet family! God is with you always!
Praying for your new addition and your family. Your posts have been so empowering for me and you are a wonderful example of the good Christian woman,mom and wife I strive to be. Thank you for your posts, and blessings to you and your family.
He is BEAUTIFUL! What an angel. Little ones are especially blessed.
He is absolutely adorable! Love those cheeks! Boys’ lungs are weaker than the gals – I am sure he will be fine in no time! Congratulations to u!!! Please continue to update! Sending up prayers.
Praying for you and your beautiful family. Praying for healing for your precious little guy.
Praying for you and your Happy Baby! He is a precious little miracle!
Dearest Julie,
Our prayers have been with you throughout your whole pregnancy and now are with your family. God Knit little Jethro together in your womb and is now busy at work on his lungs. He is a perfect creation born to the BEST parents ever!!
Congratulations…. he’s gorgeous.
” For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. ” – Psalm 139:14-15
Praying for the little buddy and for you too!
Ohhhh how familiar I am with your many feelings. I will pray that Gods peace and strength continue to hold all FOUR of you up and the wisdom of doctors and nurses will be just what happy baby needs. Hugs from afar.
CONGRATS on the birth of your sweet little guy! He will be in my prayers. You look so pretty!
Congratulations on your beautiful boy! I will be praying he can come home soon!
My prayers are with you and for the health of your sweet angel and the rest of your Happy Family. God Bless you and may He hold your your baby in His arms.
You little guys is so so cute. You and your family will be in our families prayers tonight. May you find rest in the fact that this is all part o the plan and the Lord will be with you every step of the way. God bless.
Julie,
You and your family are in our prayers! Congratulations……cute baby.
We love you. Thanks for all you do!
Didi
Saying prayers for your new baby. My twin grandchildren were born at 26 weeks and both lived in the NICU for three months. I understand wanting to hold your baby. God is good and remember he is holding your little one when you can not. Keep posting. He is a beautiful child of God. My best to your sweet family.
What a sweetheart! Praying for you and your precious bundle! I tried so hard to have a v-bac after my first c-section. How wonderful that you were able to relax so completely about it! God is certainly with you. Stay strong.
Praying for him! My son had to stay in nicu for a month! I hope he is home with you soon.
Congratulations! Thinking of you, and hoping you get to snuggle and nurse him very soon!
Thinking of you and your sweet little one.
Praying for your Happy Baby even now. He is so precious.
Hi. I just wanted to send a note and let you know I’m praying for you and your little guy, and for your big guy, and for your husband. I have been where you are, and even with all the faith in the world, it is a very hard path to walk. That being said, God gives us enough strength to get through the day we’re on, and enough hope to endure the trial. My little guy is 2 1/2 now and healthy, but he was born with a birth defect that kept him in the NICU for 29 days with another hospitalization when he was 3 months old. We held him for the first time when he was 10 days old, and it was one of the most precious (and longed for!) moments of my life. I had to wait for ages for him to be able to receive any kind of oral nutrition, and I ended up pumping enough breastmilk to donate 80 lbs to a milk bank! I’m telling you this only so that you know you’re not alone. (and to encourage you not to give up on your plan to nurse :)) I know my our sons are different, and their medical journeys are different, but as a mama, there are SO MANY of us who go through this. Your baby is a miracle (as all babies are :)), and you are just the right mama for him. God gave him to you on purpose, and you to him, and He knew in advance everything that would happen at his birth. You are strong enough to get through this. God is big enough to hold all of you in His arms, every second of every day. I’ll be praying for your baby to heal quickly and completely and for you and your husband to have peace. Our daughter was 3 when our son was born, and whether I was at the hospital with my son or at home with her, I felt guilty. Fractured, I guess, because our family couldn’t be together. Don’t feel bad about taking a break from the hospital. I pray that your stay is short, but getting away every once in a while saved our sanity. It’s okay not to be there 100% of the time. If there’s anything at all I can do/answer beyond praying (or if you need specific prayer), I’d be happy to help in any way I can. One of the verses I clung to every single day was, “… Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” -Joshua 3:5 Every day, the hope for amazing things, direct from the hand of God. A miraculous truth. God bless you all! Helen
Prayers from Texas being said for y’all!
