Adeline Mae

Back when Jim and Maria announced they were expecting their first child it’s fair to say I was excited to become an aunt. It had been about five years and it seemed like time. Still, I knew some of the changes it would bring could be difficult to swallow. We were at a point in the family where Edie was big enough to do most of what the adults were doing and we could go places without worrying about naps or whether a restaurant was kid-friendly. Such minor issues and I now know how much the joy that Calvin has brought to our family far outweighs the few tantrums and early bed times. Finding out that Jim and Maria were expecting #2 didn’t bring those concerns to mind, but I wondered if I’d be able to love the new baby as much as Calvin.

It has become clear in the past few days that there is room in my heart for more love. The sweetness of a newborn is enough to melt the heart, and getting to witness the birth of Adeline has only intensified the miracle of her existence.

Maria was very gracious in letting me watch the painful labor experience. I won’t go into details, but I will say that it was beautiful and I cried multiple times. The fact that Adeline was born in the early hours of Good Friday made some meaningful parallels to the act of Jesus dying for us. Not that the pain is comparable, but to think that Jesus’ death was a labor of love, to be reminded that God sent a perfect child to die, to realize that the promises I hold fast to my heart are promises that can comfort Addie throughout her life–it’s just amazing that God uses life experiences to draw us closer to Him.

Calvin seems to be adjusting well and was very excited to come and finally meet “Della!” Jim and Maria had a present for him from the baby so it would be a positive experience. There are some rough days ahead for that kiddo, but soon enough he’ll see that they can be great buddies. At least I hope for Addie’s sake that he comes to that realization because I have many fond childhood memories with my older brother. A few painful ones as well.

Addie and Maria were able to come home Saturday afternoon. There was lots of napping by the baby and adults, oodles of cuddles, and grateful hearts for a healthy, safe mommy and baby.

On Easter Sunday, Dad and the boys drove up and met everybody but Maria and Addie at church. Afterwards we headed back to the McCormick’s for more snuggles with the baby and tromping around outside with Calvin.

The newborn/infant stage is such a sweet time and I know that it will soon pass. What makes it okay is that right now she seems like a sleepy, yawny bundle of cuteness to kiss on but she’s much more than that. I look forward to watching her take on personality and becoming her friend. I’m excited to see how God uses her for His purposes and how her life will make a difference in the world around her. It’s simply amazing to think that God brought her into this world with purpose and that I get to be a part of her life.

You are so so loved, Adeline Mae!