My Gifts

I'm learning that it's joy in the small things that makes life large...

Thankful for: 

~Little ones born in the Spring

~Grown men zipping down lines with the joy of a child

~Babies mimicking the adoring crowds

~Ordinary rocks becoming treasures

~Nana on her special day

~The gift of growing up with cousins as best friends

~Reliving the happiness of races run together

~An afternoon in Target with Sisters, Slurpees and Starbucks



"With every grace, He sings, "You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." -Voskamp

Remembering:

"When the laundry is for the dozen arms of children or the dozen legs, it's true, I think I'm due some appreciation. So comes a storm of trouble and lightning strikes joy. But when Christ is at the center, when dishes, laundry, work, is my song of thanks to HIM, joy rains. Passionately serving Christ alone makes us the loving servant to all." -Voskamp

Zoo Day

Uncle Charlie and Aunt Claudia came all the way from Catalina just to see us. OK, OK it was probably to see their sweetness of a grandson, but we always like to think it's all about us;) 

{he has yummy cheeks and doesn't mind at all when Aunt Lori smooches them often}

Friday was a perfect 70ish degree day , so Molly suggested a trip to the zoo. We were on it. My four little monkeys were getting restless and needing a break from reading, writing and math, while Ben and I needed to STOP the plaster, painting and trim. If only for a moment. Thank you very much.

{Three generations of Canby men in the wild}

The animals were lovely, I'm sure.

But we came mostly for the humans.

Ummm...? Excuse me?  Will you please take a moment to look at the belly. When did that happen?

This little one is going to be a BIG sister in a few short weeks.

I think she'll be ready.

Sorry, I just had to find a way to sneak this picture in. Adorable, right?

The last exhibit that day was full of loud and rowdy animals who begged us to free them and take them home. We agreed. Reluctantly.



A family is born

The journey that two people make on the way to becoming parents is never easy, but the end result is ALWAYS worth the cost. This past Monday I had the privilege of watching those I love walk into parenthood for the first time with strength and determination.

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new."-Rajneesh

My baby sister became a MOMMY, and she's forever changed.

Here is a peek into that beautiful transformation.

Monday afternoon around 12:15.

We can't keep smiling forever. They call it labor for a reason.

Molly did a phenomenal job working through the uncomfortable, pitocin induced contractions, and Dana was a rock, by her side every step of the way. An epidural was offered, and Molly, being the smart girl that she is, took them up on the offer.:)

Epidural #1: FAIL

No big deal. We're in a hospital, there's more where that came from.

Epidural #2: SUCCESS!!

Relief

Now that she's feeling good and resting, it's time for some TLC from the girls.

It's getting late; Molly and Dana are trying to rest up for the long night ahead. Meanwhile, the ladies in the waiting room are getting restless and loopy. 2:00 a.m. will do that to you!

Molly makes it through the night, working her way through painful contractions. The midwife decides that it's time to get to pushing.

She works tirelessly for three hours to push the baby out, but baby Canby is positioned in such a way that it is impossible.

This is where things got scary. Doctors rush in using words like vacuum, forceps, c-sections and we must deliver in the operating room. Everything is happening so quickly now. Dana, Mom and I are quietly weeping, but Molly is focused on getting her baby out safely and quickly.

Operating room dress is given to Molly and Dana.

We immediately send out texts asking friends to pray for a safe delivery.  And with tears in all of our eyes, they quickly wheel her away.

They take her into the OR and put the three of us outside the door to wait.

Dana is allowed back and given a stool right next to Molly. As we pray, Molly pushes six times while the Dr. uses the vacuum. When that doesn't work, the forceps are used for the next three pushes. Sweet Ezekiel Douglas Canby is born at 7:55 a.m. Weighing in at 8 lbs. and 11 oz. 22 inches long.

First family photo only moments after the birth.

A Mother is born.

"Aside from new babies, new mothers must be the most beautiful creatures on earth."-Guillements

A Father is born.

Baby Zeke is surrounded with love from the moment of his birth.

Colleen, is now our "family nurse." She is the same nurse who helped to deliver baby Dave just four days earlier. She stayed late to be with Molly in the OR.

She is already saving the date in April to be with Dee for her delivery.:)

Grandma Claudia flew through the night, all the way from California, to be with Dana and Molly.

We had a welcome home sushi party where Zeke got to meet ALL his cousins and the whole crazy family for the first time. Lucky guy!

However, his favorite new friend of the night, by far, was his cousin Dave.

We love you Baby Zeke, and we are blessed to have you as a part of our family.

Praise God, from whom ALL blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.