The events of the past few days and a close friend has inspired me to write down some words and let the world into my life a little.
Celebration:
July 11, 2013 - 12:00PM: Nichole enters the O.R. for a C-Section. I found myself alone in small room full of anticipation and thoughts racing through my mind. I paused for a second and realized this was my time to talk with God about what was about to happen in just a few minutes. I prayed for safety, love, steady hands, and guidance among other things as I was about to become a Dad for the second time. It wasn't long and I was reunited with Nichole in the O.R. We talked a little and she said something that struck me deep into my heart! Her words were " I can't imagine having to do this alone" and at that moment I was reminded of the powerful role a Husband has. The role of Love, Strength, and Reassurance that everything would be OK. A role that is God given! I also have reflected a little on how lonely and scary it must be for the women who need to brave these situations alone. My heart breaks for you and I pray that God would fill you with strength and positive thoughts. Nichole and I were mid sentence when that first cry rang out! Tears of joy filled our eyes and rolled down our cheeks. This was something we didn't hear with Peyton right away because she had her cord wrapped around her neck and wasn't breathing real well. Owen John Morren enters the world weighing in at 9lbs 11onces, 21" long, and with a head of hair! We got so excited to see our new baby! Then the nurse came and asked if I wanted to cut the cord. I found my self a bit shocked and almost didn't move because I didn't have that opportunity with Peyton! Of course I agreed and promptly followed! After a quick snip and a little time passed showing Owen to Nichole, the nurses and I brought him up stairs to get cleaned up and weighed. I got some special one-on-one time with him as Nichole needed to be in recovery for a while. My heart was full of joy and excitement as I looked at my newly born Son! God had indeed blessed us with a beautiful baby boy who was healthy and very alert! About 15-20 minutes passed and Nichole came into the room. This time around she looked a lot better and could finally hold Owen without shaking like crazy like she had with Peyton! After a few calls, texts, and even a Facebook announcement we waited for Peyton to arrive to finally see her new baby brother! She's been talking and anticipating this little guy for a while now! She arrived and was excited but also very nervous after seeing Mommy in the hospital bed... She held Owen with a happy nervous look on her face but quickly went to check on Mommy! I know she is going to make a great big sister and I look forward to watching them grow together!
More Reflections:
Bring on the family and friends! It wasn't long after the announcements that our family and friends came to see Owen! I got to watch as each Grandparent, Aunts, Uncles, and even cousins held our new Miracle given to us by God. Each with a large smile and or some tears on their faces! Today (July 12) brought some more family, great grandparents, and friends! We are blessed to be surrounded by all these amazing people who got to share this moment with us! As today comes to a close and I continue to reflect on what lies ahead, I am overcome by some powerful emotions! I think of Peyton who is having fun with her Grandma's and Grandpa's playing at our second home at Silver Lake. What would we do without them to graciously watch over her as we spend the next few days in the Hospital with Owen? Yes, God has certainly given us amazing parents who have showed us what it means to put their Marriage and Family first! My thoughts also circle back to those who may not have such great family and friends by their side. How instead of all this joy and excitement they may have fear and doubt. My heart again begins to break a little bit at the thought of how cruel and hard this would can be without good people around us! It reminds me to thank God for all of you who walk with us throughout our journey we call life! For the nursing staff at the Hospital who help new parents like us gracefully show us how to care for our new child/children. For those who pray for us and shower us with encouragement. For Pastors who come just to see how we are doing and to offer a prayer... God reminds me that if we all can just take a few minutes out of our busy schedules to bless those around us with easy and simple acts of a smile, a hug, a word of encouragement, a small gift, a prayer, or just a few minutes of our time, it could have more meaning than we may ever know! So with that I say THANK YOU to everyone who does this so naturally and without having to even think about it. May Gods light shine through the darkness and bless those around us!
Bible.com - Psalm 103, 1-13 (NLT):
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
