Miracle

Yesterday, at about 5:00 pm, I became a granddaddy for the second time. Our daughter, Allyson, gave birth to Hannah Cole Jones - 6 pounds 9 ounces, 19 and 1/2 inches long, with lots of red hair. Now Naomi has a baby sister, and Allyson and Philip have a newborn. We take birth for granted sometimes, but it really is a miracle and a sign of grace. Don Williams' song comes to mind. "Miracle"

I got to be in the room until close to the time for the birth. Until Allyson got her pain medication she was maoning pretty good when the contractions came. A reminder to me of how much is asked of the mother at the time of birth - t say nothing of all that goes with carrying a baby for nine months. It is humbling to be near her at such a time. We were one day past the original due date, and Allyson was induced. When th eactual birth came she had a relatively quick and easy time of it. She only had to push a few times, and when she called me to tell me Hannah wsa her she sounded great.

My main hope around any birth is that mother and child are well. I read an article just this week about how many women die in childbirth every day world wide, and it is an amazing number. Both of our girls did fine.

We think Hannah is pretty darn cute! The word "beautiful" was used a number of times. Naomi got to see her, but we have more to see about how that adjustment will go. Julie and I got to keep her and the dogs at our house last night, and will do so again tonight.

A great day for us. We thank God for this gift.

Jimmy