Aspen Emelia
born 12/19
8# 10.5 oz
21″
Note: The following is Aspen’s birth story, which includes a photo that may make some people squeamish. Don’t scroll down if you are one of those people.
The morning of the 19th, I awoke to a contraction and what felt like a very painful kick. As I laid there, I wondered if there was any chance it was my water breaking…something that NEVER happens to me. I finally got the courage to get out of bed, and sure enough…GUSH!
Ty was 2.5 hours from the hospital at our new home, and I was 45 minutes from the hospital, staying at my mom’s house. My mom took me in and Ty started his trek up to the hospital.
I could barely feel my contractions, and the one harder one I had, I watched as baby’s heart rate fell. The next time I had a stronger contraction, I avoided looking at the monitor and just practiced my breathing. After a while, it became apparent something was not right. My OB came in to talk to me. I told her I felt like something was wrong and that I needed a c-section. She said she agreed, but she was afraid I was going to fight her on it because of how hard I had worked to VBAC and then VBA2C. But, I knew in my heart, something wasn’t right.
The nurses and doctors worked quickly to get me prepped and back to the OR. I was very nervous. Ty kept tabs on baby’s heart rate while I prayed I wouldn’t have any more contractions.
It was very difficult to get baby out, but finally, our little one came into this world, and Ty announced baby was a
! ! !
G I R L
! ! !
She was my smallest full-term baby. She could actually fit in the newborn diapers and outfits! She has a smattering of darkish hair, and long feet, fingers, and toes!
After surgery, Dr. let us know what the trouble had been. (here’s the squeamish part…)
Aspen’s cord was a big twisted mess. It was near her head and was being compressed even with the small contractions. Potentially, the cord would have come first or pulled and tightened up, cutting off her oxygen. The strangeness I was feeling was God-given mother’s intuition.
There are other aspects to this story that I will share along the way, but I wanted to end this post with the story of how Aspen got her name.
We knew if it was a girl, the middle name would be Emelia. Emelia was Ty’s paternal great-grandmother’s name (an old world German name meaning hard-working – just like our Emily’s name). The spelling included our little Emily’s name as well as our daughter Melia’s name. The really neat part about this was that while the name did not include any part of our only other daughter’s name (Megan), little Aspen was born on Megan’s 14th birthday!
As for the first name…as a family, we have always been drawn to Aspen trees. The beautiful wood, the way the leaves shimmer in the light as they change color in the fall, the fact that a forest of Aspen trees is all on one root system, intertwined; separate, yet part of a whole all reminded us of a beauty only God could create. It seemed a fitting name for a much-longed-for little girl.
So, if you are looking for me, you’ll find me smiling and staring at this tiny little beauty. We are all feeling so very blessed!
Klecia says
CONGRATULATIONS! She is beautiful. Treasure every moment, and every PINK little outfit – I’m sure you will. She has an amazing birth story. Our prayers are with you and your family as you all adjust to a slightly larger family and new house. Enjoy this season – rest and take it easy, and treasure and enjoy your new bundle along with all your bigger blessings aswell. God is good!
Bethany Hudson says
Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl. So glad she is here, safe and sound. Prayers for a speedy recovery for you and a merry, merry Christmas!
Rébecca says
Congratulations ! I’ve been checking your blog often wondering if you had had your little one. So thankful for doctors and modern medical care !
Jamie Howard says
Oh Amy what a sweet sweet blessing she is. Praise God she arrived safely! Her name is just beautiful! Merry Christmas to all of your lovely family!
Heather says
Congratulations ! What an absolute beauty 🙂 God is so good 🙂
Jessica says
Congratulations! She’s a beauty!
Chris Waughtal says
WOW, God is GOOD!!!!
Thankful for the good news of this post, and now take time to recover, heal, and enjoy that little beauty:)
Have the Merriest Christmas
Cindy says
Yay, Amy! I’m so happy for you, and praising God for that intuition you had. Merry Christmas.
