the unfinalized article for "The New Era" - the Pembina newspaper

Neche's Newest Resident Brings Excitement The day that Stuart and Rose Symington of Neche "brought home" seven-year old Serena and nine month old Gabriel, their two family additions from Ethiopia, two years ago this April was a day that would be difficult to beat for excitement. But Wednesday, January 28 sure comes close. The Symingtons already had three children when they adopted Serena and Gabe, and several months ago found that they would be expecting a new bundle of joy. Being an active "stay at home" mom, Rose decided to investigate water birth. What she found out was that most organizations in the state, and the hospital in Altona where she was seeing a physician, do not support this type of delivery. Not easily detered, Rose sought the Internet for a midwife who would be willing and capable to assist with this process. She was led to Paulette Efimenko from the Peace Garden area, who has assisted with 441 births, including that of triplets and breach deliveries. Ms. Efimenko drives to her patients, and her resume includes deliveries in Bathgate and Park River.Everything was ready to go. About nightfall, Jan. 27, Rose began to experience some labor pains. Not wanting to be too hasty, she went to bed, not mentioning it to Stuart. About 2:30, Rose knew she had to contact Ms. Efimenko, and promptly did so. Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication. Rose thought the midwife was going to leave her home in one hour; the midwife thought Rose would call her back in one hour. About 4 a.m., Rose woke Stuart. His first thought was, "The time is finally here." He wasn't worried at all at first, but thought it was unusual that he could not reach the midwife by her cell phone. He tried again, twenty minutes later, and still could not reach Ms. Efimenko. Little did he know that the midwife was spending a fitful night at home, concerned about Rose, and didn't have her cell phone on. Thankfully, Stuart has been trained as a volunteer firefighter with the Neche fire department. He credits his experience with the fire department for his ability to stay calm during stressful events. He sheepishly admits that his farming background didn't hurt, either.After things had progressed so far, there was nothing to do but deliver the baby by themselves. Rose was a bit scared...mostly "just wondering if you're doing everything right." She credits Stu with being a great support, and Stu enjoyed not only being a support, but being "just the two of us" during the delivery. "We prayed a lot," Rose admits. Ezekiel Stuart Symington took his first breath at 6:25 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. He weighed 8 lbs. and 11 oz. Stu reports that the only time he felt really nervous was when he had to cut the umbilical cord. "It's really tough to cut, and no one else was there."After the birth, the other children were awakened to greet their new brother. Thinking quickly, Stuart got their reactions on video. They were finally able to reach the midwife, and she arrived about noon to give mom and baby a thorough check-up. Zeke joins his brothers Damien, 11, Garret, 8, and Gabe, 2 1/2, and sisters Serena, 9, and Kira, 6. Grandparents include Sharon Symington of Neche, Roy Symington of New Jersey, John Landrum Kenimer (deceased), and Marcia Kenimer of Ohio. Rose beams, "Thankfully all went well and we have a beautiful, healthy baby boy. God was so wonderful to us, and we give Him the glory for seeing us through." Special thanks to Kim Symington of Mandan, sister-in-law to Stuart, for the photos.