Makena's Birth Story

It's a girl! 

Makena - "mah/KEN/ah"

Hawaiian origin.

Meaning: abundance, many gathered, happy one

I've decided to write out Makena's complete birth story (with all the nasty, personal, gross labor and delivery details) for two reasons.  
1. I want to remember everything.
2. I LOVE reading other people's detailed birth stories, and now I have one to share! 

So, as a precaution, if you don't want to know all these details, this may not be the blog post you want to read.  Can't say I didn't warn you ;)

Okay. Here we go. 
Just to explain the timeline a little better, I got pregnant in September and was due June 13.  Now, I'm a control-freak teacher.  I don't like substitutes teaching my students, let alone planning for a sub.  I love the subs we have in our school, but I'd rather do all the teaching.  So, of course, I planned on staying till the end of the school year instead of taking a maternity leave at the end of the year.  The last week of school, on Monday June 1 I was having contractions that could more or less be timed starting after school all through the night.  I had a doctor appointment the next day, so I figured might as well wait since the contractions weren't super consistent and relatively far apart.  At the doctor, she checked me and I wasn't even dialated or effaced really. Awesome.  Since I had been up all night I didn't go to work that day since I desperately needed rest.  
I ended up finishing the school year on Friday, June 5th - VERY thankful to have gotten the opportunity to finish the year with my students :) 
The next day, I started spotting light brown, and also noticed every time I went to the bathroom there were chunks of something that fell in the toilet.  I assumed it was my mucous plug - which I knew was a sign of labor coming soon.  On top of that chunky stuff in the toilet, I was leaking a watery substance slowly throughout the day. Not a ton, which didn't make me think anything of it.  
Sunday was the same.  
Monday was a little different.  The chunky stuff falling in the toilet was now bloody/pinkish, and I had what felt like period cramps.  I figured I should probably call the doctor about that since I knew anything bloody while pregnant should be discussed with a doctor. After calling, the doctor wasn't too concerned about all that stuff, but WAS concerned if the baby wasn't moving as much.  If she wasn't, the doctor wanted me to come in to get a no-stress test on the baby in the afternoon.  After coming home from Target and trying to feel the baby move, I was starting to freak out.  I couldn't feel her moving around that much - and after crying about it I was sitting in the nursery on the rocking chair and realized my routine is different now. I'm not at school anymore, and am moving around differently, so I'm not feeling her at the same times as when I was working.  After sitting and praying, I felt her kick several times, and felt a lot better about everything.  

I debated going to school on Monday to finish things up in my classroom to check out, but I was having mild cramping off and on and really didn't feel like going in.  In the afternoon, I went to my grandparent's house to do four loads of laundry (since it's free there!).  While sitting on their couch filling out my common core standard workbook for the school year, I was timing contractions going in and out more or less every 12-14 minutes.  After coming home around 6ish, and after Brian got home, the contractions really weren't going away at all.  I decided to call the doctor again around 7:30pm, and explained to the phone nurse all my symptoms.  She said just to be safe, we should go to triage and check if the fluid leaking was my amniotic fluid slowly breaking.  

I really wasn't thinking anything of it.  I assumed this wasn't "it" and slowly added a few things to my hospital bag just in case.  After eating a half of a PB&J sandwich, off we went in the car to the hospital.  We got to the hospital around 9pm, and around 9:30 changed into a gown and got into the hospital bed.  The nurse practitioner did an exam on me to first check if I was dilated at all.  Let me tell you. That was the WORST exam I've ever had.  She was all up in there.  Apparently my cervix was way far back, and I was only dilated a fingernail's worth.  SERIOUSLY?! I was a little frustrated... Then she checked to see if my water leakage was amniotic fluid leaking with a really long looking Qtip. At first the nurse said, "I doubt it's amniotic fluid, because it usually isn't, but we'll check." After looking, she changed her mind and said "maybe it IS fluid." And after checking under the microscope she came back in the room and said "well, I have good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it. It IS amniotic fluid, and you're staying! But you're probably going to have the baby tomorrow afternoon or evening. And once you go up to labor and delivery you can't eat anything." 

I have never been more thankful for that PB&J I ate before leaving home.  

