The Miracle of Birth

The beginning of a new year is a good time to be thinking about new birth.  But I had even more reason to be thinking about birth.  On November 1, 2013 our second grandchild made his appearance into this world.  It was a home birth and I happened to be staying with my son and daughter-in-law at the time.  Although I didn't witness the actual birth I did get to see the little miracle about two hours later. 

 

This little fellow reminded me of the births of my four children.  It wasn't the pain of labour I remember so much but the exhilaration of the actual birth and the incredible wonder of being a part of creating this beautiful creature within my body for nine months.  And then helping this little miracle make its way into this world.  What a privilege it is to be part of this miracle!

Since this was a home birth, Mom and Dad and baby camped out on the futon in the living room for the first few days.  Surrounded by love, this little fellow couldn't help but thrive.

Mom, Dad, and Uncle Ryan with the new-born baby

And the miracles just continued to happen.  From day to day, sometimes even hour to hour, we noticed changes in him.  His thin little lips suddenly became fuller and actual lips, not just a line.  He smiled for the first time -- and not just from gas but a real smile -- as he looked at Mom and Dad and even gave Grandma a big smile!  He would scratch his face and there would be a bright red mark that only a few hours later had disappeared.  His umbilical cord dried up and fell off within four days.  So many wondrous things that I don't remember noticing with my babies.  I guess I didn't have time, or take time, then.

Even tiny little feet.....

and hands... seem to be miracles! (By the way, these are Ruth's hands, our granddaughter, at only a few days old)

How does all this happen -- a baby form from a simple sperm and egg with all the parts of a person in miniature.  It truly is a precious miracle!

Even the task of discerning his name is something of a miracle.  I remember having lists of names prepared for our babies, but when they were born none of them seemed to fit.  It takes a day or two of just being around them, getting to know them, and letting them help you figure out their name.  Sam and Hallie did just that, and settled on Felix Omally, which suits him perfectly!

little Felix Omally a few days old

I am so thrilled that I was able to be close by to experience this miracle of birth and the miracle that is Felix, our grandson!  I hope I will have opportunity to spend plenty of time with both Felix and Ruth, our granddaughter (different son and daughter-in-law) and so experience all the miracles that happen as they learn and grow.