Happy Birthday Seth!

It's been a tough year.. a tough year for Seth as well as for us. We have cried and mourned dreams. We have struggled through Seth's physical pain and reveled at his recover too. We have marveled at the love and support that has been poured out for this little boy, this miracle baby. Did you know he was a miracle? I mean, by all accounts, we all are miracles, but Seth in particular was a child born of prayer and purpose.

I always saw myself with three children, although I had a tough time conceiving and wasn't sure of that likely hood, it was what I saw as a little girl growing up and then as a woman married to the man of my dreams. After a moderate amount of medical intervention, planning and prepping, we conceived Max in 2003 and were elated at the possibility of parenting after the uncertainty of being able to in the first place. Following the same procedures, with moderate intervention, we embarked on a second try and conceived Jack in 2006. Were we content, yes! We had both considered the idea of one more baby to love, a girl maybe? But were also keenly aware that we were committing to more college funds and all the ideals for one more! The idea of another was overwhelming, but so was the desire for a little girl. This is how it went... "Lord if you want us to have a girl, please allow Sam to get pregnant miraculously, without intervention or medical help." About two to three weeks later I was pregnant. Oden told everyone it was a girl, because that what we prayer for. I find this funny now but at our 18 week ultrasound, you could imagine my surprise...

You see, Seth wasn't planned by us. We planned the other boys and worked hard to be sure they would happen. Seth was prayed for and given. He was intended with purpose. He was a miracle conception in spite of my physical limitations. Isn't that cool?

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalms 127:3-5

Seth turned one this last Wednesday, March 24th. He is changing so much these past weeks and becoming quite the little man. He likes to talk and squeal and has a wonderful awareness of what's happening. He understands NO and MORE and KISS. He is such a jewel and a pleasure to watch, so full of life and energetic. We marvel at him, we really do.

Happy Birthday Little Man...we love you so very much.