A Rush of Laughter!

Almost five years ago I was allowed to attend a very special birth. This is what I wrote on Facebook about it:

“Home with Hannah from the birth of a glorious baby boy. His name means laughter, and I find his name profoundly significant. Only five years ago his mother was planning her funeral. I didn’t know her then, and, though I didn’t yet know her, she was laid upon my heart… I remember weeping over her – another young life cut short – when I heard her story, and I went on to spend hours upon hours for months upon months upon years lifting her before the Father in prayer. As did so many. Indeed, she was bathed in prayer. And then ~ a miracle! She was restored to life! And then ~ another miracle! She married! And then ~ yet another miracle! She became pregnant! And then this morning I was blessed with the unspeakable honor of sitting with her as she brought forth her first baby, guided by my own first baby’s sure and gentle hands. My God! Life is so intense! Beautiful, but intense! I’m a wash of tears!”

Join us today as Mama herself tells the story of her child’s birth.

Sarah Lootens

The story of my son’s birth is an account of the Lord’s gracious providence, and how He has woven people and events into the fabric of my life.

On April 27, 2007, I turned 27. It appeared that it was to be my last birthday, as I was seriously ill. I was told to plan my funeral, which I did, but I had also planned my birthday party. My friend, Marigene, came to my party. She brought her daughter, Hannah, with her, as well as her daughter’s friend, Hannah Woodard. At the time, I never dreamed Hannah Woodard would, five years later, assist with the birth of my son. The Lord certainly does exceedingly and abundantly beyond all we can think and ask.

Throughout the year following the party, the Lord provided an excellent doctor, Jeffrey Hendricks, a new diagnosis and plan of action, a set of dedicated parents, and many people to help me and, little by little, I made my recovery.

Years later on July 4th, 2011, my husband and I met, and we married August 27th, the same year.

When we learned we were expecting, I greatly hoped for a homebirth. I had been interested in homebirth for a long time. After attending the homebirth of my friend, April’s, daughter, I was firmly convinced of the wonderfulness of being able to give birth at home. Due to the area we lived in, I was advised to use the birth center, but, I left my first visit with a heavy heart. It was a great relief when we were transferred to Virginia, leaving that birth center behind in Maryland. We then learned my husband would be embarked on board the USS Enterprise when Isaac was expected to arrive, so the kiddos (my step-children) and I planned to stay with my parents in Michigan. I called Kim from Maryland to explain the situation. She graciously accepted me as a client, and we kept in touch from Virginia till we met at her home in Michigan.

During my prenatal visits, Kim was a great encouragement. She shared and listened, making such a difference to me during a difficult time.

On July 5th, I began having back pain; however, it was very early morning of July 7th when I woke my mom and firmly requested her to take my daughter, Abigail, out of my room. Mom woke Abby, letting her know Isaac was likely on his way.

Mom fixed several baths for me, changed the bed, and took care of everything needed. In the morning, she sent the kiddos to my brother and sweet sister-in-law’s house. My friend, Erin, calmly received my early morning call, pumped for her own baby, and drove the forty-five minutes to my parent’s house. Soon after my friend, Theresa, cheerfully arrived. These two friends were amazingly supportive; holding my hand, coaching me to breathe, and using their strength to hold me. Kim and Hannah arrived around 7:45 am, and at 8:15, Isaac Tyndale Lootens was born.

He was so little and looked just like his dad. I was exhausted. Kim told me Isaac was looking at me. I vividly remember those sweet eyes. Erin held Isaac while I took a nap. It was a blessing to have him held close by. Theresa helped me clean up and did my hair, returning several times to serve as my postpartum doula.

After things settled down a bit, Hannah dressed Isaac in his sailor outfit and Theresa posted pictures to my blog for my husband to see.

Isaac’s name is from the biblical Isaac – the promised son of Sarah – and for William Tyndale – a man used mightily by the Lord to preserve scripture, and to give it an English voice.

I am thankful for the Lord’s gracious provision in a safe homebirth, a supportive and fantastic birth team, and for Isaac Tyndale – our laughter.

By Sarah Lootens

Photographs provided by Sarah