Andrea says
So Awesome! Congratulations to the entire family – she is beautiful! So happy for you all; thank you for taking the time to post. Very thankful Aspen and Mommy are both doing well:) Merry Christmas. Hugs!
Andrea
Alene says
So happy for you Amy and family. A girl!!
Chana says
Amy,
I”m so happy for your family and for you! A heartful mazal tov from Israel! Welcome baby Aspen to this world!
Becky says
Congratulations and Merry Christmas, Amy and family! Enjoy this sweet time 🙂
Melinda says
She is absolutely beautiful!! Really that is a pretty baby! And what a cool story about her name! And so thankful that God gave you wisdom and a knowing that the c-section needed to be done! Thank you Lord! Praying you recover quickly!
Miranda says
Congratulations! I am in tears for you! Happy ones!
Valerie says
Congratulations on a healthy baby and delivery…and on a beautiful little girl. Enjoy your Christmas snuggles!
Sharon says
Congratulations Amy! What a lovely name! So glad she is here safe and sound. God bless and I hope you heal quickly! xo
Allison says
All the best to baby Aspen Emelia!
Theresa says
She is beautiful! Congratulations…enjoy every minute.
Salo says
Oh Amy! A girl – finally (not that should mean, its your last child 😉 thats not up to me)!
Concratulations from Germany!
Salo
Angelika says
Oh Amy, she is gorgeous! What a great God we have who protected her so wonderfully! You are truly blessed. What a story!
Can’t wait for mine…must be soon!
Christmas greetings and congratulations from Germany!
Jocelyn says
She is beautiful! Congratulations!
Tina H. says
Oh, Amy! Little Aspen Emelia is such an adorable little girl. Those cheeks are just made for kissing and I just smile looking at her picture. So thankful she is here safely. Praying for a quick recovery for you as you settle into your new normal. Congratulations and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Rebecca B. says
Congratulations! So happy for you and your family!!
Blessings,
Becky
Katrina says
Beautiful name and a lovely sweet one! Congrats. SO glad the Lord prepared you by giving you that sense that something wasn’t right, and that she is doing fine!
Alicia says
Beautiful. Beautiful baby. Beautiful mama. Beautiful story of the grace & gift & glory of a beautiful heavenly Father!!
Susan says
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful! So happy for you and your family with the addition of more pink! I will be praying for you as you continue to heal! What a Merry Christmas you will be having!
Michelle Anderson says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She is beautiful.. God is good. Blessings to you and your family. Merry Christmas..
Amy says
She’s beautiful! What a great testimony about God’s protection!
Kelly says
Congratulations on your newest GIFT!! Praising our Father with you for that intuition and a precious healthy beauty!
Erica Miller says
Congratulations! I am so happy for you! And so thankful that God protected your little one in the womb.
Kathryn says
Welcome to the world, Aspen Emelia!!
Congratulations, Amy!! Now that is one incredible birth story. I will remember this, to encourage other moms that God is good and he is in control, and he definitely spoke to you! Praise the Lord for intervention and a healthy baby, mom, and birth!
She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.
My oldest was born Dec 19. Enjoy your Christmas! I remember those newborn snuggles.
Just yesterday I was searching through my emails, to see if I had missed an update, while thinking of you!
Blessings to you and your family!!
Laura says
Congratulations, Amy + fam! I was *just* thinking this morning, “Hmmm, I wonder if Amy had her baby yet” and I checked my email to see your post. Enjoy your time snuggling your newest little one!
Teresa Locklear says
So excited for your family. So thankful that your precious one was born safely! I pray that your family has a blessed Christmas now that your baby is here.
Tammy Jones says
Congratulations! I pray for continued blessings on you and your precious family. What a beautiful gift! I am so happy for you.
Theresa says
Congratulations on your new, beautiful baby girl!! Praising God for you & your birth story! His faithfulness is evident & my heart is full of joy for you ??
Have a blessed Christmas sister ????
Sarah says
God is so good! I prayed you would have a healthy baby girl. Congratulations! She is beautiful. What a glorious Christmas present!
