Levi's Birth Story

God confirmed the day of our little boy’s birth for April 1, 2015. The month of March was one of celebration and great sorrow for us, so we rejoiced in the joy and hope of a new month and a new son! We were also thankful that our little man was set to come into the world just before Easter. God has a way of adding his handiwork to all the details. I learned about our first baby on Easter morning 2009 – that was the morning I took the pregnancy test which showed positive for our Isla Noelle. And six years later we found ourselves welcoming our fourth child in the days leading up to resurrection day. After my father’s death in March, Easter  has an even more impacting power on our lives and in our hearts.

Daniel and I left our apartment at 5:15 am on April 1^st. Our kids were in the loving care of my in-laws who travelled to be with us - very special to have family with us for the birth of one of our children. We drove our Snowy (that’s the name of our car :)) to the hospital just down the street. A parking spot was found right out front and we walked toward the lobby door. The door was still locked, but a most friendly security guard saw my waves and let us in. We took the elevator to the fourth floor and completed our hospital registration. From there we were taken to a room where the preparation for surgery began.

I was handed a green hospital gown to change into which was honestly rather stylish in pattern though confusing to tie. We got a few last belly shots before I changed into my fashionable gown.  Then the soundtrack of our son's heartbeat filled the room as he was put on the fetal monitor. From there several nurses, technicians and more came in and out of our room. We verbally filled out a lot of paperwork. After having our first three babies in Taiwan, the clear communication was welcomed! I had my blood drawn, an IV put in, and then had time to rest a bit. Daniel chose some music for us to listen to. I remember the song, “My Lighthouse” and I had scripture to devote my heart to. I was getting anxious, but did my best to stay quiet and steady. The sound of our boy’s heartbeat was comforting along with the reality that we’d meet him in just over an hour.

People continued to come in and out of our room. My doctor, a kind and familiar face, came into our room just after 7:00 am in his scrubs. He was getting our operating room ready and gave us some words of encouragement and confirmation.  The anesthesiologist, a very kind older gentleman, then came into our room and clearly explained all that would happen in the operating room before, during and after I got my spinal tap. Though I had the same tap administered for Selah’s C-section, I appreciated his thorough explanation and calming spirit as he answered all my questions. Our C-section was scheduled for 7:30 am, but there was some delay so we stayed in our room with a nurse waiting for the call to come.

 
When the call came I was wheeled into the operating room. I saw Dr. Langford, my OBGYN, on the phone confirming the beginning of the C-section, and heard him apologize for the delay. Daniel at that time left my side to put on his “Father Kit” until he could meet me in the OR just before the surgery would begin.

The OR was bright, and starkly white, and filled with people. I was asked if a student could watch and said yes as a very sweet nursing student gave me a smile and wave from the corner of the room. The baby’s station was all set up and the OR table was ready for me. I was surprised by how small it was. I was then attached to all the different monitors and met the doctor assisting Dr. Langford. He was a very friendly man whose name I now forget, but he was so excited and interested to hear about my experiences in Taiwan. He said he had a ton of questions, but needed to get ready for the surgery. I appreciate that. A very kind nurse gave me a big hug while the spinal tap went in and then the warmth of the freezing took over the bottom half of my body. I then lay on the table and the curtain went up. I looked at that blue curtain before me and thought of the ocean. On the other side of the curtain, all the surgery prep was taking place. My anxiety was rising at the point, but then my McDreamy came by my side looking like the most handsome doctor I’d ever seen. Daniel’s words of comfort and assurance were just what I needed to hear. Before I knew it, Dr. Langford shared that he was cutting through my abdominal wall. Daniel talked to me, but I also just needed to have my eyes closed. Several people assured me that all was going well and I was doing great. About 15 minutes into the surgery I heard that our baby’s head had been birthed. At that time, Daniel was able to look over the curtain to watch the birth. The doctor’s assistant then pushed on my belly to help the birth continue. His shoulders and then his body – and our little boy made his full exit from my womb. I then heard the sweetness of his sounds and the fullness of life out of mama – our boy as born. It was surreal and incredible. My heart leapt with joy and gave thanks to the Lord. From there our little guy was taken to the warming bed and Daniel was invited to see him. It was announced that he was born at 8:14 am. A few minutes later his weight of 7 lbs and 10 ounces was shared.

After the birth, my body started going into shock and I began shaking rather uncontrollably, so I was given a sedative. The shaking did indeed stop, but the drugs also seemed to knock me out. I did my best to stay awake with all the wonder about me, but my eyes were heavy. I remember seeing Daniel hold our boy, and then he brought the baby to me and tears flowed as his face was next to mine. Daniel took some photos and a photo of the three of us was also taken.  Daniel then stayed with our boy as he was taken to the recovery area and I would soon follow. I remember Dr. Langford coming to my side of the curtain and sharing that all went well and everything was done. Soon the curtain was taken down and I was moved to the rolling bed to take me to recovery.

In recovery I saw Daniel so comfortably together with our boy – Levi – in his arms. An amazing scene to roll into. The heaviness of the sedative had me so tired and so I slept, but opened my eyes when I could to marvel at our little miracle. A nurse was beside me checking on the feeling coming back into my body. I was given a cup of ice chips and though I so wanted to stay awake, I just couldn’t. So I rested and relished what I could. After about two hours in recovery, we were ready to move to the 7^th floor of the hospital to my room for the next three days.

Levi was in my arms for the journey up as I had just started nursing him before we left recovery. I was told that the post-partum rooms were very small, but I thought my single room was just perfect. It had a window and enough space. Levi’s little “car” as Jeremiah called it was waiting for him. There was a huge bulletin board with all my information on it. Two friendly nurses welcomed us and I was able to sit up a bit already.

My days at the hospital were wonderfully restful and such a time of bonding for Levi and I. Our boy never left my side those days. He already blessed his mama by being a good drinker and sleeper.  Daniel’s parents along with Jeremiah and Selah visited the first night. The next morning Daniel’s brother Peter, from Alaska, knocked on our room door and entered as a huge surprise carrying a bouquet of flowers. He came to meet his new nephew and surprise his dad for his 80^th birthday on April 2^nd. I also have to say that I really enjoyed the food and choosing the meals each day. I was so impressed by the staff and how smooth everything went.

We brought Levi home on the Saturday of Easter weekend. We celebrate and give thanks for our new life!

Levi means joined or attached to God. The name was confirmed on our hearts and Jeremiah and Selah soon started calling my belly, “Baby Levi”.

Charles means manly, strong, and warrior. It’s Daniel’s middle name and his maternal great grandfather’s name.

Broder is Danish for brother. Levi is the little brother in our family. Brodersen (Broder's son) is my maiden name. My dad was from  North Germany and grew up on the border of Germany and Denmark. Therefore we have a Danish family name. Broder is also used in almost every generation of the Brodersen family tree as a first or second name.

We are thankful God confirmed the names in little and big ways. We love our little guy – our Levi!