A Look Back

This time exactly one year ago, I was watering my yard, loading the car, waiting on my mother to arrive at our home, and getting ready to go to bed EXTREMELY early. I was blessed with an induced delivery which enabled me to pack, shop, clean, and sleep prior to experiencing one of life's greatest moments.

I held the water hose by the landscaped island in front of the garden and spoke with one more friend on the phone who asked specifically how she could pray for me. I waddled inside took one more bath, ate one last meal, and climbed into my living room recliner (where I'd been sleeping since April). It was my last night to feel Joshua move inside of me (although he was pretty cramped and moving must have been difficult for him).

Early, early the next morning (at 3:30) I awoke, showered, and dressed. Nathan, my mom, and I (and Joshua too) drove the hospital before dawn. We parked on the east side. My mom said her good byes and waited in the downstairs cafeteria area. Nathan and I entered into labor and delivery. Two tired looking nurses gave me an IV which started labor. I was scared. They looked tired and said very little. But an hour later, they got off work and the daytime nurses arrived. My spirits were lifted as these two called me "sweetheart" and "darling" and teased Nathan about everything (sarcasm is one of his love languages I think).

I watched the sunrise through the window of the delivery room. I felt at peace and was in minimal pain for the better part of the morning. What I experienced until my water was broken basically was strong cramping.

Today as I record this story, Joshua and I are watching a family of mockingbirds housed in a nest hidden in crape myrtle branches. The momma and the daddy fly in and out of the nest feeding their baby (I think there is only one).

In and out.
In and out.
In and out flies the daddy bird.
Feeding his
baby bird
all good things.

In and out.
In and out.
In and out flies the mommy bird.
Feeding her
baby bird
all good things.

Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus makes the baby birds
He gives them,
gives them
all good things.

Trust Him
trust Him,
trust Him, He love you.
He gives you,
gives you,
all good things.

My labor began at 6 am, Dr. Ralston broke my water at 10 am, then the real pain began...until they gave me an epidural.

Today Joshua and I are sitting in his playroom. Thunderclouds are booming outside and we may get rain for the second day in a row (something that is such a blessing in the summertime). He is walking very well and mimics many of my actions. The latest today, he tried to use the nasal aspirator on my nose, stick it to my face, and then wipe it on a cloth.

We celebrated his birthday Saturday with family and a few friends. Pictures to come :).

God is providing in the most tender ways financially. Just Monday our well broke...yikes! God sent the kindest man who promptly came and fixed it. I became more educated on how a well works through his teaching spirit. We had what we needed when we needed it. Just like a baby bird opening our mouths wide...we're receiving it...by faith through grace.

We are in the midst of adoption paperwork. So far we think we're making very good progress. Our home study awaits approval from Bethany's global branch. We have all other documents for our dossier. I plan to have notarized documents authenticated next week. Then we hope to have the dossier state sealed within a couple weeks. That's the undate on adoption. Motherhood is sweet.