Welcome Home, Smith Bennett!
As I type, I’ve got a baby sleeping on my chest in the Solly wrap, a kitty sleeping in the laundry basket next to me, and John has our girl out at the park. I can hear the wind chimes from the porch, and on this beautiful Saturday, I can feel the slightest, yet undeniable change of seasons in the breeze. It feels good. And friends, I’m so excited to announce that
our son, Smith Bennett Ray is here!
I’m still in somewhat of a newborn foggy stupor, but even with choppy sleep and bouts of hormone tears, I can say that it has been a sweet and sacred three weeks all getting used to each other as a family of four.
Smith was born on Sunday, August 15th at 2:28 in the afternoon. My one prayer for this birth was that I would never give way to fear or panic. I knew that no matter what unfolded, I could remain happy, hopeful, close to God, and calm if fear wasn’t an issue.
Alongside that, I had some hopes that I prepared for but held with open hands — to have an unmedicated birth, to labor mostly at home (before going to the hospital to deliver), to make it to 41 weeks (since I had to be induced early with Griffin), and of course for things to go smoothly with no emergencies.
We were able to experience all of the above, and it is a gift and a treasure I’ll hold deep in my heart forever. At 40 weeks + 6 days, on a beautiful Sunday morning, I started timing contractions. We streamed our church service from home. I packed and bounced on my birth ball and worshiped and took a long shower. Grammy took Griffin, and by the time I got to the hospital I was already 7 cm dilated. 45 minutes in the delivery room was all it took before our little man was born! I never felt overcome with pain or fear - just excitement that my body was doing exactly what it needed to do!
(The most helpful tools I used in prepping for an unmedicated birth were The Positive Birth Company and the Christian Hypnobirthing App! Highly recommend!!)
And I love this boy so very much already. While it took some warming up for Griffin and I (she was my first, I was heavily medicated, we were in the hospital for several days, and she was a colicky newborn), this second go-round feels more relaxed, natural, and laid back.
Smith was 10 pounds even upon arrival (!!!) and he gave out a great wail in John’s arms after John caught him (He wanted to do the daddy catch! Go John!) I was able to experience all the wonderful hormones a woman’s body naturally creates during and after an unmedicated childbirth (I can tell you, that stuff is GOOD) and also to leave the hospital early (double good!!)
Since then, we’ve been learning how to be a family with a toddler and a newborn. We’ve been choosing joy and trying to float down that warm, lazy river of flexibility (iykyk!) Our family and friends have supported us with visits, meals, and taking Griffin out for special 1-on-1 fun time.
The name Smith Bennett is one John and I have held close since we first started trying to grow our family seven years ago. One of our favorite evangelists we’ve learned from is the late Smith Wigglesworth, who never cared as much about his reputation or being unoffensive as he did about seeing people fully healed and alive in Jesus. Smith means to smite, or to hit like a hammer (like how blacksmiths bend the iron and metal to craft effective and beautiful weaponry). We know that is how he will be — skilled and precise, powerful and passionate, a strong hammer built to carry out what the Maker has set for him to do. Bennett is John’s middle name, and means blessed.
Thank you for praying alongside us as we’ve welcomed this guy into our family! Can’t wait to share more soon.
How have you been? Comment or email me at sam@samantharaywriting.com!
I’d love to hear from you while I’m in my 4th trimester “confinement” : )
