Emelia Grace - her story

My pregnancy with Emelia Grace was like nothing I have ever known - an act of surrender and trust deeper and bigger than any other journey.

At 7 weeks pregnant I began to experience intense abdominal pain, which the doctors could not explain except to say I had a large cyst on my right ovary.  At 10 weeks I needed emergency surgery because it became clear my ovary was in fact twisted and at the time of surgery had twisted twice.  It wasn't until I was 12 weeks along that the doctors felt confident I would not miscarry.  These weeks were marked by vulnerability and also by a profound sense of the Lord's care for me, our unborn baby and our family.  We felt surrounded in a powerful, powerful way.  The way we were loved is something I can never re-pay - it was nothing short of a profound gift.

At 20 weeks we reassured of the baby's healthy growth and development in spite of the traumatic events of the first trimester.  At my 30 week appointment I was reminded the baby had a 2 vessel umbilical cord (something I was told after the 20 week ultrasound but did understand the implications of).  We were re-assured that the baby would probably be born on time without any complications but the baby began being monitored for growth (as growth problems are the most common among babies with 2 vessel cords).  Again it felt as though we were asked to trust in our gracious God who had given us this gift of life.  And again we felt covered by prayer, support and love.

Saturday December 14th at 7:10 pm marked the end of this crazy pregnancy journey - as Emelia Grace Knipp was born.

My body likes to make lots of fluid at the end of pregnancy and with Sam and Clara this meant induction for them to be born.  I figured this pregnancy would be no different.  Similar to my pregnancies with them I had also been experiencing lots of false/pre-labor.  So when I was up all Friday night I assumed it would end Saturday at some point.  But Saturday at 7:30 am the contractions were continuing and even getting stronger and I thought I had better call my parents just in case.  A few hours pass and at 9:30 I realize this might be the real deal and so they come to get Sam and Clara.  We waited until the Michigan basketball game ended around 10:45 to leave for the hospital :)  it was a close game.

Sometime after 11am we were seen at the hospital.  My cervix was dilated to a 4/5 and we were admitted!!  I couldn't believe it.  I was having this baby without needing an induction.

Things continue to intensify and I was checked again at 3:15 and was at a solid 5.  I had just requested prayer for my water to break and in walks the doctor minutes later to talk about my birth plan and offers to break my water to encourage things along!  He breaks my water around 3:30.

My body quickly responds and contractions come harder and faster.  At 6:00 pm I am checked again and feel like I am getting near the end.  I was disappointed to learn I was only at a 5/6.  At this point I wonder if I can make it without pain intervention.  The sweet nurse suggests I get into the bath and I take her up on it - I just need a change.

The change of position is super helpful and I feel a switch almost immediately.  At 7:00 pm the nurse comes in to tell me there is going to be a shift change but the doctor probably wants to put me on some meds to help my labor along.  I request to be checked before that happens, as I feel like I am making progress.  She assures me the next nurse will do that and begins to walk out of the room.  Tim also takes a moment to get some change to buy a soda - it may be a long night.

All of a sudden I feel the strong need to push and realize the baby is coming!  like coming and I can't stop it.  My sister pulls the emergency cord in the bathroom and I yell, "the baby is coming!"  At this point things go very fast.  The nurse asks if I can get out of the tub - I assure her I can't.  She feels and realizes the baby's head is almost out.  She delivers Emmy's head - so much for the shift change and the next nurse checking my progress.  The hospital doc rushes in (my doc is clearly not going to make it in time).  The hospital doc deliverers her body.  7:10 pm.

You aren't allowed to have water births at this hospital.  oops.  Didn't mean for that to happen - but it was perfect.  (and i think i accidentally made a few nurses and the hospital doctor's night).

We are told she is a girl and are instantly in love.  6 lbs 10 oz, 20 inches long.  Emmy Grace, welcome to the world.  We have prayed and prayed and prayed for your precious life.  You have been shielded by Jesus.  You are beyond loved by your older sisters.  You are nothing short but an incredible gift given by a Gracious God.  Your name means "emulates grace," and our prayer for you is you would know well this God of grace and be marked always as one who knows she is loved and who loves well.