I can only assume that the Lord wanted me to retell this story in a different way because the ‘Publish' button I struck earlier today resulted in a completely lost birthing story that was approximately 1,592,492 words long. Let's pretend like I totally kept my cool and didn't slam the laptop shut and shuffle off (hey, I can't walk very well yet!) to the bathroom to weep and weep and weep.
It took a lot out of me to write this birthing story. Recounting the events… the moments… the emotions. And because we're pretending, we'll also pretend like I totally kept my hormones in check while writing said birth story. Like I didn't have tears streaming down my face – tears of joy, and fear, and amazement.
As my birth story told – our God is so, so good!
Late Wednesday night, after a few hours of non-painful but consistent contractions, we went into the hospital per our Doctor's request to be monitored.
Here we are. Ya know. Being monitored:
I would like to point out that our trip into the hospital came at 11:45 p.m. which is (quite obviously) past my makeup wearing time. It's also already a few hours into my normal sleepy time and despite the adrenaline rush of labor and baby birthing, I was so sleepy that I teeter-tottered between reality and dreamland. Even before the drugs were administered. My contractions were so free of pain that when they checked me and I had already dilated an additional 3 cm from earlier in the day, it was even more surreal.
I got the go ahead for an early cesarean. And within just an hour, I was in the operating room with this handsome stud:
I'd like to pretend that I handled this birth without fear. But that's just not the truth. I'm not a strong person apart from the strength that comes from my Lord. And so. I prayed.
I prayed while I was getting my IV and I prayed when I entered the cold, sterile operating room. I prayed when I got my spinal (so freaky!) and when the feeling of numbness began to consume my body. I prayed when I held my husband's hand and saw the concern and love in his eyes.
And when Stuart peeked over the curtain to check the sex of the baby, I prayed when he announced with joy, “We have a William Luke!”
(I didn't believe him until I checked the family jewels myself.)
I prayed for the two minutes that Will left my side to be checked and weighed, after which he was quickly tucked against my breasts, under my gown, where he remained for the rest of the surgery.
I prayed when I saw his beautiful face for the first time. Tears of joy slipped down my cheeks as I craned my neck to keep my eyes on that little man – that precious gift from God – that had just arrived into this world.
William Luke Elliott
4 pounds 14 ounces, 18″ long
August 21st, 2014 3:10 a.m.
We shall call him Will.
My Lord heard my prayers – even the prayers that were made with doubt and fear. Not only did he grant me courage and peace going into this surgery, but he also granted me small gifts that I am so thankful for. Like getting to hold Will instantly and constantly, even while in surgery.
And when Stuart had to head home for morning milking and chores, the Lord allowed me to fellowship with my wonderful nurse for hours as I nursed and held my little one. Those quite moments, in the complete still of the early morning, were so calm. So beautiful.
Our next few days were spent bonding and swooning over this incredible child. All 4 lbs. 14 oz. of him. Little he was, but strong and mighty he is! He came out with a wonderful appetite, the perfect latch, and the sweetest, softest cry.
My heart. My heart is absolutely melted.
There's truly no words to describe the path that is parenthood. I'm surely not naive enough to think that this journey will be one of rainbows and butterflies. We live in a sinful world and are all sinners – I'm a mother of a 4 year old and an almost 2 year old – I know exactly what's in store. And yet still, these incredible landmark moments are treasured. The sweet noises. The wonderful smell of fresh baby. The pouty lips. The teeny fingers and toes.
The desperation in which we pray “Lord, grow him up to be your strong and faithful servant. Teach him to love you, to glorify you, to serve you all of his days. Work in his life your great mission and help him to cling to his Great King all the days of his life.”
He smells of fresh graham crackers and already loves his Mama desperately (trust me, I can tell). It's been the most wonderful five days – having all my children under my wings home on the farm. I almost can't take the unexplainable joy I feel when I look at all of their faces. How did this happen? Why has the Lord chosen to bless me in this way? What tender and wonderful mercies He has shown me in their lives!
I won't pretend like recovery has been easy – the incision is painful and my patience for sitting still is floundering. And as much as I'd like to pick my other children up to cuddle them, I just can't. Not yet.
