Introducing Richard Cameron Brown

Well, he finally arrived early this morning (1:50 am). Richard Cameron Brown (named Richard after his grandfather and Richard Cameron after the famous "Lion of the Covenant" of the Scottish Covenanters) took his first breaths of air after his mommy was in labor for around 5 hours. Weighing in at 7 lbs 10 oz and standing at an average height of 20 inches, he seemed to be one of the calmest babies that we have had. It was a most amazing thing, even though I have been through this several times before.

Even more amazing was the fact that this was to be our first "home delivery". The midwife, Damaris, and her assistant, Beverly, were great. They were patient and calm with Denise and encouraged her along the way. Denise was able to use the garden tub to help in labor, as well as, be able to move into whatever position would be help her in labor as she needed to. I am so grateful to God for His mercy in delivering her quickly. She has been extremely tired and her legs have bothered her for most of the pregnancy, but God answered our prayers according to grace. Thank you to all of you who prayed for Denise.

I would like to take a moment and say that if you are in the process of becoming a parent or you are thinking in the future of children I would highly recommend the "home birth" scenario and if you are in South Carolina and very soon in North Carolina, I would recommend you give Damaris Pittman your confidence in helping in the birth process. She is a gentle and quiet woman, just like Denise and is very knowledgable about her profession.

Also, just to let you know, I let several of you in on the fact that I was hoping to "catch" the baby. The funny thing is that we asked God for a quick delivery and boy was it. Denise's water broke, so I figured I better get up and make sure the kid's bedroom doors were closed because her pain would be increasing. I walked down the hall and checked them and as I did I heard Denise give a few of those loud sighs (they weren't screams). I started back down the hall and could see that the babies head had already come out! I ran in and they were motioning me to catch him, but he was already coming out fully by the time I got there. Incredible! She had two contractions after her water broke and didn't even have to push!

We sat and read, as our tradition is when our children are born Psalm 127 & 128:

Psalm 127
Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128
Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem \All the days of your life.
6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

We thanked our Father for His mercy and for the new arrival in our home and asked that He might see fit to draw him unto Christ and use him for His glory. We then laughed and admired the handiwork of God and went through all the post delivery things (weighing, measuring, and cleaning). All in all, I think Denise and I had a far greater experience at home, than in any hospital. I was even able to wake our oldest, Tori, up around 3 and she got to come in and see Mom and baby brother.

Again, thank you to all who kept us in your prayers. The kids are up as I write this and of course we are tickled at the younger ones' reactions. From the very curious comments about the baby and Mommy to the excited picture taking of our esteemed photographers, Caleb and Tori, These past 12 hours have been wonderful.