The Arrival of Baby Seaford!

On July 22nd, we received the call from Emma in North Carolina that her contractions remained consistent (she had had prodromal labor for several days) and that we needed to make our way east. Mom and I gathered our things and got them and ourselves in the car and began the long trip, hoping we would make the birth. We would not have been worried if we had been able to look into the next few days!

We made good time on the road and arrived at Emma and Stephen's house safely, but unfortunately, the contractions were not as strong and consistent as we would have hoped for a more speedy delivery. We went to bed anticipating a trip to the birthing center in the middle of the night, but no call came.

Saturday morning found Emma still having contractions, but no significant progression. Emma and I took a walk to try to help labor progress and we spent the rest of the day and most of Sunday, watching movies, pressing pressure points, resting, keeping everyone fed, and applying (and diffusing) essential oils. 

Sunday night the contractions suddenly intensified and after calling a midwife, we were advised to head on to the birthing center. It wasn't quite as chaotic as the scene in "I Love Lucy" when Lucy goes to the hospital, but it was a close rival! =) Mom, Stephen, and I were flying around trying to gather water, keys, electrolytes, a baby carrier, purses, food, etc.

After arriving and getting checked in, the contractions had once again eased up and we began the night watch, continuing to press pressure points and helping Emma change positions to keep labor moving. 

After 4 hours, Emma had not progressed any further than when she had been checked in, and legally the birthing center could not keep her any longer. So after receiving a muscle relaxer, we headed home around 3am to try to get some rest. 

Did I eat ice cream for breakfast? Yes, I did.

Monday morning, after just a few hours of sleep, we began the circuit again. Birthing ball and a movie, essential oils, and another walk. 

I kept the laundry moving. Routine is a good thing in stressful times. 

Around 11:30, Emma and Stephen headed back to the birthing center followed by Mom and me about an hour later. She had progressed further than the night before and was officially admitted into the center. 

"Fueling" for the night ahead at Dunkin!

At 11:22pm after many prayers, tears, perseverance from Emma, and the intervention of the Lord, James Elliot Seaford entered the world!

We watched God work so mightily on our behalf! Birth is such a miracle and I would not have missed being there for a great deal! 

Mom with her first grandchild!

Getting his first bath.

Skyping with the siblings at home. 

Family Life - Summer 2022

It is August ya'll! Absolutely crazy! June and July flew by on wings of speed, and here we are, already beginning to think about the fall, that is fast approaching. June and July were busy months, full of farm work, a family wedding, another prison trip, home responsibilities, and more.

Welcome to a glimpse of life in the Smith household over the past few months!

My cousin, Matthew (right) got married in June. I stopped
by a few days before the expected wedding to say "goodbye"
to my single cousin. Another of my wonderful cousins, Chase,
joined us in the picture. 

We loaded cattle to ship north on the 10th of June. 

"Peaches" was an adorable spectator of the active scene... 

...as was "Ladybug".

Joel is such a hard worker!

Olivia and I attempt to keep track of the paperwork.

Washing bench seats from the van.

We had the joy of traveling to North Carolina for my cousin's 
wedding! Matthew and I have been close since we were little
children, being only 10 months apart in age, and getting to know
Katie has been a lovely delight. 

Always cousins, forever friends!

All 6 of us sisters!

I flew directly from North Carolina to Florida for a week
of prison ministry! As usual, my friend and I were so
glad to walk through another week of ministry together. 
So thankful for this girl! 

Spending a lovely few days with my grandma. 

Some friends from church came up to the farm to 
go blackberry picking. Here is Joel, armed in the 
case of meeting up with any snakes. 

Snoopy, taking in his daily dose of vitamin K.

On July 25th a very happy event took place, but that will receive a post of its own! =)