A Jon Post
8:30 AM Tuesday morning we went to the hospital to see our doctor. It was a quick visit, a heart monitor for Anaya to see if she’s ok in Layne’s womb, an ultrasound to estimate Anaya’s weight (9 pounds 6 ounces plus or minus 1 and a half pounds) and a pill for Layne to take that could start labor within the next 3 days.
9:30 AM – back home, resting, a little disappointed and thinking resigned to thinking we’d have Anaya in our hands tomorrow or the next day.
11:30 AM – Layne’s water broke, contractions started
3:30 PM – Contractions stronger, about 2-3 minutes apart
4:00 PM – Contractions had reached 2 minutes apart and 1 minute long, we went to the hospital
5:00 PM – Contractions were almost without breaks, our doctor started saying we should make our way to a delivery room
5:30 PM – In the delivery room, starting to push
6:10 PM – Anaya Hosanna Heller, born blue as a smurf with her umbilical cord around her neck. After a few minutes of oxygen she was a nice rosy pink, she was crying and looking for mom and some food
Today, 5 days in, we are so proud and content to be her parents. Please pray that Layne recovers quickly from labor. We decided beforehand that Layne would try to birth Anaya without pain medicine and, through great sacrifice and pain, she did it. Because the labor went so quick Layne’s body paid a heavy cost and she is still recovering.
We have been surrounded by friends here who have showered us with support and love as our lives adjust so quickly and dramatically to having our daughter. Meals and visits from good friends have been such a support to us.
Anaya brings so much joy to our lives. Our ministry to her has already consumed us and we see no end in sight. Though we continue to pursue our vision to serve and love the people of Mozambique and to place their lives and needs above our own, even that ministry takes second place to the ministry of parenting our daughter.
Here are some pictures of the first few days of Anaya’s life.
We are so blessed to have all of you praying and loving us as we keep trying to live out the call and voice of the Lord.
Don’t forget to vote in the polls about Anaya below the pictures!
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- HEISMAN!
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- Mother and Daughter
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- Nose to Nose
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- Worship Time
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- Her Feet
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- Resting Together
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- Flower Baby
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- In her First Sleeper
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- On Mom’s Lap
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- Her Face
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- Tired Mom and a Sleeping Baby
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- Mom and Baby
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- Daddy and His Girl
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- Finally in Her Arms
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- Our First Family Photo
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- First Moments
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- Minutes After Being Born
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[poll id=”4″]
She looks like her beautiful self and will be a worshipper doing mission work like her parents. AND she is most beloved by her creator – AND she has wonderful parents and family!! So blessed to be her greatgrandmother and some day will be worshipping with all of you in heaven. Love you sooo much. Will try to make her something special. That means give me the next year to cross stich somethng. Just wish we were all together. Well done to you both. Love you. GG
She looks like herself!
I vote all of thee above. Can’t wait to see her in June!
Hi Guys! So excited to see photos of Anaya. What a beauty!! (Not surprising!) Layne – I just want to say, Mama, WELL DONE!! To know you from several years back to now – I know that God is not finished with you all and your adventures.God has done so much in you, and both of you…This time in Mozambique has been used by God to help prepare you for this next adventure of parenthood. I know you love and miss your families – (as we do. :) – and yet you are doing the work of our Father – and it won’t go without reward. May God bless your new little family. Ministry will change some now, it has to, but it will be beautiful, and include Anaya Hosanna (awesome!). xoxox
She is beautiful!! Congratulations, you will be amazing parents!
i almost put that she looked like gasher. :-P but shes so beautiful. layne , i pray your recovery is complete and soon, so that you can have more energy for staying up late! seriously, i do pray its soon.
I am so very proud of you both — what dedication to God and to taking the BEST care of Anaya and yourselves. It is such a joy to see the pictures of your beautiful daughter, my beautiful granddaughter, and the precious family together. Can hardly wait to see you in May!!!
Thanks for the fun vote :-)
She is beautiful. I am in faith that she will respond to God’s great love for her and follow His call on her life to be a missionary in whatever she does since that is the call of every child of God whether at home or abroad! Enjoy this special season as you get to cuddle close with your daughter!
Anaya has your lips Layne!
She is so lovely! Congratulations!
Anaya has your lips Layne!
She is so lovely! Congratulations!
I am so happy for you.
CONGRATULATIONS AND SHE IS SOOO:-) PRECIOUS JUST LIKE HER BEAUTIFUL PARENTS. TO ME ANAYA HAS HER MOMMY’S EYES & LIPS, DADDY’S NOSE AND CHEEKS. JUST PRECIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL.. GOD BLESS YA’LL AND HAVE A GREAT ONE..
We are so happy for all of you. Anaya Hosanna is beautiful!! Now the fun begins.
With love,
Anne and Charlie Smith