Reflections...

I would be remiss if I didn't include a post mentioning the myriad of blessings we have received as a family these past two weeks.

Even the circumstances surrounding my labor and delivery of Papoose were a "gift." Just 24 hours before I went into labor, I was told by my doctor that I wasn't progressing on my own, so she couldn't induce me on my due date as planned. I cried my eyes out when I heard this news and envisioned two more weeks of miserable pregnancy. I had never been so huge; even my stretch marks were beginning to bleed under the skin. I couldn't sleep and was dealing with regular contractions around the clock.

My prayer all along was that I would go into labor on my own, and I even asked God to please cause my water to break at home so there would be no danger of the doctor refusing to admit me to the hospital.

Sure enough, I went to bed on Thurs., April 10, and was awakened by a startling "gush" of fluid. I shook Stephen awake, telling him that either my water had broken or I had just wet the bed. I said I'd let him know which one it was in a minute. It soon became clear that this was "the real deal." We called my mom and rushed to the hospital (my contractions were coming every 2 minutes).

It was a long, exhausting labor, but I was comforted by the reminder that God was in control of every detail and that He would sustain me. After all, He had answered my prayers in such an unmistakable way - even causing me to have my Little One on the very day I had hoped for! Of course the memory of my uncomfortable pregnancy and the painful delivery faded instantly when I held my beautiful, baby boy in my arms. Kissing his velvety head and feeling his chubby, warm body snuggled next to mine was the most precious gift of all.

We have been blessed by so many demonstrations of love and generosity these past two weeks. Delicious meals, gifts, notes of encouragement,incredible hand me down baby gear from neighbors we didn't even know, and the opportunity to rest and enjoy our first two weeks with Papoose as a family. I will cherish these memories forever.