After waiting about an hour and a half to go up to labor and delivery, I walked up to the second floor with Brian to our new room.  

Around midnight, the doctor checked me again and said I was 1-2cm dilated.  She administered Cytotec to ripen my cervix and get it more effaced.  It kind of worked, but not as much as they'd like.  So, they started me on Pitocin.  The epidural people came in and gave me the schpeal about the risks and consent in case I wanted an epidural at some point.  I signed some liability papers, and the anesthesiologist left all in a whirlwind.  At that point I was only kind of tired, but I figured I should try to sleep since I knew I was probably in for a long next 24 hours.  The nurse offered me an Ambien to help me sleep, so I took it.  That was dumb.  I think I just didn't realize I was actually in labor, and labor means stronger and stronger period cramps.  It took me a while to realize these cramps really were strong contractions, and throughout the night would be getting worse and worse.  Sleeping during strong contractions? Yeah. Right. 

As the contractions got worse, I started getting a headache and kind of felt like vomiting.  The whole time Brian was "sleeping" as I was literally moaning in pain and praying to God out loud that it would stop.  Brian wasn't feeling great either.  He claims it was because he didn't like seeing me in pain and that made him feel sick.  

Around 6am, someone checked on my progress, and said my cervix was cooperating now and I was 5cm dilated.  That's when I realized "oh my gosh. this is happening." and the nurse said "you know, you can get an epidural any time!"  At that point, I was like "uummm, yes please!" and they made the call to get the anesthesiologist.  Let me tell you. BEST. DECISION. I'VE. EVER. MADE. The prick of the epidural was NOTHING compared to the crampy contractions.  But I am still glad I didn't get an epidural right away.  Something inside of me (before labor) wanted to go all natural, and I really respect and admire those women that go through childbirth without drugs.  However, getting an epidural made giving birth so much more enjoyable!

After the epidural started working, I could smile again and breathe a little bit.  About 45 minutes after feeling zero contractions, I felt this pressure - like baby's head was pushing into my butt. I told the nurse, she checked me, and I was 10cm already! She called the doctor, and about 25 minutes later the doctor came in and said I could start pushing.  

10cm!

 I started pushing during every contraction, and every time the nurse said she could see a little more of the head.  I pushed for about 30 minutes with every contraction, and then the doctor and nurse got ready for baby to come out.  You know it's getting close when the doctor puts her gloves on! 

I pushed about four more times. Around the end of pushing they noticed meconium in the bloody liquid coming out, so the doctor called the pediatricians to be present for the birth just in case Makena didn't start crying right away when she came out. The second to last push baby's head was half way out and crowning, and I felt her with my hand.  That was the weirdest and most amazing feeling ever.  Then with one more push, Makena was born at 9:05am, 7 lbs. 3oz. - a little green from the meconium, and crying nice and loud. Praise the Lord!
They placed her on top of me to warm her up skin to skin for an hour before bathing or running any routine tests on her.  That was the most surreal moment I have ever lived.  I never felt or noticed my placenta being delivered or getting stitched up - just kept staring at this little tiny human that apparently just came out of my body.    What a wild experience.  I did have a second degree tear from pushing her out, but none of that mattered.  We brought a baby into the world! What a miracle that God has given us! 

There you have it.  Makena's birth story.  I was lucky to only be in active labor for 9 hours, 6 of those without an epidural, and be pushing for less than an hour.  Now, 16 days later, I can't believe how my life has changed becoming a mom.  Sleeping for a span of four hours a night is a "rested" night, breast feeding is hard but getting easier, I cry every day about something, and I love my squirmy, awkward, beautiful baby girl more and more every day.  I was made to be a mom, and I'm so blessed God has given Brian and I the opportunity to parent this beautiful baby for Him! 


Please keep praying for us, for wisdom that we'll know more or less what we're doing, great health for all three of us, I would continue to heal after giving birth, and specifically we find a good day care for Makena when I go back to work in the Fall. 

Change. Again.

I tried writing a blog post a couple months ago, but it didn't quite click yet.  I think I'm finally ready to update my blog.  We'll see. 

