Welcome to a brand new episode of the Date Your Wife Podcast! The White's are back after the recent birth of baby Isla, and in classic White style, share stories and details of their birth experience. As a bonus, we get a recommendation from Garrett for his new favorite breakfast burrito and a surprise prediction.
Every week, married couple Danielle and Garrett J White share insights and perspectives from within their own lives regarding the following topics discussed each month:
Week 1: Sex
Week 2: Money
Week 3: Parenting
Week 4: Communication
In This Week's Podcast….PARENTING
Point #1: Change of Plans
- In the final weeks leading up to baby Isla's birth, Danielle began experiencing some health issues, which ultimately led to an early inducement and delivery. "I always had this intuitive feeling that she would come a little early."
- Danielle had considered doing a natural birth due to the not so great experiences with epidurals during her previous two births. But with the Pitocin speeding up and magnifying the contractions, she opted for an epidural at the eleventh hour. However, it only reached mid-thigh, which made it possible for Danielle to feel the intense pain and ebb & flow of each contraction.
QUESTION
What types of births have you and your spouse experienced?
Point #2: ISLA Hand-tied Hairline
- With 48 hours to come up with a name for her new hand-tied hairline, Danielle decided to name it after their daughter, Isla. "Most people think we named the baby after the hairline, but it was the other way around."
- "It was so ironic that Isla came out with this super amazing hair that's super thick, platinum blonde. It's so cute! She's so teeny and has the full head of hair!"
QUESTION
Were your babies born with or without hair?
Point #3: Skin-to-Skin
- Garrett is celebrating the fact that he did not pass out as he did with their second baby. "I stood there like a champion holding Danielle's left leg throughout labor. She didn't even know I was in the room, yet there I was holding the left leg amidst the most intense, fierce pushing I have seen from my wife."
- "Watching my wife naturally go through contractions was a new experience for me, not to mention the experience immediately following the birth. Instead of the nurses whisking Isla away, the doctor held Isla in front of me and said, "Congratulations, dad. kiss her. He then placed Isla on Danielle's bare chest."
QUESTION
What has changed with the births of each of your babies?
Point #4: Grand Production
- Danielle is recovering really well and has to remind herself to take it easy. "I love the newborn, snuggly phase, but I also love staying busy and active. I'm trying to soak it all in because I know how fast it goes."
- It's been eight years since their last birth and one of the things Danielle had forgotten about which is causing some frustration is how long it takes to get out of the house with a newborn, and how big of a production it is.
QUESTION
What is your favorite "baby stage?"
Point #5: Another Baby in the Forecast?
- When asked by Garrett if there was another baby in their future, Danielle replied, "I don't want to commit. Don't get snipped on me or anything, but I can't commit to closing the door AND I can't commit to having another baby either."
- Garrett: Before Baby Isla came out, Danielle said, "I'm done." But mark my words. By the time Isla is about six years old, Danielle's going to want a secondary friend for Isla. My prediction is, Danielle has another baby at age 40."
QUESTION
When did you know it was time to have another baby or when it was time to stop?
Communication Challenge:
Have a conversation about the different types of birth options available.
Date Night Topic:
"To have more or not to have more, that is the question." In a twist from a classic Shakespearian line, what are your thoughts about adding family members? How do you come to an agreement?
Quote of the Week:
"To sit and look at my daughter on my wife's chest was amazing! And getting to kiss her right away was amazing! It was so much more intimate, so much more spiritual, so much more connected than any of the other three children's births."
–Garrett J White
"I don't commit to a lot because once I do, I'm 120% in; this WILL go down. When I commit, I know I'm going to follow through 100%."
—Danielle K White