He is a handsome little fella, you are a lucky lady to be surronded by so many cute boys! Get as much rest as you can sweet Mama. All your boys will be home soon and you will have your hands full.
So so sweet! Praying for your recovery and your sweet little one in the NICU. I know the ache of having one in the NICU but almost two years later I can look back and know that it was the best place for her at the time and now she’s a happy, healthy little monkey! Blessings to you and your family!
May God lay his healing hands on your beautiful boy. My prayers are with you all – that you will soon be holding your precious baby in your arms. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for so generously sharing your faith and life with all of us.
Blessings
What a beautiful boy! I am praying for him and your family. God bless you all!!
Praying for a swift and ful recovery for the both of you!
He is beautiful, congratulations. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you right now, but I’m sending all my best healthy-baby thought that he’ll be breathing fine and in your arms where he belongs 🙂
Prayers being said. Congratulations to you both!!
I will definitely be praying for your little one, your family, and for YOU. All three of mine had jaundice and had to be taken from me immediately after birth. I completely understand the frustrations that come with not being able to hold the one that has been inside of you for so long (which trigger postpartum depression for me). May you and yours experience an incredible sense of peace and your little one grow stronger than you could ever imagine. I pray the Lord will surround you with praying people who can support you, love on you, and serve your family.
Praying for a swift and complete recovery for you both!
Praying!!!! God is already using this!
Praying for your beautiful little boy!! Thank you for sharing your story of His strength in the midst of your fear. 🙂
I was praying for the Happy Baby before he was ever born and now I’m praying for his breathing to heal, so that he can be home with his family. I’m also praying for you, hubby, and the Happy Buddy. May God continue to bless you with peace and strength. Hugs!!!
What a beautiful baby boy. My sincerest congratulations to your family, and I will be sending love and prayers your way!
P.S. I was so concerned about the Happy Baby that I forgot to say Congratulations!!!! He is absolutely adorable. 🙂 I can’t wait to see more pictures in the coming days.
Keeping you all lifted in my prayers.
He is beautiful. Stay strong and know your baby and your family are surrounded by His Grace and our LOVE.
He is gorgeous! praying right now and will continue to pray for the happy baby and your family!
My second baby was in the NICU on oxygen after she was born. It was such a hard time! Prayers for you and the baby! He is beautiful!
Praying for you and your new Happy Baby! Congratulations, he is adorable!
Congratulations!! He is precious. Prayers for a quick NICU stay and that he will be in your arms very soon!
xo,
Laurie
Congratulations! He is beautiful! Your faith is such a testimonial to God’s overwhelming love and grace! Praying for your entire family, and looking forward to the day when your little son will be at home and in your loving arms. You are such a blessing to so many!
You brought tears to my eyes…both of my boys HAD to be C-sections. I wanted natural birth too. Both of mine were NICU babies as well….I remember well the longing to hold them. I will pray for the baby and the whole family. Just BEAUTIFUL! HUGS to all.
So exciting to hear of your sweet little guy’s arrival!! He is beautiful!!!! I am praying now Julie. Sending my hugs! Love, Amy
“In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10) How mind-boggling to know that God is sovereign over every breath we take. He has known and loved Jethro from before the foundations of the world. So good to know that your little guy is safe in the Father’s hands.
Having babies is such an amazing gift we’re given as women…and birth never happens the same way twice! I’ve been wondering all day if you’d post about your new blessing, and I’ve been praying all along…and continue now…He’s so cute! I’m sure you’ll be cuddling him very soon! You always have such a sweet,positive, wonderful outlook about EVERYTHING…and you inspire me every day! I’ll be praying and thinking of you and your family til your next update 🙂 good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!
We will be praying for your sweet family.
Congratulations on such a handsome little boy!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all as your happy baby is learning to breathe on his own, I’m sure it won’t be long before he is in your arms. (Hugs)
Congrats! Prayers your way! He’s beautiful.
Funny how the blog world can bring us together, huh? I will definitely say a prayer for the new happy baby. God’s peace is amazing, isn’t it? Hang in there…between that stress and hormones related to all things pregnancy and post….God IS with you! =) Fun little encouragement, too, our family made the resurrection rolls tonight. Didn’t TOTALLY turn out, but the focus was there. How special!
Prayers for your family, especially for your sweet little one. Thank you for sharing your amazing strength in God and your thankfulness in all His blessings. We are here for you.