After reading my last post in July of last summer, I couldn't help but think my feelings haven't changed much since.  Things still don't feel "normal," although there is routine in our lives now.  Someday things will settle down? Someday. But God has decided to take us on another few roller coasters in the next few months that he is equipping us for in ways I know we can't even see yet.  

I'm pregnant!

There, it's announced to the blogging world.  By now this is no surprise to people.  Yesterday makes 26 weeks pregnant with our baby girl.  Can I just say I've been waiting for this day for, well, literally my whole life?! Ever since I'd had my first doll, I've wanted to be a mom.  And can I just say I LOVE being pregnant? I mean besides the back pain and all that stuff (like crying during every State Farm and Zillow commercial), feeling her kick and squirm in there is incredible and weird all at the same time.  We can't wait to meet our baby girl (due in June) - and I get the whole summer to spend with her 24/7 :)

On top of becoming parents, Brian is almost finished with medical assistant school! Yay! He should be starting his externship at the end of this month, and finding a full time job in May. He's really excited about starting this new career path in the medical field - and he does a great job at it! I'm very proud of him! 

Our lives are about to change. 

Again.  

Just thinking back on a year ago this week we were starting our new lives in the US, not knowing where God would lead us, taking a huge leap of faith, and now here we are again...taking a huge leap of faith that he will guide us in the right path with the right careers and parenthood - all to honor His kingdom! 

I say I want our lives to get a little more "boring" and settled, but in a way I don't. I think that's a big issue with believers of God - that things become so routine and settled that the magnificence and brilliance of the power of God becomes desensitized in our lives.  Who would ever wish for that? 

I continue to be in awe of Him, especially growing this little miracle inside of me. Wow.

Cinco Meses.

It's been about five months /cinco meses/ since we moved back to the United States to Grand Rapids, MI. Has it really been that long? It feels like we just left Jarabacoa...still. 
It also feels like our lives keep changing and there's always something new going on.  

"Can't things just settle down already?" 
"Why is everything such a huge adjustment?!" 
"When will things finally seem... normal?"

These are things we constantly keep asking ourselves.  There's no doubt about it - change, in any circumstance, is DIFFICULT. Sometimes exciting, but that doesn't mean it's not difficult. Ugh.

Here's the latest news, for those interested...
Jessica: After long-term subbing in a first grade Spanish Immersion classroom at Northpointe Christian (NPC) since March, NPC hired me on for this coming school year as their Third Grade Spanish Immersion (SI) teacher.  The SI program at NPC is relatively new, and each year they add on a grade in their SI program.  This coming year they will be adding third grade, which I'm VERY excited to be teaching! Basically, if you're unfamiliar with a Spanish Immersion Program, it's that the students learn everything a "normal" English school would, except everything is taught in Spanish.  As the grades get higher, the students are expected to only speak Spanish throughout the day with each other and their teacher.  In third grade though, I'll be teaching every subject in Spanish except for Social Studies, which will be in English.  I'm pretty excited to basically doing the exact opposite that I was doing at Jarabacoa Christian School (teaching in English Immersion to native Spanish speakers).  It'll be challenging, but exciting :).  
 This summer I've been working at the Humane Society of West Michigan, helping run day camps for kids.  This entails teaching kids about becoming advocates for animals, and learning how to care for animals.  On top of everything, we get to play with the animals up for adoption! Probably the best job ever, in my opinion. I actually did the same thing about six years ago, and kept in touch with them since.  Strange how it all works out!

Brian reading to Kenya, our great friends' 2 year old :)

 Brian:  Brian is again an active member of the US Army Reserve, based out of a base close to Battle Creek, MI (about at hour south of where we live). This basically entails that he go to Drill once a month for a weekend and two weeks out of the summer. He also has been dreaming of going into the medical field, so in April he started going to school to become a Medical Assistant.  The program he is attending is a 10-month intensive program, and after he graduates he'll be eligible to work in any doctor's office or hospital as a medical assistant.  Since he's been in school, he's managed a 4.0 in all his classes :).  He also just recently got a part time job at Pier1 Imports.  I'm one proud wife! :)

We've moved into an apartment in May that accepts large dogs (VERY HARD TO FIND over here) and have slowly been settling in.  We are very blessed that all of our furniture and other things have been given to us by some very generous people! Kai loves being an indoor dog, but also loves the fenced in dog park at our apartment complex.  

