This announcement is slightly overdue, but so was the baby. :)
Salem John Elias was born June 2nd, at 41 weeks and a day. The labour and birth were painful and so beautiful, the way birth is meant to be but isn't always. I was very surprised to see we'd grown a boy, he was 3.775 kg (8 lbs 5 oz). My recovery has been very easy, it's been good to have Nana and Papa here visiting from Canada here to ease the load. Big brother is adoring and surprisingly helpful. Big sister fawns over "Say-yim" but struggles with feeling a bit usurped.
Salem is another form of the word "shalom", which means peace inclusive of justice, wholeness, wellbeing and security which comes when people and all of creation are rightly connected.
John was Chris' grandfather who died when Chris' mom was young. This name came to Chris while Salem was literally being born, even though his gender was still a mystery to us at that point. Good thing he was a boy. ;)
Archbishop Elias Chacour (just retired) is a Palestinian priest who has spent decades working for justice, peace and education in Galilee. He wrote a book called "Blood Brothers" that I read while studying in the Middle East in 2001, it was foundation shifting for me.
We're extremely happy that Salem is in our arms (my husband is typing for me and I'm dictating because Salem doesn't like to stop nursing in the evening hours). I'll write more soon about how the birth went for those interested, but I only had about five hours of active labour. Chris and my dear friend Hollie were pretty incredible birth partners in so many ways.
I'm grateful for everyone who supported, encouraged and prayed for us throughout the pregnancy and even during labour. There are so many variables surrounding birth and it's impossible to know why they sometimes line up so well. I just feel really grateful.
Salem John Elias was born June 2nd, at 41 weeks and a day. The labour and birth were painful and so beautiful, the way birth is meant to be but isn't always. I was very surprised to see we'd grown a boy, he was 3.775 kg (8 lbs 5 oz). My recovery has been very easy, it's been good to have Nana and Papa here visiting from Canada here to ease the load. Big brother is adoring and surprisingly helpful. Big sister fawns over "Say-yim" but struggles with feeling a bit usurped.
Salem is another form of the word "shalom", which means peace inclusive of justice, wholeness, wellbeing and security which comes when people and all of creation are rightly connected.
John was Chris' grandfather who died when Chris' mom was young. This name came to Chris while Salem was literally being born, even though his gender was still a mystery to us at that point. Good thing he was a boy. ;)
Archbishop Elias Chacour (just retired) is a Palestinian priest who has spent decades working for justice, peace and education in Galilee. He wrote a book called "Blood Brothers" that I read while studying in the Middle East in 2001, it was foundation shifting for me.
We're extremely happy that Salem is in our arms (my husband is typing for me and I'm dictating because Salem doesn't like to stop nursing in the evening hours). I'll write more soon about how the birth went for those interested, but I only had about five hours of active labour. Chris and my dear friend Hollie were pretty incredible birth partners in so many ways.
I'm grateful for everyone who supported, encouraged and prayed for us throughout the pregnancy and even during labour. There are so many variables surrounding birth and it's impossible to know why they sometimes line up so well. I just feel really grateful.
That first picture is by far the best birth picture I've ever seen!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO beautiful! Love and joy just exude from your being, even in these pictures, becca. I love you so much!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures kill me. Especially the first. Oh Salem! What a name you have. What a beautiful, redemptive experience. I am SO thrilled for you becca. xoxox
ReplyDeleteOh happy day! I am stunned by the beauty and joy in these photos! The first one and the last one - that childlike grin :) So happy for you all! Love the name, and how much thought always goes into the meanings. Xox
ReplyDeletethe work of a famous photographer formerly known as Hollie Buxton ;)
ReplyDeletethank you! i really love the photos and video from the birth - i was pretty elated to have Salem out safely and in my arms - as you can tell. It's crazy how quickly such terrible pain can turn to joy!!
ReplyDeletethanks so much mic, thanks so much for your encouragement and advice and prayers. xx
ReplyDeletethank you shams, it was a really good experience. still feel like i have lots to process in having three very different births. look forward to writing more. pretty fun to have hollie there as well.
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