Special Delivery

At long last, he's here -- this little love of ours, this long awaited baby boy. Our ray of sunshine after the storm. 

Sixteen days early, just like his sister. But the biggest of our babies at 7 lb 13 oz and 21 1/2 inches. He is sweet and kissable, and oh! that newborn smell!

There are so many things I am grateful for -- a straightforward, 5 hour labor; a wonderful labor and delivery nurse and my laid back OBGYN; a husband who can make me laugh through contractions (him, watching the contraction monitor: "Wow, that's a big one!" As if I needed to be informed...); a natural, complication-free birth; and most of all, a healthy baby.

He is adored by his siblings (and his parents!), and has settled in to our family beautifully -- i.e., he can sleep through Little Man and Rosa's rabble rousing. Hopefully that will last past the newborn stage!

I marvel at this tiny life that God has entrusted to our care. So much healing, so much joy in such a tiny package. 

And now we finish packing up our worldly goods (of which there are too many, despite my extensive decluttering!). My efforts to "take it easy" in the middle of our first big move are not entirely successful, despite my husband's selfless care and constant reminders to not overdo it. Fortunately, this has been my swiftest recovery thus far. Still, I think the long drive will actually be a rest after this week's busy-ness! Thank goodness our newest addition is very happy in his car seat... so far. Speaking of that new addition, I'm thinking he'll go by "Laddie" in this little Internet space of mine. 

Thank you ever so much, those of you who have prayed with and for us over the past year and more -- when we count our blessings, we count you!