Our time together is closing in...

My time with this precious boy is slowly (well...more like high speed and coming to an abrupt stop) coming to an end...and yet again, my heart is heavy. 

As I sit here holding this beautiful boy, soaking in each breath he takes, each little sigh, his little hand tucked under his chin, my heart is overflowing, along with a few tears. Overflowing with gratitude for every person who helped us along the way. Dr. McNamara and his amazing nurses who all offered words of encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, a smile when needed and their excitement for us as each week past and we had a healthy, full-term baby. My co-workers who took over my job...keeping things afloat for the past 5 months while I grew this little miracle and have loved on him. For our friends who have quickly become like family...stepping in to help with the kids, providing meals, comfort and love. For our family, who have come to help out. For all of it, I'm grateful. 

There aren't even words to possibly describe the love that has come when Iken arrived. Watching Jackson & Kenzi love on him and adore him...watching the look on Jon's face when he snuggles Ike or  when Iken gives a big ol' smile for everyone! The time that I've had with Iken is irreplaceable. And I will forever cherish this...the first moments of looking at his beautiful, yet very bruised face, the kids getting to meet him for the first time, bringing him home and having neighbor kids run from all directions, the first smiles, the first coos, the afternoon naps, his baptism, the middle of the night feelings when it is just him and me...all of it, as with Jackson & Kenzington are forever on my heart. 

And with as heavy as my heart feels right now, I (think) am ready for our family to be back in a routine. I am thankful that we are able to take Iken with Kenzi to Stacey's house, for I know that he will be very loved by everyone there. I'm anxious to get back to work and see my co-workers again! To see my patients and get settled into my new position. Please pray for all of us, as it will certainly be a change and we need a lot of patience and love over the next few weeks and months. Bringing these precious children into this world may not be the easiest for us, but I am so thankful that God has entrusted them to us, to raise them and be their parents. What a huge responsibility and such a bigger blessing.