I have this little boy. I call him mine. Although some days…. he’s totally my husband’s. I didn’t and couldn’t birth to a child like this. And on the days where he doesn’t want to claim him we give him back to God.
Well, let me start by saying he’s always been God’s from the moment he was conceived. God knew this little child and what personality he gave him. The tiny little dent on his ear lobe (which I happen to find so adorable). He knew how loud he would be. Maybe he’ll be the world’s first official yeller and win a trophy or something. Who knows. P.S. The neighbors definitely know who we are!
God knew how adventurous he would be. Why give him to a daring mother? Give him to a woman who’s heart drops to her knees several times a day.
God knew how strong willed he could be. So he gave him a mother who can hold her own ground.
God knew from the start whom to give this gift of life to. And that would be me and my husband. And regardless of it all, I consider myself blessed.
I do count my blessings back from the start.
Here’s the story.
From the moment he was conceived I knew I wanted to birth him at home like I had done for my other two babies. (I’ll save that story for another day.) But anyway, pregnancy went perfectly. I was carrying a healthy baby boy. I only choose to do one ultrasound around the 28 week mark just to make sure he was well and healthy.
I prayed throughout the entire pregnancy that despite being away from modern medicines and hospitals that God would faithfully grant me the desires of my heart to have another easy at home birth. I prayed fervently for another quick delivery and easy birth.
Labor went smoothly and out came a beautiful baby boy.
There was only one small problem. His cord was wrapped around his neck AND it was not in one but TWO knots. When my hubby told me I think I cried like a baby. Like my baby.
There was rejoicing in that moment. Even though the odds may have been against him God was on his side. We have no idea how tight the knots were in comparison to others but I know there have been deaths for this very same reason.
I do believe God spared us from what could have been a very tragic ending.
God saw my truest heart desire and he blessed me beyond belief.
So every moment that this boy tries my patience, exhausts my strength, pushes my limits I try to remember how close I came to losing my little boy.
Who would tell me their nightmares so I could hold him close?
Who would handpick me dandelions on the way to the bus stop?
Who would kiss me at random during the day while everyone is away?
Who would tell me about kindergarten love and how his (girl)friend’s hair smells so good?
Who would offer to help bake cookies and lick up all the extra crumbs for mom?
Who makes me cry more tears than I’ve ever smiled yet causes me the most random grins of anyone I know?
This boy of mine….
What a gift he is.
Don’t forget to treasure your child. They can be taken at any moment. No tomorrows are guaranteed.
xo
Melanie
Linked to: Time Warp Wife, Whimsy Wednesday
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
BEAUTIFUL post Melanie! I cannot justify with words how much I enjoyed reading your post today!
I have only 1 daughter who is 15 and she is my biggest blessing!
Melanie says
Thanks Shashi. Kids are a great blessing. Part of the reason I like to write that is so I can remember it because there are certainly many hard times that make you question it.
Glad to hear that your daughter is such a huge blessing in your life. Daughters are the best! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I loved reading this Melanie. I hope to have a son someday.
That is so scary the cord was wrapped around his neck! Gives me shivers just thinking about it.
And PLEASE share your home birth stories someday. I would *really* love to read it. I want to be able to do that someday, and love talking to people who went thru the same experience. We also have a great birthing center near by that I’ve researched. It’s only 2 blocks away from a hospital, just in case.
Thanks for sharing!
Melanie says
Aww Natalie. I hope it encouraged and didn’t discourage.
I’d love to write about the home births. I just don’t know where to begin. It was an awesome experience overall though.
Thanks so much for always faithfully stopping by!
Kris says
What a wonderful post. My son caused me many tears and many moments of joy. He is fifteen now and growing into a wonderful young man of God. Thanks for sharing!
Melanie says
Thanks for stopping by Kris and for your kind words. 🙂
tahnycooks says
You’re a good momma. Love this post. It’s certainly a great reminder of how blessed we are and Gods love is boundless.
Melanie says
Aww, thanks Tahny! We are blessed indeed in the Lord.
Joanne says
What a great post!! So sweet.
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
What a beautiful post. As a mom to two boys, I understand those feelings. Great photos of your son. It certainly looks like he’s got a fun personality!
Melanie says
Fun is the word. This boy’s got personality all over him! 🙂
cathy says
love love love these words that you have penned! I too have walked a similar journey in the way that if born even moments later my son would have no story to tell. The doctors caught him just in time as the cord was wrapped around his neck several times. By God’s sovereign hand he was born healthy, & loud! I tell him all the time God has a purpose and plan for your life! Checking out this great post from thrifty Thursday and please know that your words have struck a cord with me!
marcie says
What a beautiful story, Melanie! I have two boys, and I really relate to what you’ve written. Here’s to having a happy, healthy son! I love the photos. 🙂
Melanie says
Thanks Marcie. So glad you stopped by and that you were able to relate. It’s so nice to hear from others. Hope to see you around again
soon!
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says
Such a sweet post!! I loved seeing the pics of your sweet little guy! 🙂