Daughter Janelle went in for a checkup yesterday and since she was dilated to 5 centimeters they decided to schedule the C-section for the evening, since the baby is full-term but breech, so there's no reason to go through labor.  At 9:00, right at the end of our small group meeting we get the call we'd been waiting for.  Malachi Titus was born at 7:15, 5 lb. 5 oz, a little shaver, but his cry was the most welcome sound they have heard for awhile, I believe!

If you don't recall, this baby is here after three miscarriages, the latest being baby Elijah, at 16 weeks, so that makes it all the more special.  Simeon has gone uncomplaining through all these experiences of disappointment and we are so glad he gets to experience this joy, and grateful that he has been such a good support for Janelle.

My heart goes out to those who so much want children but cannot have them, for whatever reason.  It may be a question I will want to check in with God about when I get Home.  I suspect He is sad about that also, since He knows our pain, whatever it is.

You know, I don't have much more to say this week!  Velma and I are headed out to Columbus (OH) tomorrow morning where we will get to meet the new member of Sim and Janelle's family.   After all of the emotional investment of so many people in this process, it really seems like the baby belongs to all of us!   May be more true than we know.  Maybe that's the way it should be?

Until next week . . . .

"Thank you God, for this gift. Amen"