beWARM

As Moms, we are forever bonded to our children.  Kristy calls it “love glue” as she explains this phenomena to Enza.  Pregnancy  and birth are an indescribable experience in terms of emotions and intimacy…and excitement.

So, yesterday as Kristy started into labor, those memories of thirty years ago flashed in my mind.  Reminiscing was sweet, especially in the company of my daughter who was the gift of one of my labors. And yet, I marveled at the fact that I was there to share her relief and anticipation.  The baby was finally coming!

The baby got aroused too…and nudged sufficiently to break her water.  (He was polite enough to wait until we had finished lunch, though.)  Off we went to retrieve Enza from pre-school, pick up Leif from work and beeline it to the hospital. Contractions continued…

Yippee…I had Enza all to myself.  Of course I had to indulge in a bit of spoiling.  After all, she was soon to be a big sister.  We browsed through new books at the library, and then hit the ice cream shop.  It was 4:30 by then, so why not…

If Enza could eat the paper cup that the ice cream came in, she would.  That’s how much she loves it.

While savoring our creamy treat, I told Enza how much fun it was to have ice cream with her.  She promptly replied, “I’m having a Nana date!”  Oh be still, my heart…

Labor labored on…

With Enza tucked away for the night,  Kristy’s friend Libby offered to come over so I could go to the hospital.  By then we knew that the baby’s arrival was coming soon.  I hadn’t thought I would have this opportunity…but I thought, carpe diem…why not?

I arrived at the hospital within minutes of the end of visiting hours.  The front doors only opened when someone exited, and I lucked out on that one.  Fifteen minutes later, Theo Joseph Rick Johnson burst into the world!  A strapping 9lbs. 11 oz. and 20 inches long!  (Good thing Kristy didn’t wash those  0-3 month onesies)

The creation of human life is a marvelous, precious miracle. Each time one of our daughters was born, I felt this amazement all over again.  With Theo, all feelings were magnified.  Another flower bloomed in my heart, the seeds of which were planted long ago.  When Enza was born, my thought was that I had only known her for minutes – but I had loved her all my life.  Ditto for Theo…

I thrill at the thought of getting to hold him today, and seeing little Enza meet her brother.  I am honored and grateful to be here to share this wonder of wonders.

God is so good.  His creative genius, both awe-inspiring and humbling, has manifest itself once again in our lives.

For joys beyond words…Thank you, Lord!