Deer in our "backyard"

We've found a church we love, called Kentwood Community Church.  They have a pretty diverse population, and even sing songs in Spanish.  I can honestly say not a Sunday has gone by where I'm not a puddle of tears at church.  I can't help it. I completely fall apart when I look back at how God has been on our side throughout this huge move and transition.  He's still preparing us for something big that we just can't see yet...I can feel it!

As I sigh in awe for a way to close this blog, I want to go back to one of the questions we continue to ask ourselves... "when will things finally seem...normal?"  I can't really say I know what "normal" means at this point.  We've been gone from this country for four years. We've changed.  Time hasn't stopped for people here. Life has moved on without us during the last four years. It feels like it should have just paused and we could take off where we've left things in the past.
Nope. 

Celebrating Grand Rapids Art Festival

How do we live in this constant struggle between what we've known before, how we want people to see us now, how not to go back to what we did/would have said in the past, and how things have changed? It's a battle. Truly. 

In closing, I ask that you keep praying for our transition.  We have some specific needs as well...
1. We will be in need of another car to buy/long-term borrow in a few weeks.  Our schedules will start conflicting too much in the third week of August, and we're in need to purchase another car. Please pray for miraculous funds for this!
2. Finances for the rest of the summer. 
3. Wisdom. That we as a couple come whole-heartedly to the Lord when making decisions. 
4. We get the funds to have internet in our apartment.

change. now rest.

Breathe in....


Breathe out.




I can finally take the chance to breathe for more than just the weekend. These last four weeks have been quite the roller coaster of emotions for Brian and me.  Now that spring break has officially begun I can fully soak in every piece of change that has happened in our lives over the last month. So, here we go..

**Disclaimer: First, I just want to say us moving back to the US at this point in the year and in our lives was NOT an accident and our choice. It's been so emotionally humbling to continue to see God's provision for us throughout this whole process. God has continued DAILY to reassure us that moving was His idea, and He will continue to take care of us whatever struggles there may be.  

Loving Miami!

The day I left the Dominican was ridiculously emotional for me.  I had to make sure I had everything ready for my dog, Kai, to travel, and on top of that say goodbye to everyone that has impacted my life in huge ways over the last four years, and on top of that doing all of that alone since Brian was already in the states trying to find a car for us to buy. The day I left my ride to the airport was late, so I got the airport at a later time than expected (you're encouraged to get to the airport at least three hours before your departure time if traveling with an animal. Yeah..didn't happen).  At the airport I had to go to this random office through customs with my dog to get his agricultural forms, and by the time that was done, I had 40 minutes to get on my flight.  At check-in, the woman was looking over my forms for the dog in regards to the certification of weather. She said Kai couldnt fly that day because my form had to be from a vet in the US. "Seriously?! That's not possible! The dog is from the DR!" "I'm sorry, that's the way it is."

I lost it. 

I'm SO thankful for my friend Mindy from CMA.  She kept me calm and sane the whole week before traveling, and was such a great friend at the airport.  At the airport after I was told this, we had to think of a plan to bring Kai back to the states. As we were planning, the women at the counter were going over my form again and again. After countless prayers in my head, she said they would allow my dog to fly! 

I lost it again.


That was just the beginning.  Things just were working out the best they could throughout the whole entire day.  I could literally FEEL answered prayers from all our friends and family - praying for smooth travel for me and Kai. I wrote down all the ways God had blessed us that day, with the people I talked to and places we went. In Miami, there was even a little dog relief park area that I brought Kai to over our 7 hour layover. He loved it!

Kai's first time in snow!

After landing in Indianapolis, we stayed at Brian's dad's house for the weekend, and that Sunday we left for Michigan.  After a teary "see you later" to Kai after dropping him off at his temporary home in Goshen, IN, we were on our way to start our new lives in Grand Rapids.  

