Babies

Yes, I'm breaking my long silence with a post about babies--but part of this is pretty important and for the few who'll read this, it's worth it.

First, I got to play with babies this week.  My friend Dorothee had twins a couple of months ago and I got to go visit her and help take care of babies.  Twins are nice for friends, because there's always a baby to hold. (Now when it's just her, I imagine that's a little hard.) When she was nursing one baby, I got to play with the other one.  They're so soft and sweet and fun.  I never see babies so it was lovely for me!  Really, my life is SO strange. I never see babies or even children. I realized this at Christmas too, playing with Lietta and McKay (Whitney's children). Children just aren't part of my life. As far as my month-in, month-out existence knows the world is populated with adults (with an occasional child to look at briefly, but that's it).  Anyway, it was a special time for me. I really enjoyed spending time with the girls.  And with their amazing mother.  I love her.

Even more exciting news: there's a new baby in our family!  Laura (& Whitney) had a little baby boy on Tuesday, 10 January.  Very short labor (W says it was 20-25 minutes from when they pulled up in the parking lot until the baby came out).  He was big--9.5 lb; so, actually kind of an average baby for our experience, but we recognize it's big for many people.  Has dark hair (unlike his bald/blond siblings). And his name is Talmage A. C.

Unfortunately, a day after he was born he was admitted to the NICU because he has some kind of infection.  So far it's still unidentified. They tried a spinal tap but couldn't get enough fluid, so tried again last night. He'll be in the hospital for at least a few more days; possibly a few more weeks (depending on what they can find out).  [family history (modern) reminds me of the reality that healthy babies at birth don't always make it home and it scares me a little.]
Laura is still at the hospital; released as a patient long since, but there to nurse and be around, sleeping on a bed near Talmage, trying to sleep and heal but worrying and such. I think I worry the most for her; maybe because the baby is out of our control (or maybe because I don't understand anything he's going through), whereas Laura has so many choices that she's having to make (and I can understand what she's experiencing just a little bit more).
Whitney is now home with the children and my Mother has been there (I guess she leaves today) helping with the children and such.  All around, things could be worse but they could also be a lot better.

This morning (before getting an update from Laura), I was reading in Matthew 8 and it was very reassuring to be reminded of the Savior's healing power. How he chooses to heal changes, but without a doubt he does have the power to heal; and through the Spirit we can be comforted and have burdens lifted.  As I was praying (after talking to Laura), I reflected some on those truths. Also on the importance of asking for what we desire and coming to the Lord--manifestations of our faith in Him. As I prayed and asked and thought about these things, the comforting power of the Holy Ghost came and settled.  How very grateful I am for that gift! 

I'll try to remember to update in the future (but feel free to email or call and ask).