New Life

There isn't quite anything in the world like holding a precious new life in your arms. I met my new niece, Leah Catherine Hughes, this evening. I stalked facebook all day hoping to get a glimpse of some pictures from family that were fortunate enough to get to meet her first. It has been a long time since Jamie and I have been on this side of the delivery room. We were both very anxious and too excited for words. She is a perfect 8 lb 11 oz cutie with more hair than her uncle:-)

I held her for a while this evening and something about holding a baby will just take you right back. I haven't held a baby that size in nearly 5 years, and it seems like a long time ago and yesterday all at the same time.

The kids have been so excited about having a baby cousin. They have been very diligent about praying for Miss Leah for months. This morning, we joined hands and had a special prayer time just focusing on Leah and Rachel as she recovers from surgery. I know that God has big plans for her and if she is anything like her parents, she will have smarts and talents to boot. What a blessing she is already.

There is just something remarkable about new life though. All that potential swaddled up in an 8 pound package with not a care in the world, except to be loved and cared for.

So, Congratulations John and Rachel as you embark on one of the biggest blessings of your life! Don't forget that you have some really experienced babysitters waiting in the wings:-)