Eleanor Ivaloo

I was listening to Elder Bednar's talk on chastity close to the birth of my sweet Eleanor Ivaloo and as I felt his words ring true in my heart I couldn't help but be amazed at the opportunity we have to procreate in this life.  Families are brought together in many ways in this life and the individual experiences afforded to us make everlasting imprints on our hearts.  The Lord's tender mercies, the overwhelming feelings of emotions, and the opportunities we are given to know that our Father is very aware of the intricacies in our lives.  I never want to forget the experiences I have had. Birthing my babies has been life changing and completely different each time.  It is fitting since each of my sweet ladies are completely different in many ways, but each one has taught me many lessons and filled my heart to overflowing.

Eleanor Ivaloo was planned to come on August 30th.  I usually have really fast deliveries but I was on pitosin for over four hours and got from a three to a four.  Yikes, are you kidding me?  They turned up the pit yet again and my body kicked into gear and I went, unknowingly, from a four to a ten in less that forty minutes.  They weren't planning on checking me for an hour but I started feeling really anxious.  I felt like I wanted to jump out of my skin!  I didn't know if I was feeling that way because my legs were pretty numb and it was bothering me but the reason soon became clear when I called the nurse.  She checked me and it turns out I had adrenaline pumping through my veins because I was at a ten and ready to have a baby. 

Eleanor made her arrival after three contractions at 3:03pm.  She weighed 7lbs 13 oz and was 20in long.  She had the cord wrapped around her neck but arrived safe and sound.  What a little love! To finally see the little lady that had been moving and growing within me for nine months, to hear her cry, and to touch her sweet face was such a joyous moment.  To feel our bond and to know she felt safe in my arms because she knew me.  Having a baby is such a little piece of heaven.  All the pain and turmoil blurs to the edges of our periphery and you become focused on the miracle that is now part of the center of your world.  For that moment she was my center.  My babies were all taken care of and safe and in that moment I was able to revel in the beauty and joy that was my newest miracle, Eleanor.

Eleanor Ivaloo is named after one of the most beautiful and graceful women I know.  Bertha Ivaloo Tolman Evans is Eleanor's great grandmother.  She was one of those special people that you will remember and hold in your heart forever.  She left this Earth six years ago but is still such a strong figure in my life.  I like to think she embraced my little Eli Ivaloo and sent her to our family with a kiss goodbye.

Bertha Ivaloo Evans "little grandma" 2007

Eleanor, we are so overjoyed that you are part of our little family.  I relish the thought of being your mother and sticking with you through thick and thin and really coming to understand the meaning of unconditional love.

   Per tradition we have a birthday cake to welcome our new babe to our family.  That way visitors get a treat...and the new mom has cake whenever she wants it!

 1 day old