It felt this day would never come. Our long awaited baby came on February 16th, his grandfather's birthday. The Lord worked things in our favor. I was becoming more fearful and anxious as our due date was approaching. After having a miscarriage, I was more aware of all the things that could potentially go wrong throughout the pregnancy and delivery. I was having a lot of painless contractions for weeks before, and I was hopping on the treadmill daily to try to get him to come. Then we got hit with a huge snowstorm followed by stomach bugs, and I laid off the treadmill and literally sat on the couch all day praying Eli wouldn't come. The plan was to be induced on a Monday. But the day before Danny and I felt I should go in and get checked. I felt like if I were to wait one more day, I would wake up in the middle of the night ready to deliver as I did with Chloe, and the baby would come in the car (Fear #3). Sure enough I was reassured that when I arrived there at 6cm, we made the right decision. Our favorite doctor was on call that day and everything went quickly and smoothly (minus a malfunctioning epidural that took 3+ attempts). No complications and a healthy baby. Our friend Ana was with us and made the whole experience much easier and enjoyable. And here we are enjoying the fleeting moments...
"Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love
and mercy,
who satisfies you with good..."
- Psalm 103:1-5