Three weeks and three days ago at around 7pm at night something wonderful happened. I finally started labor with you. Friends, family, and I had been praying that labor would soon begin, so I could avoid another c-section. Your sister Charlotte had to arrive that way, but I had asked God if He would let me try a different route this time. Those close to me had been praying faithfully, and some amazing women in my life had offered encouragement and advice. You are surrounded by people who have loved you before you even arrived.
Labor was long and very hard, but your father was amazing. He was there through all 17 hours providing support and encouragement. I began to think I couldn't last any longer, but at 2pm on Thursday, June 7 you came into this world. All pain and fatigue left my body when they placed you squirming and new in my arms. You were perfection.
The pain of labor makes me think of the trials God places in our life. They are difficult, they sometimes seem endless, and many times it feels impossible that you will be able to cope. But they are for our benefit and growth. They are to shape us into Christ-like beings. Looking back on labor I wonder if it is God's reminder, His gift to women: that their is so much joy in the hardships. When I held you I felt an overwhelming sense of God's love and His boundless blessings in my life. You are a joy to my heart dear child!
You came into this world strong and healthy and have continued to grow rapidly!! As much as you eat, I think you will catch up with your sister fairly soon. You are a bit more demanding than your sister was, and you seem to like to eat every thirty minutes from 2am till 6am. Ahhh, but you are adorable. In the middle of the night, when I feel on the verge of tears from weariness, I look at your sweet face and can't help but tenderly kiss your cheeks.
The beginning is fatiguing, but I know all too well how quickly this phase passes. I look at your sister who now seems like such a big girl, and I wonder where the time went. I look forward to hearing you giggle for the first time and watching you crawl to explore. Yet, there are many moments when I want a pause button. I want to stop and savor the beautiful moments with you and Charlotte for a little longer.
Right now you are curled up in my lap, your favorite place to rest. I was tempted to try to put you in your bouncer but decided I wanted to feel your breath. I wanted to smell your sweet baby scent and lean down and kiss your soft, downy hair. Oh Margaret, I am very tired like many moms of newborns, but there is blissfulness in these early days that nothing else can capture. My weariness makes me lose sight of the joy at moments, but God has a way of reminding me as I look at you. I am in awe of His gift. I am so grateful for you and these quickly passing weeks of newborn.
Much Love and a thousand prayers,
Mommy
Charlotte meets her sister!
Headed Home
Love from family
We gave Charlotte a big sis gift. It was a little purse filled with play jewelry and a hat. She loved it!
My mom stayed for our first week at home and it was wonderful. I still miss her!
Charlotte has been incredibly sweet with her sister and has only had a few jealous meltdowns.
Charlotte is exploring more and more these days.
They change so fast.
Babies are so much fun to take pictures of!
Charlotte plays peek-a-boo with Margaret
She makes me laugh
I can't believe I have two sweet girls.
We have loved having visitors!
Love my first born :)
I'm so excited to see their relationship grow and hopefully blossom into friendship.
sweet girls
Mary Margaret, You are already adding so much joy to this home!
We love you sweet child!
