One week ago today, we welcomed Jane Elizabeth into the world and into our family—hands down the most incredible day of our lives.
After laboring all night in the hospital—by far the most difficult marathon I have ever endured—finally the moment had come. The doctor told me I was going to catch the baby, and with one last push I reached out my arms and watched in awe as a full head of dark hair slipped its way out of my body and into the world.
“It’s a GIRL!” Danny announced.
I swooped her to my chest—her tiny body a slippery mess—the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.
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Jane means “God is gracious,” and already she embodies this to us. We wonder how her personality will develop, but we pray that she will grow to be a woman who knows the grace of God and shows that grace to others.
Happy 1-Week Birthday, Janie Bear. We love you so much and are so glad you’re in our family!
Our hearts exploded with a love so immediate and intense no words could describe, and yet so common to parents of all history that no words are necessary. We were simply smitten.
After laboring all night in the hospital—by far the most difficult marathon I have ever endured—finally the moment had come. The doctor told me I was going to catch the baby, and with one last push I reached out my arms and watched in awe as a full head of dark hair slipped its way out of my body and into the world.
“It’s a GIRL!” Danny announced.
I swooped her to my chest—her tiny body a slippery mess—the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.
Little Jane lay on my chest taking her first breaths, and me—her mother—soothing her first cry. I have relived this moment a thousand times, and it never fails to bring me to tears.
Jane endeared herself to us so quickly. On our second night at the hospital, Danny and I were listening to her rhythmic breathing as she slept and imagining the life ahead of her—imagining sweet Jane as a toddler… a child… a teenager… sweet Jane on her wedding day… or having children of her own. We looked at each other with tear-filled eyes, wishing she’d never grow up, wishing we could freeze this moment forever. How is it possible that after only two days we couldn’t fathom life without her?
Jane means “God is gracious,” and already she embodies this to us. We wonder how her personality will develop, but we pray that she will grow to be a woman who knows the grace of God and shows that grace to others.
Happy 1-Week Birthday, Janie Bear. We love you so much and are so glad you’re in our family!
That is a beautiful tribute to becoming parents and to the joy of realizing the Gift. Jane is quite precious, and your faces glow with love. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteThat was so beautifully written, Amanda. God is so kind to give us healthy children! Every day with these little ones is a gift.
ReplyDeleteAlso, how do you feel about arranged marriages? I have a handsome and adorable 16-month old who will, Lord willing, make a great husband some day! Janie bear and Judah buddha would make quite the couple. ;)
Much love to your sweet family!