the arrival of Baby James

Baby James, baby and mom, Rita and baby, Jessica and baby

Jason and baby, Dad and baby, baby James, Greg, baby, Tim

  My daughter, Joy, just had her first child on August 26th at 4:41 am. I thought perhaps she would deliver early, since all of mine were 2 weeks early. We began to prepare 3 weeks in advance in case this happened. As the weeks dragged by and we passed her due date, we began to wonder when he would be born.  8 days past her due date baby James arrived. Mother and baby are beautiful to behold. My daughter was a trooper and endured a long labor while her husband and dula stood by  her side.

All of our children arrived at different times to see baby James. Jessica, our youngest surprised me one week before the baby was born and flew in from Australia. Jason, flew in a couple of days before her due date and when no baby arrived he returned to work. He flew back in after the baby was born and stayed over labor day weekend. Our son Josh, and his new bride, Anne came in the day before Joy delivered and stayed a week. It was so nice to everyone here for this event. Yes, Rita's restaurant was once again open...but I secretly love it.

Now, on to the baby. It is so wonderful to hold this precious child.  Our last and 5th child, Jeremy, was only with us 5 days before he went to be with the Lord. It was a traumatic pregnancy, knowing full well that there was a problem with the development of Jeremy's brain. After his passing, I just could not hold another baby for a long time. It wasn't until 10 years had passed that I recieved healing for my wounded heart in this area. 23 years have now passed since we lost Jeremy and when I held baby James, another healing has begun to take place in my heart. It is a joy to hold him. I loved nursing my children.. that wonderful mommy drug that happens when you nurse puts you in such a peaceful bliss....holding baby james is much like that without having to nurse. I am at complete peace when i hold him in my arms and he is sleeping. Only our loving heavenly Father can orchestrate something like that.