16 days old

In the wilderness of Marah, the Lord turned the bitter water sweet and after testing said, "I am the God who heals you".

From there the children of Israel traveled to Elim (meaning "strong trees") and camped amidst trees and springs of water. 

Deut. 8:2; Num. 33:9; Ex. 15:22-27

Our prayer as parents, is that Elim grow to be man "whose delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night; like a tree planted by streams of water who brings forth fruit in it's season and leaves also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1

"Who led them through the deep, as a horse in the wilderness that they might not stumble?
As a beast goes down into the valley, and the Spirit of the Lord causes him to rest, 
so You lead Your people to make Yourself a glorious name." 
Is 63:13-14

Details

More photos by Rebekah 

Six days after my due date, we went to the hospital after a decent night's sleep. The doc broke my water, but there was no fluid... strange. It is good I went along with the induction because I was tempted to wait it out. Contraction came around noon and Elim arrived at 4:30 pm. I got the blessed epidural before the contractions became too terrible. 15 minutes of pushing and he was in our arms. There were a couple hiccups when baby's heart rate dropped and the placenta took forever to detach in which I almost passed out, but overall it was a great vbac birth. We are so thankful.

birth proclamation

Elim Mark

January 12th, 2011

7lb. 2 oz. 20.5 in.

Photos by Rebekah Stephenson (thank you!)

For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 

Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. 

As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD

1 Sam. 1:27 & 28

Christmastime Part II

Life is a bit on hold here, while we wait for the baby to come. I'm now one day overdue. 

This Wed., the 12th, the doc wants to induce. Since I'm considered a v-bac, that means they will break my water and give only a little pitocin.  We are praying that I can go on my own before then and/or progress with induction so as not to have another c-section.

I'm still pretty comfortable and sleeping well, but just anxious to be on the other side and hold this baby in my arms. 

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." Is. 40:11

Christmastime Part I

A mixture of happenings. 

Thankful most of all for the gift of relationships.

 Especially the One incarnate who came to earth and now walks beside me each day. 

There is no greater joy than knowing His presence.

One year ago we lost our baby. Today, I am very aware of another life just days away from coming into our home. His joy was there then, and it is here now. 

Joy that surpasses this world and it's circumstances. 

Joy from heaven born on earth.