the ultrasound

We have a great midwife now that does home births. She brings along an English speaking midwife, as an interpreter. Home birth is very uncommon in Santiago. The interpreter midwife wants to learn how to do home birth and wants to encourage it any way she can.

Leon, and I went to the local hospital on Friday to have some blood work and an ultrasound (It's required in Chile). It was our first experience using the taxi's here. We took Havilah (15) because she's on the birth team and Naphtali (8) because he seems to have a special relationship with this baby. The taxi was very easy and pleasant. We walked out of our neighborhood, saw one pull over and said, "Necesito un taxi" and got in. On the way home it was even easier. Each ride cost less than $6 with a tip.

Once we got there, we didn't think that they would let us in because the gates were guarded by soldiers and everyone else was showing ID. I just fumbled with Spanish and pointed to my belly and they let us right in. It seems like everywhere we go we are treated with favor. Leon is starting to think that angels are going before us and making everything easier.

When we got in we called the doctor as we were instructed to do and he came down and met us. He walked us through the registration and took us around to the lab and a couple other stops. Each time he would talk for us, wait with us and get us in ahead of other people. Leon and I did not like it when he got us in line ahead of an older woman in a wheel chair. I snuck over to touch her and say, "lo siento" when we were leaving, but I could tell that she didn't know what I was talking about. The doctor must have spent 45 minutes helping us before the ultrasound. He wants to promote natural birth and was excited that we were planning a home birth.

In the ultrasound we saw our darling four pound baby. He/she looks just like a little Goodenough baby and started sucking his/her little thumb. We all fell more in love with him/her than ever. We refused to hear the sex of the baby since it is our tradition for Leon to be the first to announce that, at the birth.

We went to the Feria today. We found out that we should not always pay the price that people ask for things at the Feria. So now sometimes I offer less and they usually accept it. I get so tired now and there's no place to rest. I don't think that Leon will let me go anymore (until after I have the baby).  Today I bought some onesies and tiny socks for the baby. I still need diapers and receiving blankets. The children are crocheting a baby blanket right now. Havilah made a little sweater and Naphtali made a soft hat to match. Our minds are on the baby a lot. We have only 8 weeks left.

The children have been discussing how they can take over running the household after the baby comes. They figured out which areas they each want to manage. They wanted to try it out, so for the last five days I've been letting them try it. I've been spending the extra time working on some short stories and preparing some freezer meals for them to use at that time.

 We are looking forward to an exciting show at the christian school. They are going to let us play for all the students. In the meantime; Leon is studying for his MCITP test, Ephraim is finishing his degree and they are all working on a new recording.

 It's so hard to grow up. It's hard to get along with the other people in the family. Leon and I are trying to teach the children to relate with each other according to the gospel but it takes a lot of time and strength from God.