Just lifted your precious baby boy in prayer! Trusting God that you will soon be holding that sweet baby boy in your arms…XOXO
Prayers for you and your family! He is beautiful! I love your blog and your ideas inspire me in many ways.
In awe of your faith in such trying times. Praying for your precious baby.
Congratulations!!! He’s gorgeous and precious! I hope he comes home very soon…you guys will be in my prayers!
I love your blog and all the different activities you post. God Bless you and be with your Happy Baby and Family during this time. I pray for those caring for Happy Baby and that God strengthens his lungs so he can head to your Happy Home. God is our Father and is always there for us… as you know.
God Bless you, give you comfort and strength
As a mommy of three C-section babies (2 who had NICU stays), I can understand both the joys and the struggles you are experiencing. It is a lot of work to bring these beautiful spirits into the world, but it is such a blessing to know that we do not do it alone! I know that God is mindful of you and your family, and especially your new sweet little one, and I know that He will carry all of you in the arms of His eternal love as you continue to put your trust in Him. You are an INCREDIBLE mother, and your example of faith blesses your children and so many around you. My prayers are for a speedy recovery for you both, and for your arms to be holding your precious baby soon!!!!
Congratulations! Prayers are with you!
Bless U all!!!
Bless your Happy Family! Your emails bring the Light of Jesus into my days so thank you for that! My husband and I will be interceding on behalf of your child and we stand in faith for a complete and speedy healing!! My the Lord hold you in his loving embrace and may you soon be able to extend that kind of embrace to your new baby!!!
Oh Julie! He is so handsome! Praying that he is in your arms so soon…
Praying, I know the feeling of leaving a baby in NICU. Jonathan and Joel both were, Joel for a week, Jonathan for a few days. It is incredibly hard. But remember that he is in good hands. May you find peace again in knowing that our Great big God has him in his hands. He is a beautiful little guy.
Congratulations! We will be praying!
No need to even ask…we are praying for him! 🙂
Oh, sweet fairy–my prayer is that even as I’m writing this, you are holding your beautiful boy. He’s GORGEOUS! I’m so grateful for you that you felt God’s peace all through the delivery process, and I hope that continues as you wait to have your baby full-time. I can’t wait to hear some good news from you guys, but don’t hurry on our accounts–enjoy your family. We’ll be here in the blogosphere when you get back! 🙂
Oh he is so sweet ! Saying lots and lot of prayers for you to have your Happy Baby in your arms soon…Congratulations he is Beautiful!
Congratulations to you and your family! Praying for the little man.
Congratulations! What a beautiful family! May God bless you all!
Praying for God’s peace & healing for both you and the baby. I had two repeat C-sections so I know the feelings you are struggling with. The enemy would have us focus on what we see as a “negative” but God is in control of it all. I finally came to terms with the fact that I birthed my babies through the window & not the door :-). LOL. You are still every bit their mommy. What an encouragement to me today to read your post filled with scripture. His Truth & His Word are all that really matter. Praying that you & your husband & the Happy Buddy will be holding the baby soon!! God Bless You & may you continue to feel His presence in a very powerful way!!!
What a precious baby boy! Praying for you!
Praying for your family.
Praying for you and your happy family!
I hope you and your happy baby are doing well today. It was a pleasure taking care of you and your wonderful family on such a special day. Your baby will be in you’re arms soon. Nurse chrisy
Prayers coming from Arizona for you and happy baby. Congratulations, he is adorable!
lots of prayers for you and your family, looking forward to hearing more Happy moments!
I too had to schedule a repeat C-section and I know the feelings you describe all too well. Just know that this is God’s will for us and He knows better than us.
Praying for your sweet new baby, and that God will continue to wrap your family in peace.
Wow, he looks Just. Like. Noah!! What a cutie! Ugh, my arms are aching for you that you haven’t gotten to snuggle him as much as you want. But Deuteronomy 33:12 says, “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” I’m picturing Jethro cradled on his heavenly Daddy’s chest, which is a pretty wonderful place to be! The boys and I just prayed for him… Robbie said, “Dear God, Fank you for helping that baby to breeve.” I love the way that prayer (unintentionally!) just cuts to the heart of the matter and thanks God first, even as he asks for help. May you and Ryan be able to pray that way, too, even in the midst of trials. Love you, Julie!!!
