I am so very thankful.

I am home now. I've had a full night's sleep, my children are content/napping, and I'm reflecting on the last few days.

In a way, I feel like I've just had a baby...I feel this twinge of an emotional high that reminds me that I've been through something huge. And even though it wasn't me this time, Bethany allowed us, even welcomed us, to be part of her journey and it was such a gift. As she was laboring, the group of us women there felt like we were in the book, The Red Tent, which tells of how women used to gather for such occassions.

And this time, they were the ones who were able to document the birth, so I got to be involved (crazy, I know!) and hold Bethany's right leg while she was pushing. It was so amazing and being there for the labor and that moment made all of the stress of getting there worth it.

(Abigail, we missed you so much. You were there in spirit!)

Last week, I decided to make the trip to St. Louis at a specific time and for a specific amount of time. Because of other commitments, I had a window of time to be there for Laz's arrival. Every time I wondered how and when and if it would work out, I would be reminded of God's sovereignty and faithfullness to us in past births and it gave me faith to believe that it would be so again.

And it was.

The Lord took care of it all, as usual, and reminded us all of his immense grace, mercy and love for us. And for that, I am so very thankful.