Slowly, life will get back to normal. Normal life plus baby Will, which is the best life I can imagine.
April
August 25, 2014 at 11:54 pmThe photos are so stunning! I’m sure you will treasure them always 🙂 Did you have a birth photographer or were you that awesome SL soon after birth? 🙂
Congratulations!!
Linda Theresa Peterson
August 27, 2014 at 8:48 pmShays, your amazing!
I am a grandma now, when I was a young
Mom, I was shy. Your pictures, brought tears to my eyes.
I am rejoicing with you.
I will keep you and Stuart and your family
In my prayers.
Thank you, Jesus Christ our Savior for
Protection and a beautiful baby, Will.
Blessings upon blessings to you!
Linda Theresa Peterson
Wendy
August 25, 2014 at 11:56 pmSo glad little Will has arrived safely and everyone is doing well! There is nothing like all those little smells, noises, and sights that make up a newborn–one of the best things ever! Congratulations!
michelle d
August 26, 2014 at 12:09 amHe is so handsome and tiny! Was he early ? You are a inspiration of mine the way you talk about The Lord and i enjoy reading everything you write 🙂
Brittanie
August 26, 2014 at 12:24 amHe is just beautiful and so tiny (and mighty) Great job! I can’t wait, I have just under 4 weeks to go!
Thank you for sharing and the GORGEOUS pictures, like a dream!
Megan
August 26, 2014 at 12:24 amThe desperate prayers part brought years! 🙂 He is precious!!
Tristan
August 26, 2014 at 12:52 amCongratulations to your beautiful family. I had a sneaking suspicion I should check in on your blog and sure enough here was the announcement for your little guy 🙂
I will be praying over your family through this transitional time. I hope your recovery goes well and life can start to become more “normal” for everyone.
Congratulations again! 🙂
DaNelle Wolford
August 26, 2014 at 1:27 amOh Shaye! I love this post! He’s so adorable and I’m so happy for you guys:)
Janet
August 26, 2014 at 2:18 amI have goosebumps.
What a lovely beautiful post. Congrats on your beautiful boy.
I have two children. 7 and 5. They were both over ten pounds. They were physically almost unbearable during pregnancy and I still have horrible hip problems. I’m so glad I had them young. Now that I’m 27 and my husband has had a vasectomy, I dream of being a mom again. I almost convinced my husband to get a reversal, but we both knew it wasn’t smart. Another pregnancy would not be good.
So now we are praying for the chance to adopt. I have had dreams of a young lady who is pregnant and looking for a family to chose to adopt her baby. I pray for her. I know that our wonderful savior and creator has laid a special young lady on my heart. I also know that I am very blessed to be able to have her laid on my heart to pray for. And if praying for her is all I get, I’m perfectly ok. But I know god can do anything , and I have hope one day i can hold a newborn in my arms and thank god for the opportunity to take on a precious blessing from above that came in an extra special way.
I love your heart toward motherhood. God is using you in many ways. Thanks for sharing!
Kati
August 26, 2014 at 5:42 amBeautiful pictures, beautiful family, beautiful story! Your children are about the same ages as mine were when our youngest miracle came into this world and your story took me back 8 years. Beautiful, just beautiful!! Congratulations!
Ariana {And Here We Are...}
August 26, 2014 at 5:43 amCongratulations, Shaye! He is beautiful.
Kay
August 26, 2014 at 6:37 amCongratulations to you and your family! Thank you for opening your life in stories and pictures, for us to live all your ups and downs. I would have read every word of that long version, but I really like the “God” centered short one ! Looking forward to the up-coming chapters!
Jessica
August 26, 2014 at 6:41 amCongratulations mommy! Will is gorgeous. 🙂
Quinn
August 26, 2014 at 7:13 amRejoicing in tears with you and your family this morning over that precious little gift of a life. I know you know it already, but sometimes we need permission to enjoy every possible second because seriously, in 15 minutes he’s going to be pulling himself up on the couch and trying to crawl. (*sigh* Can’t pretend I’m mama to a newborn anymore…) So be soaking this in! Praying for you health & recovery during this most difficult and painful of times. You are one brave & powerful lady! Love, Quinn
[email protected]
August 26, 2014 at 8:13 amMy favorite part is your prayer for him. May it be!
