Baby! Is a baby!

That's what Nathanael was exclaiming when he saw his little brother for the first time:

His name is Luke Athanasius. I love the name "Luke" because it means "giver of light," and I want my child to behold and reflect brightly the Light of the World. I also like the character Luke in the Bible--I like his skill and thoroughness in writing the gospel and Acts, and how dedicated he was in helping Paul--he traveled with him as a prisoner, enduring a shipwreck and so much more for the love of our King. It's very clear from his writing and his actions that he had a passion for God's glory among the nations. Those are qualities I pray for my son. Kenneth chose Athanasius for the saint whose life you can read here.

I have a lot to thank God for. I'm thankful that the birth went well. I'm actually thankful the doctor accidentally broke my water at my 38-week prenatal appointment, because the little guy was already 7 lb, 12 oz. I'm thankful that I didn't need Pitocin this time, so I could actually relax between contractions. I'm thankful to be on Samaritan Ministries now, which allowed me to have a hospital birth much more affordably than insurance did. I'm thankful for my parents and sister who kept Nathanael for us, for the couple from my church who came by to take care of our dogs while I was in labor, and for those who have helped us with diapers and other little items we can still use this time around. I'm thankful that, despite us all getting colds right after we left the hospital, little Luke hasn't suffered more than a stuffy nose. I'm thankful for how Nathanael has taken to Luke, and in general that he has such a wonderful family to be born into.

I am thankful for the time Kenneth was able to take off work, though now that it's almost time for him to go back, it sure doesn't seem long enough! Please pray for us as I begin adjusting to a "normal schedule" now with a baby added to toddler care, two jobs, and house management. I'm not sure if I'll need extra self-discipline or extra laxity to manage all these demands. Pray for the right grace I'll need to do what God has for me each day.