So...how can I explain what it's been like for the last four weeks? Well, I pretty much jumped right into teaching within 24 hours of arriving to Grand Rapids. THAT was a whirlwind of culture shock! It's REALLY weird to go from English immersion with Dominican kids, and then to Spanish immersion with American kids. A lot of the same struggles and teaching strategies, but with the technology of America.  Teaching all in Spanish is something to get used to, but it's gotten a whole lot easier now.  My brain is constantly switching from English to Spanish - especially when the kids are speaking spanglish with you! But all in all, I can't complain..I'm impressed with how much Spanish they know and they are doing a great job :) 
Brian is now active again in the Army Reserve, and applying for jobs.  We are hoping to hear from one by Monday! 

As far as culture shock? 
Here are my thoughts. Things are expensive. Produce shouldn't cost this much. Coupons are awesome. I'm terrible at using an ipad/iphone/i-anything.  Weather.com is my new best friend.  Socks keep your feet warm - I'm still learning this. Saying the Pledge to the Bible will always make me tear up thinking of JCS. I get emotional when kids sing Jesus songs. American kids are sensitive and more innocent- that's not necessarily a bad thing. Lots of kids have serious allergies.  Flushing toilet paper is still weird. It's really nice to take a LONG hot shower.  TV doesn't have spanish subtitles - finally. TV is not even worth watching.  I'm thankful for the friends I have here.  It's hard to find people that "get" where you've come from. I still get headaches. Warm weather keeps me happier.  I love heartfelt conversations with people that care. People just go about their daily lives - it's so....private. The whole world isn't peeking in on your life. Americans LOVE their pets. It's weird not to see chickens running around everywhere, or consistently smell cows everywhere you go. It's so easy to "make life more simple" by having complicated things and get addicted to it - like an iphone...I need to make a conscious effort to keep my life simple, without too many complicated things. 
There's a lot more, but that's all I can think of right now.  I apologize for the ramblings. 

and there you have it. Of course, I will continue to publish more about our lives as soon as I feel inspired! I am sincerely grateful for everyone who has prayed for Brian and me throughout this transition, and is continuing to pray for us and help us out.  We have been truly blessed!

Prayer requests:
Brian gets a job offer
We can save up for a place to rent
We continue to put God first in everything we do

make the days count!

i don't really know where to begin. 

i was listening to my "Jesus Music" playlist just now, and completely felt compelled to write a blog post. Since (clearly) this hasn't happened lately, i'm sure theres a reason for it. 

and there's that line... 

"...teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.."

Brian put in his resignation letter. 

We're leaving. 

Moving back to the States. 

To Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

To start our new lives. 

February 28th is his last day of work.

I will fly with our dog after Brian on March 6.

WOAH. 

I have been completely overwhelmed with God's grace since we told people we were moving.  Right away we sold our most costly valuables - including Brian's motorcycle. We came to the conclusion that we needed to find our German Shepherd, Luna, a new home...and we did (I can't describe to you how hard that was).  I already have a job in Grand Rapids, starting as soon as we get back.

Things are just...working out.  

How can God's provision for us be any more clear at this point? 

As I was waving goodbye to the Taylor family this morning for the last time (who are moving back to the states this week, starting THEIR new American lives in Arkansas a month ahead of us) I couldn't help but feel blessed. It just..."worked out" for them too. And through their blessings from God I have been blessed too. 

See, I have this problem where if I can't foresee or make an accurate educated guess of the outcome of a certain situation it really bothers me. I have to plan and make decisions to correlate with the outcome I expect.  God continues to break me from this. Maybe I'm just now getting it. 

I can't control God. Yep, that's it. That's what it is, isn't it? This whole moving thing has brought me to my knees in prayer, where there's no where else to go except to Him. It's a great place to be.

So here we go... 

we will "count the days, and make the days count"...

Last Picture with Luna :( 

**If you would like to financially help us with our big move, please send me an email at jessicalynnsommer@gmail.com Thank you!

it is well!

has it really been seven months since my last post?!

I sincerely apologize! 

I can honestly say, though, that things are going... well.  

Brian and I had our wedding March 23.  Marriage is going great! Though "real life" has sunk in rather quickly, we constantly find ourselves pulled and stretched with life in ways we ne

ver thought of. We are continuously being challenged, and in the process we are learning more about each other.  From what I hear, that's what the first year of marriage is all about right? 


