Welcome to the world, sweet Caleb!

For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, 

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you 

when I was made in the secret place. 

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body. 

All the days ordained for me 

were written in your book 

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

I woke up Monday morning to a text on my cell phone from my best friend Steph in Florida - she'd delivered her baby boy early that morning. The only catch; she was only 29 weeks pregnant. I became frantic, calling and texting her to make sure that she and the baby were alright. I received a return text that he was doing okay and that she'd call when she could, but I just wanted to hear her voice. No, I really just wanted to be there to give her a hug, hold her hand and pray with her. I finally spoke with her the following afternoon and heard the crazy story of of how baby Caleb came into the world 11 weeks early, still marveling at God's hand in it all.


Steph and I have been friends for 15 years. We met our freshman year of college at Palm Beach Atlantic College (well, I think it's now "University"). We were both English majors and what started off as a fun, casual friendship my first year away from home has turned into a friend for life. She's always my biggest cheerleader (except for Bob, of course) and the one I can trust to tell me the truth. We've been there for each other through it all and although we can't always be together physically, I know that we are linked as sisters through a mutual love, respect and most importantly, the same heavenly father. 


Little Caleb is such a beautiful reminder that we have a loving God and that we aren't some cosmic accident. To know that we are so special to Him, that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". The evidence is all around us and so apparent, but I believe that it is magnified for moms. To look at our children is to see the amazing love of a heavenly father who loves our kids even more than we do (if we can even imagine that!) It still amazes me that someone wouldn't be able to see Him. But then again, I think we all can. It's just that some choose to deny Him and miss out on all that He really wants for us in this life and beyond. 


I love you, Steph. You're already an amazing mommy!