Dutch

While many of us were celebrating our beautiful Independence Day, my baby sister was having a miracle. Dutch Bailey Davis was welcomed into the world yesterday by two loving parents and an onslaught of loving aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, great grandparents, and great aunts and uncles. He weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long, with black curly hair (I know!). With the flair for drama that we all know she has, my littlest sister almost gave birth in her car. As a matter of fact, if I have my facts straight, our little one was born less than 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Since only family members read this blog many of you already know this. But it is so amazing it is worth mentioning again. I'm told that Dutchie looks like his daddy, but he is obviously going to be much like his mommy. After all, she has never been one to do things in a traditional way - which is of course one of the things that we all love the most about her. Selfishly, I am very, very sad, and I will say (DO NOT LET THIS MAKE YOU FEEL BAD, PAM! It shouldn't, but I'm just making sure) that I cried after he was born - out of pure relief (I really didn't want my sister having her baby in the car, no matter how amazing her husband is - and of course he is) and a little bit of sorrow. You see, for the first time ever I was actually supposed to/able to be there when one of my little sisters gave birth. I was even planning on coming before the due date, just in case. Of course, the love of my life then had to have unexpected knee surgery, which sort of put a kink in things, but even then I was supposed to make it. If I had to drop everything and fly out immediately. However, my beloved new nephew chose to come three days after his uncles surgery, which made it impossible for me to go. But enough of my whining, it's selfish and uncalled for, but at least I feel a little bit better after having written that. I am so proud of Pammy, though. Obviously, because of the nature of the actual labor, she labored naturally, but she did an incredible job. And now she has done one of the most amazing and noble things that the Lord allows us to do, she has become a mother. She and Chris will now know forever what it means to have your heart "walking around outside of your body." They will feel overwhelming and instantaneous love, and receive it in return. A beautiful portrait of their love created in this amazing little child who is both her and him. Enjoy your little one - cherish every second. The lack of sleep and the midnight feedings, the hours of crying and the moments of calm. The dirty diapers, toothless grins and tiny little hands and feet. Be there for all of his firsts, hold him just because, tell him you love him all the time, and always kiss him before you lay him down. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again, but it goes quickly. As parents we have such a small, precious window - don't miss a second. Then, on his first day of kindergarten, and his 8th birthday, his 16th birthday, and at his high school and college graduations, and yes, even on his wedding day, you can say that you have no regrets, only happy memories. I love you. Very much.
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord let His face shine upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, forever
The Lord be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace and give you peace
And give you peace, forever
Numbers 6:24-26