Karla says
I come here often but don’t always comment. When I noticed you finally had your baby – and that she’s a long-awaited GIRL – I just had to say congratulations! So glad that it all worked out and everyone’s healthy. What a wonderful Christmas present for you! Beautiful name; I love hearing the stories behind them.
Sarah says
I don’t even know you in real life, but I am in tears of joy for you! So excited for you about your precious baby girl!!
kimberly D says
What a beautiful Christmas gift! How fun that Aspen’s big sister gets to share her birthday with her. Congratulations Roberts family! So very happy for you all!
Gillian says
After the death of our firstborn, sweet daughter Faith at 7 months, we went on to have 5 fun and rambunctious boys! We call them the boybarians! 🙂 My husband and I both longed for a girl so much! When we became pregnant with our 9th( Faith was out first, and we have had two miscarriages in a row in between boy 4 and 5) we just expected that it would be a boy and my heart was ready and at peace with that. But god is so gracious and loving and on Valentines Day of this year we welcomed Aria Felicity Hope!! The most beautiful angel baby girl! So, I know your excitement and I’m so happy for you! I feel like our stories relate somewhat and so I’m praising the Lord with you! Your blog is such an encouragement to me. Enjoy your wonderful blessing!
R.D. says
Oh, I’m SO happy for you! A beautiful gift of a new baby girl! And her name is so meaningful. Having followed your blog for a long time, I know this must mean so much. This will be a busy day with all the pre-Christmas preparations, but seeing this news almost brought tears to my eyes. What wonderful, wonderful news! Enjoy that sweet little one!
sarah says
So proud and happy for you Amy!!! Mostly, I am proud of you for surrendering your desires for a girl, because you can fully enjoy her. 🙂 As a woman who has walked the gender road I understand the surrender of the heart, and am proud of you. Also, I totally thought it would be a boy. 🙂
Victoria says
Congratulations! And Merry Christmas, too!
Rose says
Congratulations on your precious baby girl! Enjoy every second.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
tamela says
Oh.. How I Love You and Your family… I have been saying for months… Babe is a girl…Not that I was predicting anything or looking at how you were shaped or any of that stuff.. I was impressed in my heart for such a long time on the thought… Praise the LORD… What a lovely daughter and what a lovely name… You and yours enjoy your time with Aspen… Thank you for sharing… and for being a blessing to others…
Diana says
Many, many congratulations!! She is beautiful, you did an awesome job, and I love the name!!
Kendra says
Wonderful news! I felt compelled to pray for you last night, so I was pretty thrilled to see your announcement in my inbox! Congratulations on your beautiful little girl! God bless you and your family! Merry Christmases!
Charlotte Moore says
I am so happy for you all you. I was so hoping you had another girl. GOD is good!!!
We just had our 2nd great granddaughter born yesterday 22nd, on my husband’s 70th birthday. We had boys then all grandsons and now we have been blessed with 2 little girls.
MERRY CHRISTmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Enjoy that baby girl!!!
GOD BLESS!!
Melissa N. says
Congrats!!!! She is beautiful!
Josi says
Exciting news! Every good and perfect gift comes from above. No present under the tree this Christmas could compare with this awesome gift of little Aspen Emelia! I love the testimony of how the Holy Spirit gave you the insight that something was not right. The Lord is good. Have a wonderful Christmastime being with your newly expanded family. And congratulations Megan on having a lifetime birthday buddy! It’s really awesome that all the sisters have a special connection with Aspen.
Ashley says
PRAISE LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! Congratulations!!! I’m so glad everything went ok! She is beautiful! Praise GOD for his many blessings! Enjoy the sweetness!!
Nikki says
So thankful for God’s goodness and giving you your much longed for baby girl!!! We rejoice with you. So happy that she is here and healthy and that all turned out well. To God be the glory Great things He has done!!!! Thank you for sharing her story and Congratulations to all of you.
