As a doula, I have always treasured the blessing of being able to see new life brought into this world. On Thursday, I was given the precious opportunity to assist my brother John and his wife Shannon in the labor and delivery of their first child. It was a beautiful experience- being able to help two people that I love so dearly. As always, I left with a renewed respect for life...the miracle that it is. Ms. Addison decided to grace us with her presence on May 28th at sunset. It was ironic watching the sunset - as they embarked on a new beginning...a perfect and flawless beginning. In every delivery that I assist with - I get to relive the experience of having each of my three babies. I am reminded of how quickly the time has gone by and I rush home to hold them and love them and tell them about the day we first met. The dishes sit longer and the laundry patiently waits for my attention as I soak each of them up. I find myself sneaking in their rooms as they sleep - holding their hand as if to desperately plead for them to stay back...stay little...just stay small with me another day...but each morning they come bounding out of their rooms - yet a little bit bigger. I got to take a couple of my babies to meet their new cousin. They looked gigantic next to her. I thought ahead to the day when they will be holding their own babies.
They were both so eager to meet their newest cousin.Bradley was so nervous - he was beside himself.
Shannon asked Bradley how big he thought the baby was.
He was quick to give her his assessment.
And then...he got his chance to be a big boy and hold the tiny little cousin in his arms.
The neatest thing about this entire experience has been to witness my little brother become a father. His love for her oozes out of him....his eyes filled with amazement at his tiny miracle. Someone once said that choosing to have a child is choosing to have your heart walk outside your chest. I have witnessed this with John and Shannon....their love is tangible .... and complete.
How could it not be? Just look at her...
...Look at her.
Bradley looks so cute and proud holding the baby. You really do have an awesome job being able to be there when parents meet their children for the first time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling baby. Congratulations on a safe and happy delivery!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the last photo - so sweet!
ReplyDeleteMay 28th is a VERY FINE DAY to be born -- as that is MY baby's birthday, too!! ;)
This beautiful post brought me to tears. Loved the words and the pictures. I never told you that I ALMOST called you to be my dulah again for my last baby. I WANTED to, Thomas WANTED to but we just could feel completely settled about it. I wasn't sure why but knew that were weren't supposed to hire you. Baby Hyrum was born in Texas...two days after our arrival. We tried everything to have him before we moved from AR(EVERYTHING). The Lord obviously knew that Hyrum would be born far from you and knew that this would be difficult for all of us to bear. I want you to know that I have such a great love an respect for you. I would choose you again and again to help bring my babies into this world. You have a gift when it comes to baby deliveries! Love you. So happy for your family and the new arrival!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Shannon and John! Love the dark head of hair and love that little John is a proud papa.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have the best "mini" vacations! Didn't they choose the
Beverly Hills movie at the other hotel stay? Is it good?