One Whole Year

I was 39 weeks pregnant as Jason and I were driving home from a prenatal visit with our midwives.  A big thunderstorm had just roared through the twin cities.  As we neared our home, the song "Healing Rain" by Michael W. Smith was playing on our cd shuffle in the car.  And then it appeared, the most perfect rainbow we had ever seen.  It was the symbol of all the healing we had done and what was yet to come....a classic "God moment" as we have come to call them. 

Preparing for Samuel John to be welcomed in to our lives started long before I was carrying him in my tummy.  There was so much junk to work through; fears to overcome from Owen's dramatic entry and questioning our own ability to be good parents.  I could write a book about that period of our lives.  I am so glad we took the time to prepare for him and to open ourselves fully to the wonder of a new life in our family. 

He was born at 3:22 a.m. in our living room, surrounded by 7 amazing women, his loving daddy and proud big sister.  Our home had the feeling of The Red Tent - a book I had read while pregnant with him. Midwives with an incredible gift to offer, low lights, my favorite prenatal yoga cd on repeat, lots of love and calm were just what Sam and I needed for the journey. 

My sweet Sam,
I love your big smile.
I love your chubby legs and cheeks.
I love how you want others to smile back, then bury your head in my chest when they do.
I love that you jump in to your daddy's arms when he walks in the room.
I love that you have been saying "Dada" for months, even though I secretly would love to hear "Mama".
I love that you show sympathy by hugging your siblings when they cry.
I love that you kiss and hug those you love.
I love that you love trucks and trains just like Owen.
I love that you love books just like Ella. 
I love that you clench your fists and shake your body when you see something that excites you, like a dog.
I love that you are opinionated about what you like and don't like.
I love that you play with your brother and sister, laughing and wrestling.
I love that we get to watch you change everyday. 
I love that you are part of our family. 

Happy Birthday, my little love.  We are so blessed by your presence.