Renee says
Congratulations! I just knew you were having a sweet baby girl back when I commented about that “funny taste” in the mouth during the first trimester! My little boy was born with the cord very tight around his little neck (he was so blue) 🙁 the day my water broke I just knew something was wrong and I was praying hard… I let them give Pitocin because I never had any contractions after my water broke but I knew baby needed out! God gives moms that special intuition! So thankful for babies coming safely into this world! Enjoy that beautiful bundle of joy this Christmas!!!
kelly says
CONGRADS!!!!! wonderful and God bless!! I am so very happy you all are well.
Noreen says
CONGRATULATIONS!!! She is absolutely beautiful, and what a sweet story of the meaning of her name 🙂 A true Christmas Blessing!! May you all have a wonderful CHRISTmas and a Blessed 2015!
Heather says
Congratulations! You can tell already she looks like you!
Whitney says
Awe!!!! How precious she is!!! 🙂 so happy for you and Her chubby little cheeks are to die for. So thankful you BOTH are ok and doing well!! Special prayers for your family!!! 🙂
Mrs L says
She is SO gorgeous! Praise God for her safe delivery and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
julie says
A real miracle! How lovely, a beautiful baby girl with a beautiful and unique name to fit! And, I bet Megan feels like she indeed got the best birthday gift! So special that they will share a birthday..your oldest and youngest daughter together. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and restful time with your family and new baby girl this Christmas 🙂
Leslie says
Oh. My. Cuteness!!! She is just perfect! Rejoicing at God’s amazing grace and mercy over you! What a blessing that He gave you ever instinct and knowledge to know that something was wrong. I had chills reading this beautiful birth story. How can we NOT praise Him?!? He is SO good. And you, mama, did GREAT!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
TE Lawrence says
Congratulations & all God’s blessings to you & your family!
Devoni says
Oh, Amy!! She is just gorgeous!! As I read your post, happy tears filled my eyes! She’s the best Christmas present ever. I love her name. ????. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.
Kimberly says
Best Christmas present EVER!! 🙂 Congratulations!
Devoni says
Sorry, Amy. Those question marks in my last post were supposed to be a smiley. I guess that’s what I get for trying to type a message on my phone while nursing the baby. 🙂
lacey says
I’ve been following your blog for a little over a year now and have been so blessed by your posts. It’s amazing that women who live states away from each other connected purely by motherhood and their love for the Lord cry for each others ups and downs. I was so moved by Emily’s story and seeing your precious daughters pictures fills my eyes with tears of joy for you. I have prayed for your pregnancy and delivery and am grateful that the Lord chose to answer my (and so many others) prayers in such a special, joyous way. Merry Christmas to you and your family, especially sweet Aspen!!!!!!!
Shannon says
what an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing her story! Your little Aspen is absolutely gorgeous! What a testimony to God’s miracle in her life and yours. Have the merriest Christmas and a wonderful new year ahead with your new home and new addition! God bless ! 🙂
Rana says
Congratulations Amy! She is beautiful. I love her name.
Annie L says
Congratulations!! What a great day to have a birthday!!
Today is my birthday!!! 🙂
Many blessings to you….
Rebecca says
Doll baby! and she resembles your husband and oldest son quite a bit in this picture! Merry Christmas!!
Stacie says
How lovely! Congratulations on your baby girl…..I’m so glad you listened to the prompting about the c-section. What a blessing!
Stephanie says
She us sooooooo cute!! Oh my! What a beautiful newborn! That little nose is just precious!
Sarah says
This whole post makes me happy, every word you can just see His plan and the love in your family. Thank you for sharing & congratulations on bringing little Aspen into this world. What a blessing! I’m sure you’re all enjoying every moment right now!
Eva says
Congrats amy???? I praise The Lord with you!! A new little one in the home creates something I cannot explain but I’m sure you know what I mean???? I wish you and your family many blessing as you celebrate Jesus birth and Aspen????
rebecca says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
She is SO beautiful. I am so thrilled for you to have such a beautiful girl to cuddle. May God give you peace, grace and wisdom every day (and not fear!) and bless your little girl with life abundantly and a hope and a future to fulfill a great purpose for Him… that is my prayer for you.
many sweet blessings…
Eva says
Sorry Amy my question marks were also to be smile face. So many smiles to you.
