Introducing....

the newest Mr. Stoneman. Welcome to the family little man.

after birth

after a meal- 6 days old

one week birthday!

I can't believe how much love I have for this new little person. I feel like his spirit is older and wiser than mine, and that he's come here to teach me some pretty specific things. I talk to him often of where he came from, and ask him if he remembered, and if he could, would he tell me all about it? Sometimes he grins. Maybe its from gas, but maybe its not.

My birth was amazing. I am amazing. I can't believe what my body can do. And in those last moments of labor, I remember hearing my sister whispering in my ear to dig down to my inner strength and pull out everything I could to get that baby out. and I remember desperately trying. and I remember realizing I didn't have anything left. I HAD used all my inner power and energy.

And then I remembered how I prayed for Lindsey when she was in labor. how we all did. And now, two days later, she was praying for me, I was sure of it. And so I cleaved to their strength when I had none. and those prayers are what pulled me through....that burst of strength that I know didn't come from anything I had.

so thank you.

Whoever said the guy had the easy part must have had a much stronger wife than my husband did. I was surprised he could stand on his own the next day, as he spent 15 hours holding me up in various positions in the shower, the tub, off the ground, in the bed, to the point where his whole body was shaking. He never complained.

(okay okay, I know I didn't put his name down.... I all of the sudden get the heebie-jeebies from posting his photo...like some creepo is going to look at this blog....I may have to go private)