Sunday, May 8, 2011 - Happiest Mother's Day

Julie and Nick waiting for Addy.

At 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7,  a sharp contraction woke Julie from a deep sleep. This one was different. Another followed shortly; then another and we were, in the blink of an eye wide awake and processing the fact that "this was it."  Adalyn was in her parents' arms 9 hours and 43 minutes later. 
     Amazing. One tiny person joins humanity, mesmerizes an extended family and becomes the hub of attention.  All eyes are on Addy. Every gurgle is recorded. Every facial expression warrants analysis and every cry, interpretation. Each feature is examined for similarities to family members. We watch to see her open her eyes and look around, or better, to look back at us. We're busy bonding.
    

At last, she's everything they hoped for and more.

Twenty-three years and one week prior to Addy's birth, I woke Tom up at 4:30 in the morning to tell him "it was time."  Later that day, the doctor laid our newborn Julie Dove Noland on me and, BAM! instant bonding. Feeling her warm life wriggle in my arms and her heart beating against me triggered what parents can't describe to anyone else: a ball of fierce and tender protectiveness, joy, fear and trepidation, helplessness balanced with determination, awe, incredulity, wonder, and a severe case of nervous self-questioning and pondering.

Adalyn Faith Akin, May 7, 2011

 

 Now that Addy's made her debut, she'll hold us  spellbound as her life introduces one new experience after another. That's the way God designed us - to relive what we wouldn't remember through our children and to see life from their innocent, fresh points of view. Babies and children bring out the best, least selfish part of us when we let them.  They also keep our feet on the ground and keep us praying and bonding with the Father Who wove together these marvelous, fascinating little challenges called babies. 

Father, thank You for my own babies and what they've taught and still teach me. Thank You for the way You prove Your love and provision in their lives. Mighty God You're Master of the microscopic - planning invisible details deeper within us than we can imagine. Glorify Yourself in all the details surrounding this new family and extend them into their extended families. Thank You for a safe delivery and a healthy Addy. Your Ways, Your Designs, Your Weaving - AMAZING!!

In the Name of Jesus, Who came as one of these tiny wonders!

 "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:6

"For You created my inmost being; 

You knit me together in my mother's womb." 

Psalm 139:13

Addy meets Nana and Papa.

Julie and I anticipate Addy's arrival.

"One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness." 

Psalm 145:4&7