Happy Birthday Elijah Graham!

The waiting is over. Our precious wonderful amazing little miracle was born on Friday morning. Elijah Graham came into the world at 7:42 weighing 10 lbs, 8 ounces and he was 22 & 3/4" long. Hello beautiful! Although we had a couple of small issues, he's now doing well and he's perfectly healthy and we're all perfectly happy to have the youngest member of our family home with us. Now that I've seen him on the outside of me, I can't believe he was ever INSIDE of me, how could he have been crunched up so tight to actually fit in there? And how could he MOVE? It must have been awfully cozy for him!

We stayed in the hospital for three nights after he was born and each night my heart grew more uneasy at being away from Shelly and Archer. Tonight we're all together again and it seems that all is right in the world. Or at least in our family.

Thanks are in order...

Thank you Mom and Dad for taking Archer and Shelly, for driving back and forth to get Archer to and from school and the kids to and from the hospital for visits. Thanks for letting them move in with you and interrupt your lives for a few days, hopefully they haven't worn out their welcome TOO much! They loved being with you and cherish every moment of games and story time and fun that they have with you.

Thank you Denise for joining us at the hospital and being such wonderful support to David and I throughout the entire experience. You were such a stable presence, constantly encouraging and helping and you are an amazing blessing in our lives. God has truly blessed me with you as my sister and friend.

And most importantly thank you David for putting up with your frustrated, grumpy wife for the last few months as I complained about having to wait so long, and about all my little irritations and frustrations. Thank you for helping me with the little and big things. Thank you for holding my hand and encouraging me through every minute of labor and every moment before and after. You are such an amazing husband. You're a wonderful dad. God is amazing to have placed us together and I thank Him every day for you in my life.

Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of the warrior

are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

 ~ Psalm 127:3-5