Megan @ restoring the roost
August 26, 2014 at 8:36 amCongratulations! He is beautiful. My twins were 4 lb 12 oz and 4 lb 11 oz, so I can relate to having a teeny baby to take care of in the beginning 🙂 They grow so fast though- at 10 months one of my girls is already almost 19 pounds! What blessings the Lord gives us with sweet children. Glad everything went well!
Lauren F.
August 26, 2014 at 8:45 amI’m balling, can’t wait to see y’all. He’s beautiful.
Davi
August 26, 2014 at 9:02 amVery cute little bundle. So tiny! My youngest will be one next month. My how time flies… Anyways, totally not related to the baby post, but do you do the whole no-shampoo thing? It seems like I read you did a while back, but do you still? Your hair looks great. I am totally jealous. 🙂
Lynn
August 26, 2014 at 9:35 amCongratulations on the birth of your son!
Kendra at New Life on a Homestead
August 26, 2014 at 10:03 amWhat a beautiful story. You looked gorgeous through it all, and that precious baby is adorable. Congratulations to your beautiful, growing family. Thanks for sharing another miracle with us. You are AMAZING!!
Dee
August 26, 2014 at 10:10 amCongratulations!! Welcome, Little One…. let the incessant Mama kissing of wee bairn’s head commence!
shaz
August 26, 2014 at 11:15 amWow is all I can see you look great after the birth and so happy too, and despite not being pregnant for quite some time and the only hormones going through my body are peri-menopausal i cried too 🙂 your emotion came across so well in your post and i feel privileged that you shared with us
Angela/Parisienne Farmgirl
August 26, 2014 at 11:50 amWell, if that’s you without makeup then shoot me.
You look gorgeous and have that peaceful look that a mother has after giving birth. I just love that.
Everyone’s beautiful. Congratulations!!!!!
Give Young Sir a kiss for me.
So happy for you!!!!
[email protected] Acres Farm®
August 26, 2014 at 11:51 amAhhh tears of joy flowed down my cheek for you, yours and little Will. May The Lord continue to bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Abby Jo
August 26, 2014 at 12:34 pmI’m so happy for you! I cried reading the post, I still have very strong hormonal emotions too. My baby is turning two months on Sep 2. And I love nursing him, looking at him. I enjoyed how much you adore everything about your babies too. Lovely birth story. May you be blessed during this time of rest and recovery.
– Abby Jo @ Forgotten Way Farms.com
Patricia
August 26, 2014 at 12:41 pmCongratulations!
A wonderful story and a wonderful testimony of the tender mercies of our Lord.
The pictures are great- I love seeing them
Thanks for sharing and rest momma
Life Breath Present
August 26, 2014 at 1:20 pmCongratulations on your new beautiful boy, Will! Cheers to you’re strength and courage! Mama hugs to help you heal. 🙂
Judy G
August 26, 2014 at 4:33 pmSo happy for you and your third little blessing from the Lord.
Allison
August 26, 2014 at 5:55 pmCongratulations, Shaye. I’m so encouraged by your story. And so proud of you. GOOD JOB, MAMA!
Jenna
August 27, 2014 at 9:29 amWhat a beautiful story. Our God is so good. What a beautiful family you are blessed with! Congratulations! 🙂
Karrie
August 27, 2014 at 10:11 amSuch a lovely lovely birth story Shaye! I am so happy for you and your new sweet one. It might sound strange but I love how you thank and recognize the Lord in all your situations of life. He is amazing and glorious. And he sent this new baby to the most amazing mom ever.
Baby Will is so sweet – and so TINY! 4 lbs? Wow… My twins were that small too. May you heal quickly and enjoy every moment of this sweet newborn. Congratulations!
Karla
August 27, 2014 at 12:19 pmCongratulations! Oh, he’s so precious. I was tearing up just reading it – brings me back to birthing my own three children. Each experience is amazing and unique and miraculous, no matter how many times you do it in how many different ways. Here’s to a speedy recovery and lots of snuggling with your new babe.