A few months after our wedding, we added another furbaby to our family.  Kai, our Golden Retriever puppy [now seven months old], is a joy to have around and very friendly! Luna [our German Shepherd furbaby] and him get along well, which we're also thankful for :) 


Job-wise, Brian is almost going on his third year working for Caribbean Mountain Academy, which is also the campus we live on.  He has taken on more responsibility with the title of Residential House Manager, which is basically overseeing the Girls and Guys house here at CMA.  It's a LOT of work, but he does it well.  

I've had a bit of a change in my job as well. As most of you all know, my job at Jarabacoa Christian School had been incredibly difficult and challenging - mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.   The director of CMA's youngest daughter needed someone to homeschool her for this school year.  This was the perfect transition and just what I needed to make the change to step down from the unhealthy work environment of my teaching job from the last three years.  With a lot of prayer and encouragement from others, I decided this school year I would not teach at JCS anymore. So, I started my fourth year in this country teaching Lydia.  It's only been about three months, but she's improved TREMENDOUSLY and becoming such a great reader!  

Lydia reading to her cat

Along with homeschooling in the mornings, I have also been tutoring English [which I LOVE!] to new students at JCS, helping out with some students at Doulos [the other English immersion school in Jarabacoa], and been doing more photoshoots around Jarabacoa [I just shot my first wedding last weekend!].  I love the fact that I can, for the most part, make my own schedule and feel more free in what I'm doing. Over all of this transition, it's been so apparent how God has weaved Himself in every decision I've had to make regarding my job this year.  There is no doubt in my mind that He was in control the whole time - I just had to get in the back seat and watch Him drive! 

Health-wise, I've been having heightened anxiety attacks within the last seven months.  I guess I don't take change very well? They've now been becoming farther and few between, but I've learned how to control them with the help of God and essential oils ;) 

Well, the question has started to pop up more...."when are you guys moving back to the states?" I will state that Brian and I are content with where we are as of right now this very moment.  However, Brian has been getting more calls from the US Army, and seems that if he does not move back to fulfill his contract within the next year, he may lose his contract altogether.  With that being said, we will probably be leaving the Dominican Republic some time in the year 2014 - hopeful to move to Grand Rapids, Michigan!  Stay tuned for more information.

Please pray for direction and God's provision for our future.  We'd really appreciate it!

Thank you for reading! Be blessed today :) 

-Jessica

drained.

You ever have those days where there is absolutely NO motivation to do anything, it's just hard to wake up in the morning to go to work, and you feel completely emotionally/ spiritually/ physically drained of LIFE???? 

I would love to say right now that things are great with my job. As far as I recall, I believe I wrote a blog last year around this time about last school year being incredibly difficult for several different reasons, but I felt God leading me to teach there again.  Well, I can't say anything has changed..

...for the better. 

Things right now are so----eh.  Sometimes the only thing that gets me through a day of work is a cute note on the chalkboard from a student. That little bit of hope to finish the day.  That gentle push to a happier place when daily frustrations arise.  Gosh it's so nice when that happens. 

I just found out I'm allergic to 167 types of food, which is what had been causing my daily headaches and stomach aches for many years.  

I'm tired. I'm grumpy. I'm stressed. I'm negative. I'm done (my favorite phrase lately). 

And what blows my mind everytime,

what brings me to my knees,

something I don't think about enough,

(uummm....reality check?)

Who am I to be feeling this way? 

Who am I to think I can do this on my own?

Who am I to think I can change this world by myself? 

Who am I to be motivated to do well only by what others encourage me to do?

I am alive today.

My heart continues to beat.

I got the chance to wake up this morning.

I have no right to take on God's tasks [in which I know I will fail].  This is impossible.. to be God, I mean. I've started living by the phrase,"if you want something done right , you have to do it yourself." NO! The reality of it is that if you want something done right, give it to God. Like, for real give it to God. He'll handle it. 

Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

But why is this so hard to believe sometimes?

I need prayer. Continuous prayer.  There are several unknowns about the summer and next school year for me. Please pray for the future for not only me, but my husband Brian as well.  Who knows what's in store for us, but please pray that our journey is all on God's timing, along with His encouragement, and that we take our lives and throw it up to God to bounce us around wherever He wants.