New Addition

Obviously, baby Luke was added to our family. He'll be one month old tomorrow. His coming into the world was not without fear, not only because bed rest was riddled with multiple trips to the hospital to stop preterm labor but also because my placenta abrupted during delivery and his umbilical cord was tied in what could have been a life-ending knot. I am grateful for his life, and for God's lessons in the times of fear that have made me a less complaining mother during the usual sleepless nights that newborns bring. I will take them willingly knowing that there was no guarantee that I would have this time with him, and that he could have been taken at any moment leading up to his birth. He is quite bald, having not only little hair on his head but also no eyebrows and sparse eyelashes. He is quite the little old man, and we're so happy that he is here.

I haven't been to work in nearly three months. It will be a longer period of time than any summer break I have ever had. In that time I have had the opportunity to appreciate both the time with my own kids (limited as my physical interaction with them was) and also to reflect on how fortunate I am to work with the students and staff that I have back at Iowa. God is very good to have placed me there. I am praying that I will be a source of encouragement and help to those that I work with.

Our little family seems to be adjusting well to the addition of child number four. Quite honestly, it doesn't seem nearly as hard as having our first child. I don't know that he's necessarily an easier baby...I think that God has simply been able to use our experiences, both positive and negative, to help us prepare for Luke's joining us more easily.

Kadee Joy is such a wonderful big sister. She has always shown a great propensity for patience with her other brothers, and extends it now to her new youngest. Andrew is quite taken with Luke, and if he hears him cry says, "It's okay, Baby Wooke." He also will try to give him his pacifier, which is always accompanied by "Here you go, kid. Here you go, kid." Then he pets Luke's bald head and gives him a big kiss. Jeffrey is neither taken with nor bothered by Luke. He often has to be reminded that the baby is there at all...otherwise I think Luke would be a stepping stone more often.

And Chris is...well Chris is just wonderful. He has often taken the late night or early morning shift when the baby is just wide awake for no apparent reason. He gives me nap breaks when I need them, and still takes care of most of our meals. He manages to find me beautiful even when showers have evaded me and pajamas are my default outfit. What a wonderful place to be in, and how grateful I am to the Lord for bringing us to this sweet place in life.