He is beautiful and you are in my prayers.
Oh Sweetie! I’m so sorry!!! I have c-sections, too. It’s so hard to get “geared up” for this new miracle knowing what you’re walking in to. I am sure God gave you peace because He knows everything.
Praying for your new, sweet baby! What a cutie pie!!!! Just take this time to rest and heal so that when he is in your arms, you will be ready to do all your heart aches to.
Isaiah 41:13: For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Praying!
What a testament to your love for your family, but most importantly, your Lord.
A big congratulations on your fine new little boy (who looks just like his big brother!), and many prayers are being said for you all.
We all can’t wait to hear that he’s doing well.
God bless you all!!
Wanted to tell you that reading your blog brings back my memory of the exact same thing that happened with my planned C-section. I was right where you are and there are so many emotions that you deal with when this “unexpected” thing happens to your new bundle of joy. Going thru the ordeal of seeing your newborn taken out of your arms and in NICU was earth-shattering. Boy, was I angry and sad all at the same time. It changed me forever and I believe that God puts us thru things for a reason and we suddenly realize that our Faith is really all we have. I admire your faith and I just wanted you to know that when he does get to finally come home, it will be even that much sweeter that you might think your head will pop off w/ all the emotion coming out of it. Be prepared to never put him down because you don’t want to let him down again.
I am praying for you (bet your recovery is on the backburner, huh?) and your sweet family and your sweet happy baby to be home soon.
Valerie
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You have blessed my family through this blog and I want to return the favor to you! God Bless!
Praying for you and your sweet baby.
Welcome to your new little one. Praying for your family.
Bethany
Praying for your family, can’t wait for another Happy Baby update!
Sending many prayers your way!
Congratulations! Praying!!!!!!! 🙂
He is absolutely perfect in each and every way and he is so cute! 🙂 We will be praying for you and your Happy Home and all our surrounding family as they come around to support you. Stay in that peace and know HE is near. ((HUGS)) Congratulations!
Praying for your sweet baby and for you!
Congrats and Happy healing!!! God Bless you.
I am praying for baby Jethro and you! Our God IS an awesome God who gives us words of encouragement and comfort for all occasions!
Congratulations!!!
I don’t know how exactly to begin this post. I have been reading your blog for a little over a year now. I know God led me to it because it was during a difficult time in my life when I discovered the “happiness”. You have been such a blessing to me and my family. My children ask now…”is that a Happy Home Fairy idea or did you come up with it”? Recipes, crafts, printables that I hide for my happy hubby have all brought us joy but the best part of all is your faith in God. Our comforter. So many times I have been tempted to share my responses but for whatever reason I just didn’t take the time until now. I want to share with you that our little boy as well spent time in the NICU…8 days to be exact. At the time our first daughter was 2. When our boy/girl twins were born they did a C-section because our little boy was head first and ready to be born but his sister had her little leg stretched out and tiny foot pointed in the way….blocking him from being first born. So, off to surgery we went where she was born first. I felt the same feelings as you. It seemed so wrong to come home without him. It was so hard waiting for the day to bring him home. But during that time I had peace that he would be ok. God is so good. He meets our needs and comforts us in a divine way. I pray that your newest little happy buddy will be stronger each day and soon join you all in your happy home. Thank you for the blessings you share with so many.
I have been through the exact same thing. My daughter was rushed to the NICU before I got to hold her. She had transfered blood back to me. She was supposed to have a mound of problems, but she is a beautiful, normal, happy girl. She is 9 years old now. Our little miracle!
Did the doctors say why your little one had breathing problems? I’m due for c section & very wary of having my baby taken out 2 weeks early (ie at 38 weeks) …
Dear Tatiana, I truly do not think that our baby’s respiratory issues were because I had a C-section or when I had it (he was full-term). He has hypotonia, which is a muscle weakness. His muscles were too weak to breathe at a normal rate – he was breathing rapidly and needed oxygen to help him out. This was not something that could have been avoided if we had waited to have the surgery or not. If the doctors have good reason to schedule you early, then listen to them. But if it is possible to wait another week or so, look into it. But ultimately, sweet friend, God knows when that precious little baby is going to be born and He will take care of him/her (and YOU!) – no matter what. Praying for you right now!