It was a busy Saturday at our house... 5 girls' heads to wash and comb, food to prepare, cleaning and laundry to do... Virginia came for the day, and we were doing some sewing for a friend's wedding next week... Toward evening as the children were eating supper, Rose came and said, "There are some ladies coming and they have a baby with them!" I went to talk to them, and they told me their sad story - this little girl was born in the morning - the mom had pre-eclampsia. They took her to the B. clinic but she soon died. The grandmother and her sister brought the baby to me wondering if I could take her... The grandmother looked fairly young, and I asked her if she wouldn't want to keep and care for the baby if she could have help with milk for the baby. She said that she was willing to do that. The poor woman was in such shock from losing her daughter...
I always try to keep some formula on hand for situations like this, and I had a couple small cans that my sister had given me not too long ago so I was very thankful for them. I confirmed that A's milk program could take her, and then told the grandma that I would give her a little milk to start her off - that the milk program will take her on... I asked permission to clean her up and get her started on a bottle. They were grateful for that. Of course the children are bouncing off the walls in excitement, as I brought her in, begging me to keep her. :-). Bethany said, " I wish that you would keep her and then you would have your 12 disciples!" :-)
We put a bottle on to boil, and then it was a huge family affair to get the baby cleaned up, and trim the 3" cord stump...
Oh the fun of newborn babies!!! Why is it so hard to do the best/wisest thing? I was so glad that the grandmother wanted to take care of her, but I wanted so much to keep her too... It was hard to send her to where I know she's going to be dirty and stinky, that they'll probably forget how to mix her milk, feed her with dirty bottles, and leave her lying, unattended on the bed most of the day!
After the bath we dressed her in nice new clothes from a baby pack that friends sent, and then came the bottle. Again it's a huge family affair, but I love how my children just LOVE babies! It took this little girlie a long time to get the hang of drinking, and it was getting dark, so the grandma was getting really anxious to leave... I finally sent them home with a baby pack, formula, and strict instructions on how to mix her formula, her care, etc... And we're still talking and thinking about her today... wondering so much how she's doing, and hoping that she is well cared for!
2 comments:
I read this yesterday, and have thought of you several times since. I'm sure you feel a sense of loss after returning her to her grandmother. And yet, what a blessing that you provided hope - a place to go for help, some milk and some encouragement. You are doing a good work!
I think it is special that the other children thought so much of the baby, too. They pick up on that attitude from the way the adults respond. My kiddos adore any and every baby, too. :)
Oh Rhonda!! I almost cried over this post! you are a strong woman to be able to keep your head in a situation like this and give her back to her grandma. I'm a baby lover too, you know!!
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