Loved

Aubrey was greeted in the driveway with much excitement yesterday evening when we arrived home. Her big brothers and sister are pretty enamored with her and the challenge with them is to not squelch their awe and interest in issuing instructions like, "You need to go wash your hands before you come near her," and, "Don't sneeze near the baby."

I didn't get much sleep last night, but that's OK. I'm so glad to be here and even more glad to be the one changing diapers and nursing Aubrey in the wee hours-- though such activities did take place far more times than I'd anticipated! In the way of confession, I must admit that not all the sleep deprivation can be blamed on anyone but myself, as I woke at least once an hour even when Aubrey was asleep to make sure she was warm/cool enough, breathing gently, and contented. I even woke at tmes just to look at her and to savor the fact that she was
sleeping right there next to my bed in the same basket each of my
children have slept in as infants.

Honestly, one might think this is my first baby all over again!

And when Bronwyn and Jackson stumbled downstairs at 5:30am, eyes barely open, Aubrey and I were sitting on the couch together to greet them. There were early morning snuggles and this mama got lots and lots of kisses. Unpacked suitcases, piles of paperwork, apprehension about the future, and concerns about tomorrow all faded into the background as I reveled in the simple moments I have so missed.

So, yes, today I am rather tired, but mostly I am feeling very loved by a God who has been endlessly gracious toward me.