Oliver makes five

After months of wondering what it would be like to birth a child, and what he would look like, and how I would feel, July 3rd is when I wondered no more.

My first glimpse of the dusky-red, squalling infant with dark hair was one of amazement, wonder, and deep gratitude.

"Your eyes are leaking," said the anesthesiologist as he dabbed at my eyes with tissues.

"I know," I choked out, "but this has been such a journey."

My doctor said the same thing. "It's been a journey, Lisa, but your faith got you here."

Every time someone congratulated us, I started to cry again. I felt (and feel) so unworthy to get to have this experience and a sweet baby when so many of my friends haven't and maybe never will.

His name is Oliver Wendell and he was 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and 21 inches long. He looks like his dad, but he does have dark hair.

Bryan and I liked the name Oliver, and when we asked the kids for ideas, David mentioned Oliver, too. It is the name of his best friend from the orphanage. Wendell, of course, is after my dad, who, incidentally never liked his name. But I still think Oliver Wendell has a nice ring to it...a familiar ring to it, thanks to Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., and Jr. The Sr version supposedly said one of my favorite quotes: Most people go to their graves with their music still inside them. Or something like that.

The entire family is smitten with him. David calls him his "little buddy." Roxy says he is SO CUTE. All four of us can't hold him enough. I know that eventually he will be their annoying little brother and he won't listen to his parents, either, but now, when he is so innocent and cuddly, we can't help but breathe in his baby freshness every chance we get.

He is a good baby, and I am feeling quite well by now. As I said, we're grateful.

How is the summer going? We have just 5 weeks until school starts. Last year, I would have said we have 5 more weeks to survive! We went through a rough time in April and May but things are going well. The kids (due to gentle encouragement from their dad :) have been offering to help me as I recover. And we have been able to do more fun things this summer, since the kids are much more settled this year.

Life is so much less stressful and so much more enjoyable this summer :).