Wee Gideon

Liz is fantastic. In the summer heat she lasted until after the end of both the Black Caps vs Windies ODI (a fine Black Caps 7 wicket victory) and the end of the Aussie vs SA test, with Smith batting at 11 with a broken hand in an attempt -that almost worked- to gain the draw....anyway, Liz, not cricket....

Yes, Liz is fantastic - after the cricket she had a 4 hour labour and birthed wee Gideon Richard at 1.34am NZST January 8th. He was 3.98kg (think that's 8lb 12ish in old money) and made some tears in Liz in his eagerness to get out, so it was a 3am ambulance transfer from Lincoln Maternity to Christchurch Women's for some stiches, then back out to Lincoln Maternity until Saturday. Lincoln Maternity looks, and is, lovely:


Three things made it even more interesting:
1. All this was without Mel our midwife as she was still at a really long labour, so we had her backup, Liz, who was marvellous. It just would have been nice to meet Liz before Liz was in such pain!
2. During being stitched up in Chch Liz had gas & air and loved it. This was odd, as she had gas & air at Lincoln and didn't love it as much. Turns out she may not actually have had gas & air at Lincoln - 4 hour labour with nothing but panodol and hot and cold towels.
3. The heat. I know it's summer, but this is ridiculous! As this article highlights, the mercury hit 36degrees in parts of Christchurch - that's very very close the the top January temperature ever and way way higher than the usual 25-28 January temps we'd expect. Lincoln Maternity Hospital is full today, and none of the 6 mums (or 6 babies) are liking this sort of heat. Both Liz and I like it that Canterbury is sure to see 30degrees in January summer and -5 in July winter; that range is lovely. Outside that it's ridiculous. Here's a sign right outside the entrance to Lincoln Maternity - fat chance today! Instead, I burnt the soles of my feet walking on the concrete!! Still, I mustn't moan - the warm nor'wester is swinging cold southerly at the weekend with highs of just 15degrees!!

Like I say, Liz is amazing.

Her she is with our wee Gideon Richard:



I can't really speak for Gideon, but Liz & I am so tired.

It was neat for me to pray with Liz & Gideon and ask God that one day Gideon will get to know and love Jesus. Do join us in that pray if you'd like, and pray for us in the adjustments ahead, especially for Liz. We've no idea about parenthood and the idea that on Saturday wee Gideon will be at home is too far fetched entertain seriously.....

I like the God-incidence that the verse-of-the-day on our 'Gospel Gems' calendar is Ps 92:12 (go on, look it up). In 2009, I'm involved in leading TSCF Minty throughout NZ, a one-year discipleship training programme for graduates. The aim and key Bible verses, are Ps 92:12-15. It's cool to have my son's birth-day on the same day that the calendar happens to highlight the Minty verse.

So. Gideon Richard has left the womb!