33. Earthside: Everly’s Story
The Waiting Season: A Journey of Patience, Faith, and Surrender
On a crisp November morning, Alexis awoke to subtle changes in her body—a deepening sense of readiness, crampy sensations, and the rhythm of Braxton Hicks contractions that whispered labor might be near. At 40 weeks and three days, her heart was aligned with trust in God's perfect timing, even as her body began preparing for the transformative journey ahead.
For days, waves of contractions came and went, testing her patience and resolve. Encouraged to embrace rest and joy, Alexis leaned into nourishment, worship, and prayer. "Send Me," "Spirit Lead Me," and "Oceans" became her anthems, guiding her heart to stillness amidst the anticipation.
Each day brought new questions, emotions, and physical shifts. There were moments of frustration when labor seemed to stall, but Alexis clung to the truth that every wave, no matter how small, was purposeful. Her baby was finding the perfect position, her body was priming, and God’s plan was unfolding.
By 41 weeks, the wait began to feel heavy. Well-meaning family and friends reached out, their messages adding to her irritation and a sense of outside pressure. Yet through it all, Alexis found strength in emotional release, intentional movement, and sacred conversations that reminded her to wait well.
The days turned into nights of prodromal labor, where contractions ebbed and flowed, teasing progress but never fully taking hold. Still, Alexis remained faithful, embracing Spinning Babies techniques, Miles Circuit routines, and long walks to keep her body aligned and her spirit hopeful. Her baby’s constant movements were a reassuring reminder of life and readiness within.
At 42 weeks and three days, Alexis reached the depths of surrender. Exhausted and emotional, she questioned if her baby could come without intervention. Tears flowed freely as she released her fears to God, trusting in His design for her and her child. A self-care night brought a moment of peace—warm baths, magnesium massages, and things that brought her joy to calm her restless heart.
The following morning brought new energy. A walk in the fresh air sparked contractions that felt stronger and more purposeful. Alexis leaned into each wave, embracing supported squats, essential oils, and homeopathic remedies to keep the rhythm alive. Her baby danced within, moving in alignment with the work she was doing.
By late afternoon, signs of progress began to show—a glimpse of her mucus plug, contractions that grew closer together, and a quiet excitement that filled her heart. Alexis found herself walking the uneven roads of her neighborhood, pausing to breathe through each wave and give thanks for the journey.
As the sun set, the contractions deepened in intensity. Encouraged to rest, Alexis embraced the "rotisserie chicken" technique, finding positions that eased her discomfort and encouraged her baby’s descent. Worship songs filled her home, a reminder that she was never alone in this process.
This season of waiting, of surrendering, and of trusting in the divine design was shaping Alexis not only as a mother but as a vessel of God’s work. Though the final chapters of her birth story are still being written, her journey so far is a testament to faith, patience, and the beauty of trusting the Creator of life itself.
Everly Aurora’s Birth Story: A Journey of Faith, Surrender, and Strength
The morning of November 26, 2024, dawned with a sense of anticipation for Alexis. Contractions had kept her awake throughout the night, bringing with them waves of pressure and intensity. Though she managed to rest between them, she woke feeling both weary and hopeful. Could this be the beginning of her baby’s long-awaited arrival?
When we spoke that morning, she described the aches in her hips and lower back. I encouraged her to move gently—to take a walk, try some deep squats, and listen to her body’s cues. “Trust your cravings,” I reminded her, “your body and baby know what they need. It’s your job to surrender and ride the waves.”
The day unfolded in rhythms of activity and rest. Alexis ventured out for a walk, finding that movement made her contractions stronger, but when she stopped to rest, they would ease. She later sank into a warm bath to relax, only to find the contractions dulled to whispers. Frustration began to creep in as she wondered if things might fizzle out yet again.
By evening, her contractions had grown more intense, though still manageable. She shared how they required her focus—she’d tune out conversations to breathe through the waves—but she wasn’t yet fully consumed by labor. I felt impressed to encourage her to surrender and let go, to trust in the divine timing of her body and baby. “Lay it all down at the feet of Jesus,” I said.
The Shift Begins
On the morning of November 27, Alexis texted with exciting news: she’d had bloody show at 1:30 AM, and the contractions were becoming more intense. She had been up through the night working with them, breathing, focusing, and leaning into the process before finally managing to sleep again.
I shared scripture with her to anchor her faith:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
As the day progressed, Alexis began noticing more signs of progress. Contractions required her full attention, and her body was clearly working to bring her baby closer. She continued moving intentionally—walking, resting, and even laying on her side to encourage alignment.
By early afternoon, her water broke. Her voice trembled with a mix of excitement and worry when she called to share the news. While the fluid was clear of any concerning odors, there was meconium present. I reassured her that this was not uncommon and reminded her that feelings of fear and adrenaline spikes were normal in this phase of labor.
We jumped on Zoom to assess the situation. Her contractions had slowed slightly, but she was calm and steady, leaning on her husband, Radu, for support. A shower helped ease her body and restore her focus.
A Sacred Moment of Prayer
In the early hours of November 28, Alexis reached a place of exhaustion and surrender. After hours of contractions, movements, and position changes, she and Radu palpated her belly and realized their baby might be in an oblique position. Radu worked gently with his hands during contractions, guiding their baby toward a more vertical alignment.
Feeling weary, Alexis sank into the warmth of her bath and prayed. She spoke to her baby, asking for alignment and guidance. “Jesus,” she whispered, “if this baby is meant to be born at home, I trust You to help this baby be born.” Her prayers were filled with love, surrender, and faith that God’s will would prevail.
Despite their tireless efforts and unwavering faith, Alexis and Radu ultimately decided to transfer to the hospital.
A Faithful Conclusion
Upon arriving at the hospital, an ultrasound confirmed what Alexis had suspected: their baby was breech. The staff reassured them that their baby was doing well, and Alexis felt peace knowing they had followed God’s leading every step of the way.
Later that evening, at 8:56 PM, Everly Aurora was born. She weighed a healthy 8 lbs 13 oz and measured 20.5 inches long. Alexis and Radu marveled at the perfection of their daughter, holding her close and praising God for her safe arrival.
Reflections on the Journey
Alexis’ birth journey was one of patience, surrender, and trust. Though it unfolded differently than she had envisioned, it was a testament to God’s faithfulness and her own strength. Every step—every walk, every prayer, every contraction—brought her closer to this sacred moment.
As she held Everly in her arms, Alexis reflected on the faith it took to wait well, the courage to trust her instincts, and the grace that carried her through. Her story is a reminder that God’s plans are always good, and His timing is always perfect.
Welcome to the world, Everly Aurora. You are deeply loved and wonderfully made.
Everly Aurora
November 28, 2024 at 8:56pm
8lbs 13oz & 20.5”
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
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