Angie says
Congratulations and Merry Christmas to everyone!
Jennifer Mull says
Congratulations! I love your story… and isn’t it amazing how the Lord gives that intuition? I have had 2 emergency situations out of 8 deliveries, one that required a c-section and another that ended successfully in a vba2c, but each of those times I sensed something…. both ended well, however, the first one was a little crazy… I did not know how to act on that intuition, as I was a new Christian at the time and didn’t fully understand it. However, I did understand PRAYING, and I did pray hard… and He brought us through… (prolapsed cord.) The second time, was my 8th child and that one was also hard to understand… but in the end, even though the cord was wrapped around her neck, she came out ok… a little trauma, but in the end, the vba2c was best for my situation and she was all right… I do wish I had asked the dr when he did an u/s the week before her birth about the cord because I just sensed that she had a cord issue….. she was the first baby out of all of them that had the cord wrapped around her neck….
Kacie says
Congratulations! What a beautiful babe! So glad you listened to your gut. What a crazy tangle!
Kacie says
Also? Wow, how did she have to flip and turn to make that? That looks like a good knot. Maybe duplicate it with a rope and see 🙂
Melinda says
Congrats! Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. So thankful that everything turned out ok.
Anna says
Congratulations Amy and family on the
wonderful Blessing of your precious daughter. Thankful for the Lords leading towards a safe delivery. God bless and enjoy these first amazing weeks and months. X
Leah says
Congratualtions! She is beautiful! God is good!
Lisa Suit says
I SO beyond thrilled for you I don’t even have the words to express it!! Congratulations!!!
Anita says
Ohhhhh! She is so sweet and I have tears of joy for you as I read. A beautiful name, a beautiful baby and God’s wonderful mercy on her birth! Xxx enjoy your babymoon!
Sue says
Congratulations on your new little girl! I was due 12/22 and had mine 12/19 as well!
Corli says
Oh! A little girl! How wonderful!
Welcome little one!
So glad to hear of her safe delivery.
Wishing you joy, wonder, and some sleep.
Lindsey says
Congratulations Amy and family! She is precious and I LOVE her name!
raisingcropsandbabies says
What a beautiful baby girl!!! Congratulations and I’m so thankful you all are healthy!
Desiree says
Congratulations! She is beautiful! Merry Christmas and prayers sent for a speedy recovery and wonderful Blessed year to come!
Tammy says
Congratulations on your precious new blessing! 🙂 Merry Christmas!!
jayme @ No Regrets Living says
Congrats!!!! Beautiful name!
Janice says
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing her birth story! I’m so glad that everything turned out well! She is beautiful. And what a beautiful name too!
Johanna says
Congratulations! God is good all the time! Such a great story of hope and peace for women suffering from nervousness during pregnancy, as I have many times. God always knows what He is doing. God bless!
Emelia says
Congratulations! I’m sorry you had to have a c-section but so thankful you and baby are ok! And so glad you got another little girl 🙂 Love her middle name 😉
May says
Congratulations, how wonderful and I am so happy that you recognised the signs, trusted your instincts and had a good outcome.
Jamie {See Jamie blog} says
So happy she’s here and you’re both safe and sound. Enjoy those baby snuggles!!!
Jennifer Linke says
As one of your readers who cried (bawled) at the loss of Emily, I cried with joy when I read that you were blessed with your Christmas miracle baby girl, Aspen. I have a 4 year old daughter named Jenyiah (which means “Beautiful” in Hebrew) and her cord was wrapped so tightly around her neck, she nearly died and was also an emergency C-section miracle. I tell people all of the time that a successful, non-traumatic birth is a blessing but often people do not understand how dangerous births can be. My husband and I have three healthy girls, and are beginning on a foster parent/ adoption journey as we pray to give more children a safe, loving, Godly home. I pray for continued blessings for your family. Keep writing!
