I'm Giving Thanks for Elijah Thomas

The call came this morning at 6:37am.   "She started having contractions at 1:00am, and they are at the hospital now," my mother said. My sister Amber was in labor, despite not being due to give birth until November 14th. I was so excited as I dressed for work, and couldn't help checking my phone every few minutes to make sure I had not missed any important calls or texts. I was also unduly excited by the fact that he would be born on 11-1-11!

My entire morning was spent running upstairs out of the basement so that I could get cell phone service and check for messages, anxiously awaiting word of my nephew's birth. I called my mom at 1:30, and when she answered I heard the sweet sound of newborn cries from her arms. She was holding Elijah Thomas, and as I heard him for the first time I cried tears of joy. I would have given almost anything to be there in that moment with them, holding him in my arms and cuddling him close but those things will have to wait until Thanksgiving when I finally get home to see them.

I spoke briefly with Amber, and she sounded amazing. Her voice was strong and if I didn't know better, I would never have guessed that she just went through hours of labor! I was so proud of her and so thankful for my brother-in-law David for being the kind of husband and father that he is.

So today I am thankful for new life, but especially for my new nephew, Eli. He bears the names of two men that I loved dearly (my grandfather and great-grandfather), and I'm thankful that he was delivered safely and that Amber is doing well. I am thankful that God has seen fit to bless our family with another baby to raise and nurture in the admonition of the Lord. I am thankful.

(I can't post pictures or stats yet, because Amber will might kill me if I steal her thunder!)