Zeke @ 1 month

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.

Zeke

Ezekiel Stuart Symington

News~ news! Our baby has arrived! He was born on Jan. 28th - @ 6:25 am - weighed 8 lbs 11 oz. and was 20" long.
I'm sorry that I haven't posted anything yet - if you are on facebook, you can see much more -
My computer is terribly slow, so I have to give up on posting a picture right now -
The delivery was an incredible experience - we unexpectedly delivered alone - at home. We were planning on having the baby at home with a midwife - in a birthing pool. I miscommunicated with the mid-wife @ 2:30 am - and while she was waiting for me to call back, I was waiting for her to show up! The labor was intense and quick - and once we got so far along, there was nothing to do, but have the baby - assisted or not. Thankfully, all went well - we praise God - we have a beautiful baby boy - and he is normal and healthy. The recovery has gone so well too - my sister-in-law, Kim, has been here to help - and has stayed a week. We will miss her when she goes home tomorrow - then the real "fun" begins - trying to find a new normal with 6 kids. Thankfully, the older ones help, and I have an amazing husband who is very involved with raising the kids - he'd have to be, if he was willing and able to support me during birth - cutting the cord, etc! I am just so thankful to God for His blessings. I'm sorry I can't get a picture on here at this time - check later - or visit my facebook page - Zeke is a beautiful baby.

We await the day of the birth of our 6th child!

Continue to view this blog in the next couple weeks, and hopefully you will see another member of our already crazy family. We are all looking forward to getting to know the child that has been poking and prodding and making himself known by making my shirt bump and move around. We've gotten to know our midwife and are confident in her and are impressed by her knowledge and experience. She is a Believer and depends on God to work everything out, and knowing this, gives us more peace. We hope to use a pool so we can try waterbirth - as it has made it easier for many.
Any prayers are greatly appreciated!

This day in history

Here we are - the day that the 44th president is sworn into office - an African American president. I can't help but to be proud for blacks of our country - after all they've been through in the history of our country, to see one of their own take this position.
We voted for McCain for president because we are value voters. We value life, unborn too, and marriage between one man and one woman, along with other scriptural things, therefore could not vote for someone who is as liberal as Obama.
But, he is now president, and we will pray for him. We hope the best for them, and have hope that God will use him in the years ahead.
When I explained this morning to my 9 yr. old black daughter that this is a very important day for her people of color in our country, she was so proud.
May God continue to bless the USA!