Tiffany says
Congratulations Amy! I kept checking your site looking for a baby update and I’m delighted to read about the Father’s providence and care for Aspen. Thank you for sharing the testimony of His faithfulness!
Alice says
It’s been so long since I commented here – I read via my email feed, always! I just never seem to have a moment to comment. Congratulations on the safe arrival of your beautiful baby girl! I’m SO excited that she’s here, and that she’s a SHE! 😀 Enjoy! I am smiling here too! 🙂
Cheryl says
Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for some time, but never have made a comment. The story of the scare you had with your daughters birth resonated with me, I know from personal experience that mothers instinct is real…powerful…and precious…my son (second of three children) would not be alive today without it! I am not a devout religious person, but I have come to believe there really is a power higher than ourselves, it was proven to me on the night of his birth. We are both very very lucky and blessed women!
Neethu says
Hi Amy,
First of all, Congrats! Aspen is very cute.
I am from India. I am a Christian. I am 28 years old, married to a loving husband and have 2 children. I have been reading a couple of your posts and a few of Kimberly’s posts at raisingolives. I really want to thank you for making time to write about your life experiences. And I thank God for the technology that though we are so far from each other, I can learn from you guys because of the internet. Having a large family, homeschooling etc – these are not at all the norms here in India even among Christians. I really want to home school my children.I don’t know if that will happen, Praying about it! My husband is not very sure of it as it is a new concept to him. I committed my life to Jesus when I was doing my engineering. At that time, I met a family who was homeschooling their children. They were encouraged by an American family to do so. There will be so much of opposition from my in laws,friends, church etc if we decide to homeschool. But nothing is impossible with Him.
I am so glad that I found these posts. I had 2 C sections for both my babies, not because there was any complication. The doctor chose to do so. And we could not do much about it. I was unhappy and angry inside for a long time. My second one was a C section only because the first one was a C section. But I am now learning to be content and thank Him for the two healthy children He has given me. The oldest , Nathania is 3 years and Noah is 10 months old.
I thank the Lord for you and your family and I pray for you often. May the Lord give you strength in the coming days!
I haven’t read any recent posts from Kimberly. Hope everything is OK.
Love,
Neethu
Amy says
Neethu,
Kimberly quit blogging on a regular basis a couple of years ago. She just felt it was time to move on to other things. 🙂
Neethu says
Oh OK! Thanks for letting me know!
Life As A Convert says
Congratulations!! I am so glad that the tangled cord wasn’t worse.
Rach D says
What a beautiful girl! So,s o happy for you 🙂 I guess you’ll have to do an updated family pic on your larger family section.
Love reading your blog posts, and especially have felt inspired on how gracefully you have handled all the recent changes/challenges you’ve walked through (moving this past year, new baby, continuing to homeschool them all, etc.). Love your blog 🙂
Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough (http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com)
Jennifer says
Congratulations!! I’m so happy that your beautiful little one is safe and healthy! Those pictures and stories always make my heart ache since my sister’s only daughter was stillborn due to a knot in her cord that was just too tight. Love on your little girl for me and I will consider my sweet niece Lillian cuddled as well. 🙂
Donna says
I know this post was some time ago, but just came to it from your FIC post.
My 3rd baby, also a girl, had a hypercoiled cord. Dr said it was twisted tight like wringing a dish rag. I too trusted my mommy’s intuition. I was only 34 weeks, but she had stopped moving – something that was brushed off by drs b/c we already knew she had spina bifida and lack of movement is common, but I knew that something else had changed and it wasn’t normal for my girl. Dr. questioned why I was at the hospital when she had just seen me earlier that day, but I knew something was wrong. Stayed in for several days being closely monitored before having an emergency c-section when they finally figured out there was an issue with her cord. She’s had many struggles, but she’s thriving now. I’ve had to trust that intuition (aka the holy spirit) several times in her 4 years and fight drs who thought I was overreacting, but mommies just know, and I know she wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t fought for her over and over.