~On the Holding Side~

With absolute delight and a fair portion of marvel,  I introduce to you

Lance Victory

10 lbs 12 oz,   21 inches long

Friends,  for the last few days and nights I've been cared for like a queen

by my husband and each of my capable growing-up-too-fast children.

I have a beautifully nested "turret" from which 

I sit on my bed or rocking chair holding my newest handsome love;

from here I can see out our second-story hillside window and look 

over rooftops of the wintry town below,

then across the valley to powder dusted mountains beyond.

Yesterday it even snowed big sleepy, drifty flakes, blessing my heart and senses.

{Oh Holding Side, you finally did come!}

While I have been sitting, I've attempted to form my thoughts and feelings 

into words. 

yet here I am tonight still fairly speechless.

The first days after opening such a package are a daze.

So much to process.

After doing this a few times, I've learned the value in

holding and breathing and kissing kissing kissing

sweet chubby cheeks.

In fact, even though it's winter, little Lance didn't get dressed

past a diaper for two days because I wanted to be near his skin.

I think his dad was relieved to see him finally clothed!

{Silly, proud, wonderful, smitten dad!}

Rather than recount a birth story, I just want to say how utterly

and desperately grateful I am to my friend Jesus

who walks with me through every small moment

and keeps me from racing into the next moments without his hand.

Who takes my weakness and makes it something beautiful

for His glory

just because He wants to.

How can it be, I am in one moment great with child

 and barely entering labor full of unanswered questions,

then just a matter of hours later I am holding my cherished unknown

now known

and the mystery of his story is written?

It is nothing short of a marvel.

~~~~~~~~~

To the King of Kings, our Knight who has conquered

and been victorious over death and the dragon!

Thank you.

~Thank you so very very much~

"But thanks be to God! 

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:57