After waiting for many months, we are overjoyed to welcome the newest member of our family, Mary Faith!  She was born the day after my birthday and is the best birthday present I ever received.  I feel like this has been the longest pregnancy ever.  I know it has really been 2 separate pregnancies and Mary Faith will, in no way, ever replace Timothy, but my arms have been waiting a year and a half now to hold my baby.  I know that's nothing compared to how long others wait, and I'm very mindful of the 5 precious treasures I get to hold everyday.  I'm not complaining at all, just pointing out that I've been really ready to have this baby and get to hold her and snuggle with her and feed her and do all the mommy things I love doing.  There's so much I won't take for granted this time.  I'm looking forward to enjoying and treasuring it all.  I'm so much more aware now of how precious a gift each day is.  Many times during this pregnancy, I told God how much I just wanted the chance to hold my baby alive.  And now I am!  I'm so humbled to have this privilege.   I just stare and her and kiss her and stroke her soft hair and think about what a blessing she is.  My heart just says "Thank you, God" over and over and over. 

O Lord, children are such a tremendous blessing from You.  Forgive me for the times I've been distracted by the business of life and forgotten to treasure them as You intended.  Thank You for blessing me with 6 wonderful treasures here on earth.  Thank You for keeping Timothy safe with You until I can meet him face to face.