Smile

Caroline got a surprise when she visited the orthodontist (Johanna) today. She got her top braces off!

Just thought you all would like to see half of her pearly whites.

She's Home

Annabelle is home, and that afforded the rest of my family an opportunity to meet her in person! Each family member came in shifts. That was unique, however it provided an opportunity for each to have their special time with this special creation. And special it was.





It was also a special time to see Jay respond to his sister. What I found most interesting was watching him watch her move. He has had a little doll to "introduce" him to the baby, but this real one moves! I think he was actually amazed at what he witnessed. So was I; it is God's creation at work!















And it only takes a few words to sum it all up.... we are so thankful!

Better in Person

"They" say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I'd like to add that the real thing must be worth a million! Today I got to meet my one and only niece, Annabelle Brooks! She is gorgeous and precious. Poppy was right; she looks just like Jay at birth, but she is feminine. Even her noises sound so sweet and feminine. How can that be? I don't know about that, but I do know that God is so good!

Going back to the birth of my second child, Reid, I wondered how in the world I would love him? I loved Caroline so much, and I just couldn't take any away from her. Well, what I discovered, and what most of you with more than one child know, He just gives you more love! It's amazing! How gracious is He?! And that's the way it is with this precious gift. I love that little man, Jay, and now God has blessed me with even more love to share with this beautiful little girl. I am already looking forward to girly things with her - like playing with dolls, putting on makeup, AND shopping! And how thankful I am that Caroline has the gift of a girl cousin with whom to grow old! (I think of my precious, departed grandmother who had a very close relationship with her younger, female first cousin. Even in death, the bonds were strong and tender.)

I am ecstatic tonight, and I never expected these feelings. As I have learned, it's an early introduction to grandparenting, so it can only get better. Imagination.... what a powerful tool! And I know it's going to be grand in person!

May God bless you with love beyond measure!

Annabelle is already learning to say "Hiiii!" just like her brother.

Daddy's Little Girl

There are no words needed here. :-)

She's here!

Annabelle Brooks is here! She arrived at 8:40am, and she weighs 7 lbs. 12 0z. at 18 3/4 inches.






Jay was able to "meet" his sister via an email. Technology is amazing!



I'll post more photos as I get them. Oh! I just got another!

Life

Just over 7 months ago, I lost my sweet Granny. The next day, February 25th, Johanna confided in me that she had discovered that she was pregnant. Oh what joy filled my heart during what was a very sad time for me!

It's often that we learn of a life following a death, and with the birth of a precious girl tomorrow, I will reflect on the life of my grandmother and the joy that she added to my life. And in doing so, I know that this little girl will be adding even more joy to my life.

Our families live within minutes of each other, and we have recently started a tradition of sharing a meal together once a week. Tonight was such an occasion. It was the last meal shared with this family of 3, as our next meal together will include another child to love and hold. Oh, the joy!

And, as soon as I have some photos I'll be posting them here. However, the hospital and CDC have some policies in place due to the swine flu that may not allow us to visit while they're in the hospital. So, please know the photos will be in place just as soon as I have them.

In the meantime, please know that I want you to celebrate life, no matter the moment. It's a precious gift from God - rather it's taken or given, and either way, with Christ we live forever in complete and utter joy beyond imagining!

Big Shoes

This baby has some big shoes to fill. He's going to be a BIG brother real soon - maybe this week!

Stay tuned!