Praise God for His good gifts and bountiful provision!!!! So I don't start with the baby picture- but look- my husband was kind enough to take a picture of me in labor...and all I know is, the novelty had worn off. I really put this picture up because it was good gift number one- a nurse, named Beth, who was on my side and let me do what I wanted and did not pressure me to do anything I didn't want to. No I.V.? No petocin? No baby monitor? No laying down? She was totally all for it. I love her. I wish she could be at all my deliveries.
Good gift number two...this lovely girl happens to be THE BEST FRIEND ANYONE COULD EVER HAVE.

I had asked her to be part of Jack's birth- this is the first time that my mom and sister couldn't come, and Lisa missed Lucy's, and I wanted her to be a part of it- I can't explain how meaningful the experiences of the other people in the room are to me- they see things I don't have the energy or wits to see, and they round out my experience. I wish that I could have had a picture of Lisa watching Jack emerge...but I was distracted, you know, pushing and all.

Beyond that- she stayed with me all day...in the boring, bad hospital...so that Josh could get the kids...all the way until closing. I love Lisa Diane Richard.

A good husband is a joy forever. It isn't enough, but I don't want to over-gush.

This is also a picture of good gift number 4- when I went to the hospital to be admitted, they put me in a tiny room with a moniter on to make sure I was in labor before they put me in room. I did not want to lie down, and thankfully, she checked me, and I was 6 centimeters dilated already. I think this was taken at 7:15am.

Born at 9:40 am, 7 lbs, 8oz, 20 and a half inches long and a head of 13 centimeters...his cry was not very strong, and he wasn't as awake and with it as my other two at first, but he took right to nursing and wouldn't stop for the first two hours. He pinked up beautifully, and if I do say so myself, is a very pretty baby.

I can't really write anything that will tell how thankful I am, or glad to have Jack out and healthy...I was not so excited this time about the new baby, knowing how much work they are- very glad, but not excited. It's amazing how those things just kick in. The joy that comes with a new person to love is unavoidable- and who would? I am taking a lot of pleasure in being with Jack, although not as much at 1:30am, to be honest.

Bowden was very excited to meet Jack, and exclaimed about all his little parts right away, and I think his excitement and joy made Lucy more comfortable. They have both been really good about all the changes, and very sweet on their new brother.
Bowden and Jack- on Bowden's birthday. The party was had and enjoyed, but you'll have to wait on those pictures.
Nanny and Jack at the hospital...what a support team I have!
Jack sleeping in the hospital bassinet. Isn't that a handsome profile?
Chillin' out. Maxin' Relaxin' all cool and all...I take my pretty blanket to the hospital to make it nice and cozy-ish.

Jack today! Three days old in his Daddy's arms and so tiny.

So blessed are we to have John Fox here to hold.