Annie-Rae
August 27, 2014 at 1:31 pmSo happy for you and your family!!!! What an absolutely beautiful name for a precious little boy 🙂
I’ve had two csections myself, long recoveries but after awhile the pain stops and you forget. Wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Sheri
August 27, 2014 at 3:43 pmBeautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! God blesses you because you know a blessing when you see it and you spread it around! Thank You!
Connie
August 27, 2014 at 3:48 pmCongratulations, He is a beautiful baby!!
Amy
August 27, 2014 at 4:15 pmEnjoy every moment with your little one, and amen to him growing up to be our Lord’s servant! God bless you and your family and I pray you find strength in him when you are too tired to think 🙂 Congrats! He is absolutly beautiful!
Maria Alison @Ten at the Table
August 27, 2014 at 4:38 pmI just cried!
Stef
August 27, 2014 at 5:00 pmGreat news! You look amazing and your William Luke is beautiful and looks healthy. So glad the pregnancy and c-delivery went well. This will probably be one of those moments the Lord brings back to you to let you know that all is in his hands! 🙂
Tina
August 27, 2014 at 8:22 pmCongratulations, dear Elliott family! Praise God for this precious babe and for parents who commit him to Christ. I’m so happy for you.
Doug B.
August 27, 2014 at 10:11 pmCongratulations to the Elliott Homestead!!! What a handsome baby! Glad everyone is alright and healthy!! And a late Welcome to the world William Luke!!
Arid Acres Homestead
August 27, 2014 at 10:12 pmCongratulations to the Elliott Homestead!!! What a handsome baby! Glad everyone is alright and healthy!! And a late Welcome to the world William Luke!!
Gentry Gygi
August 27, 2014 at 11:47 pmThank you Shaye for sharing the truth from your heart. It is hard for me to remember when my kiddos were that little, but you bring to memory sweet times, miraculous times. May you be blessed, and your dear family.
Teresa
August 28, 2014 at 6:51 amCongratulations…..He is so very beautiful and so are Mom & Dad…….Enjoy your new little addition and be Blessed…May all your days be filled with God’s sunshine & happiness………Love and prayers…….
Shelly
August 28, 2014 at 9:29 amSo precious! Yes, our God is so good, all the time! May He continue to bless you and your sweet family!
alyson
August 30, 2014 at 8:13 pmCongratulations on your beautiful growing family! Love the name, too! Very sweet 🙂
Patty Bogen
August 31, 2014 at 4:27 pmShaye, I finally read my stack of church emails and saw little Will’s birth announcement and read your story. Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize that you had had a Cesarean, and there you were at church today! You were so sweet and gracious, all the while holding (!) and comforting your other little man, Owen, when he was crying. God bless you and your young family. Cherish the moments; they pass soooo quickly. ~Patty
Emilee
September 3, 2014 at 8:33 pmSo precious! I appreciate and love the fact you openly put your trust in the Lord. Glad everything went okay and hope you’re doing well!
Wholesome Joy
September 8, 2014 at 1:41 pmThis is so beautiful! I cried! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story with us! <3
Erin
September 9, 2014 at 4:46 pmI knew it would be a good delivery for you. Will is once ounce smaller than my first born son, who is 16 now!!! Congratulations on the new addition 🙂 He is beautiful and this is tugging on my heartstrings…makes me want to do it again…and my youngest is almost 15 months!!!! My #2 would love it if he got to be a big brother again.
Beautiful addition…he is just perfect!!!
Gunhild Johanne
September 10, 2014 at 6:54 pmCongratulations! What a beautiful birth story. I am so happy for you! I have been reading your blog for some time but this is the first time I’ve posted a comment. I found your blog searching for traditional food recipes and I just have to visit from time to time. I love reading about your life on the farm. Thank you for sharing!
Kate Rhodes
March 26, 2015 at 8:37 pmCongratulations! He’s precious. Thank you for sharing your birth story. My third child is a William too. He was exactly 4 lbs bigger than your son at birth. Enjoy your little blessing!