No one can ever anticipate how childbirth will roll out but you can always be ready for it. I’m in my 39th week and I still can’t imagine how this second childbirth will happen. Just as how each person is different from one another, every pregnancy and childbirth experience is different also. With this second one, we decided to do it with more gentleness and peace, to be more spontaneous and natural. Not that my first was traumatic, it was such a beautiful experience however there were things that could have been avoided. This time we opted for waterbirth and lotus birth to bring Amos out into the world.

How it all tied to having this decision was really God-orchestrated. It was just a desire in my heart at first which eventually suited circumstances, then came providential connections and finally it was confirmed by God in His Word. Of course my husband was hesitant at first (all husbands default to this when you say you don’t want a hospital birth). But with much prayer, consideration and being educated about birthing practices, he was convinced—excited, even!

So here we are. 39 weeks and 2 days to be exact. While there are still some we need to prepare for our son’s arrival, I am so ready to welcome our newest member in the family. I am trying to visualize how it will all happen from when true labor starts until holding Amos in my arms while in water and with his cord still attached. It really is more of a mind conditioning to help all of me to jump into it without anxiety. Being set spiritually and mentally is equally important with getting your body ready for the greatest effort it will do—bringing another human out.

How colorful is our birthing pool, eh? :)

I guess my firstborn is already feeling that his baby brother is coming so he is taking advantage of having me all to himself becoming more clingy and needy. And I’m savoring these last moments that he will be my only baby—it makes me tear just thinking about it. But God has made motherhood quite amazing—your entire being just expands to nurture and love each and every child He entrusts to you. So while I’m smitten with Ziki, I know I will be as much in love with Amos too.

My husband is a great support to me all throughout this pregnancy and I thank God for him. And this new experience that we will be going through together will just solidify our bond of love and strengthen us both to raise these children God blessed us with. I am so glad to have married this man.

In this entire pregnancy journey I praise the Lord. He has revealed so much about Himself to me and He has exposed a lot about me as well. The meditations of my heart growing ever deeper as I realize His love for me in different dimensions everyday. I know that whatever transpires from today until when I actually give birth is in His hands, and I will trust Him with everything. That is why my birthing playlist is mostly praise and worship songs because I still want to be singing to Him—being in awe of His majesty and praising Him for his goodness and mercy—even in the midst of my labor pains.

I am even more grateful that the birthing home that will assist us is deeply rooted in Christ himself. We are so blessed to have met our midwives who from the start was so attentive and caring. Connecting with them is another testament of God’s faithfulness in answering prayers.

Mom, Ziki and I with one of our wonderful midwives, Deborah of Shiphrah Birthing Home

Now we wait. Joyfully anticipating and embracing the remaining days before a new normal sets in. Thank you Lord!

We are so excited to meet you little one. See you soon, Amos!