The Longest Day

Yesterday had to be the longest Sunday I've ever experienced (punctuated by two two-hour blocks of spiritual escape). Now I've spent a LOT of long and lonely Sundays during the past five years, but nothing can compare with trying to entertain and distract four anxious children as they wait all day long for news from the hospital. They, naturally, wanted to call the hospital every few minutes and would then inform the neighbors, "she's at three," or "she's at seven", as if they completely understood the principle of dilation. Finally, at 8:00 p.m. we got THE call, just minutes after the birth of 8 lb. 15 oz. Soren and we were off to the hospital to watch his very first bath.

What a baby -- beautiful beyond belief. The little stinker failed to drop into the birth canal until the last minute, making it a long haul for mommy, but resulting in an unmarked and perfectly shaped baby -- right down to the dimple in his little chin.

How grateful I am for miracles and for children who are still willing to be participants in the greatest miracle of life. And now if you'll excuse me, I think I hear a tiny newborn cry. He wants his grandma!