Owen Daniel

Two weeks ago today, Owen Daniel wiggled his way into the world and into our hearts. Isn't it amazing how love multiplies, instead of divides, when another child is born?!?

Photo credit: Tessa Blackburn

After laboring all night-- again (why can't our stubborn babies come in the daytime?!)-- the final push came and sweet tears spilled down my cheeks as I pulled a slippery, lavender, beautiful baby to my chest.

"It's a BOY!" Danny announced. We have a son!

"Hi buddy, welcome to the world! We love you so much!" I said, kissing his wet little head again and again and again-- a timeless, miraculous moment I have relived a thousand times and never fails to bring me to tears.

We had such a special two days with Owen at the hospital, with sweet moments of bonding free from the distractions of other kids or the duties of home. (We were wishing we could extend our stay at the hospital "resort" a bit longer this time! A quiet, peaceful room and people waiting on me hand and foot-- I could get used to this!) ;)

Owen is absolutely PRECIOUS. A dark head of hair, snuggly little body, and perfect, kissable lips. Plus, he sleeps about 22 out of 24 hours a day, which doesn't hurt his "perfect baby" status either, and secures his current position, hands-down, as the easiest of our 4 children. He is a total gift of grace for us in this (crazy) season of life. God knew what we could handle!

I imagine he will be such a sweetheart-- like melt-your-mama's-heart sweet. I imagine he will have an adorable smile and a cheeky twinkle in his eye. I imagine he will make people smile and brighten their days. I imagine he'll look a lot like his daddy did as a boy (a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e). I imagine he will continue to bring our family so much joy.

The kids all ADORE him. They wake up wanting to hold him and come home from school wanting to hold him again. Jane loves Baby "Nowen" too, although it's been a bit of a rough transition for her... which I'm told is normal (?!?!). Of course, the stomach bug that swept through our family this week probably didn't help either. Already though, she is a great "helper sister" (as she calls herself), and I know they will be great buddies soon.

Happy Two Weeks, Owen. You are a gift!