I am so relieved that our fourth baby has been born! She was just short of a week overdue.  Let me tell you THAT was one long week.  My husband and I were starting to get frustrated for sure!  God knew the desire of my heart for another home birth and blessed us.  I had prayed that the baby would be born on Wednesday night  (the 16th) and I woke up at around two feeling discouraged and shedding a few tears because nothing was happening.  I have a friend who took caistor oil (s.p?) and it started her labour moving along. Unfortunately it would move things along rapidly with other 'cleansing' side affects as well.  So I bought some just in case (with the approval of my midwife who had used it before for her labours.)  I definately wasn't convinced  yet and wanted to go into labour on my own.  I had two ultrasounds booked as well since the baby was overdue.  I really hoped to be able to skip these! The next scenario if I went too far over would be me in hospital to deliver, whether having my water broke or being induced.  Thankfully God brought my labour on Thursday morning throughout the day and by 10 p.m. the baby had arrived. It was a close shave and my husband thought he might have to deliver the baby!  I have very irregular labour patterns etc so my midwife had JUST left and then my water broke.  The baby was pretty much ready to be pushed out just shortly after. It was a scary experience not knowing if I could push but wanting to and sometimes doing so. My poor husband. I think a few years have been shaved off his life :)  Now I know a little about how my dad must have felt when I was accidentally born at home!  Except I CAME and didn't wait for a doctor. Thanks to God that the midwife arrived to relieve my husband and I of our concerns!  Thus I can announce and welcome our new addition:
  ABIGAIL ADRIAANA JOHNSTON,   9 pds 2 0z.   21 and a half inches.  Born  on July 17th.

  Thank-you Lord for bringing my husband and I through that frustrating week and for taking such faithful care of us and baby Abby!