…Ruth Margaret
She was born on a date that R and I had discussed would be awesome to have for his/her birthday: 9/10/11. If I had known she was going to arrive a week early, I would’ve done the dishes and cleaned the kitchen floor the night before, instead of going to a free Huey Lewis and the News concert in Fayetteville. Dancing plus two nights of hot wings for dinner created the perfect storm for little Ruthie. Honestly, that combination makes me think she just might have a little of her mama in her.
She was 8lbs, 20 inches and arrived just before 1:30pm in our bedroom at the Shack. I had never really talked about my homebirth plans because I didn’t want to count my birth plan chickens before they hatched, but I do intend on sharing more details in future posts.
Looking back, I’m incredibly happy it happened this way. It’s amazing what just 24 hours does to your memory. Anyone who talked to me immediately afterwards got the “I think I’m just going to adopt the rest of my kids thank you very much” speech. But now the hardest parts have blurred and what remains is an overwhelming feeling of comfort, strength, and security through it all.
Couldn’t have done it without my midwife, her apprentice, and sweet (not to mention incredibly patient) R. But more on that later.
Several months after R and I started dating, I had a weird dream. His mom was standing at the edge of a farmhouse on a dusty, country road. I was apparently leaving…. walking down the road away from her. She yelled out, “Oh Carrie! Carrie!” And I turned. Then she hollered, “Don’t forget to read the Book of Ruth!”
I woke up thinking, “Hmph. That was interesting” and the next time I saw R, mentioned it to him. He widened his eyes and cautiously asked, “Have you ever read the Book of Ruth? Do you even know what it’s about?” I said no. (Later, R confessed he thought I was lying and that I was just a psycho girl hinting at marriage too early in the game. Didn’t stop him from dating me though.) He asked me to look it up and read it.
The crux of the book falls on the relationship between a mother-in-law, Naomi, and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Talk about creepy. Since then we’ve always had a special spot for that story and when we started to discuss girl names, Ruth kept popping up. It felt a little rough to me at first (despite it having the meaning “friendship”) and kind of still does, but the story means more to me than the abrasiveness of the sound. Remember how insane I am about the sounds of words? Read this really early blog post of mine.
The middle name Margaret helps soften it up a bit… after my mom’s mom, Mary Margaret, who loved dancing the jitterbug, opening presents, and generally being a busy bee. It was either that name or after my dad’s grandma, Appolonia. I didn’t think I was Hollywood enough to pull that one off, though.
Can’t wait to see who little Ruthie turns into! One day (and long night) at a time. Thank you for everyone who prayed and thought of us during this pregnancy and delivery. It was so much appreciated.
cuethebanjo.com 
Congrats! She is beautiful and I think the name is perfect!
Carrie, you are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story. All the best to you, your husband and baby Ruthie. xoxo Jill Sullivan
Thank you so much Mrs. Sullivan!! 🙂 We still talk about the surfing lessons you gave us in 3rd grade.
Thank you so much Janell!
I’m so happy for you and Ryan! I’ve been wondering when this was going to happen and have been following your posts! SHE IS BEAUTIFUL! I love the name (and the story is one of my favorite Bible stories)!…The thought came to me when I was looking at the pictures: She has just given birth to her best friend! Of course, that will come after all the raising, training, etc. My mom and my 3 sisters are all very close.
I know several women who have given birth at home and I think it’s awesome! I’m anxious to see more pictures…by the way, very cool birthdate.
Susan! I love your comments. I hope we become best friends! She better laugh at my jokes, though.
That’s the great thing about family…they “get” your jokes!…and with your wit and sense of humor, you’ll both be laughing nonstop. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship!
She’s beautiful Carrie! Congrats! (And I love her name!)
Thanks so much, Larissa!
Congratualtions. She is so beautiful and I love her name. Angi, Jeff and Jack
Oh thank you guys so much! It was great seeing you all at Nathan’s wedding.
Loved the photos & story! Adore her name & I am the same about the sounds of words. She is perfect. I am overjoyed for you guys. She is amazing just like her family.
Thank you Annie!! Hopefully she’ll turn out as freaking beautiful as yours. We have a similar gene strand somewhere right? No, I guess we don’t. Sigh.
Lil’ Ruth — You may not know it yet, but you have two of the coolest, kindest individuals on the planet for parents. I can’t wait to meet you. Wit and charm are in the genetics. I love you already.
Liz
R and C — Hugs to both of you. Can wait to storm the Shack for a visit!
Oh Liz, if she’s going to get any wit and charm it’s because you visited early on her development. The only thing she’s getting from us is nerdiness and saying the wrong things at the wrong time.
Thank you! See you soon.
[…] of her, do you know what was the top post of 2011? Ruth’s official introduction: Nice to Meet You, she said. My personal favorite post of 2011? It was a tie: The debut of my baby bump and my home birth! A […]