The Bris Milah: Day 8

October 26th, 2007 we celebrated our sons non-traditional Bris Milah. Translated: Covenant of Circumcision.

Some may wonder why we would celebrate this Jewish ceremony being devout Christian believers. I would love to share our convictions with you to the fullest extent but I think for Blogspot I'll give the nutshell version. We feel that although this (and other) Jewish traditions/commandments/laws are not commonly practiced in the Christian church, God is still honored by our keeping of them. There is no saving power other than Christs' Blood sacrifice that covers sin, and we don't believe that these actions merit a place in heaven on their own but instead show a humble and obedient heart to the Lord. This thought is often met with scorn from Christians, with the rebuttal that we are released from the law and there is no need or requirement to keep the Jewish Law. For our family though, we don't look at it this way. After Christ, who was Jewish, came saving all ethnic groups it became a universal God thing, not a Jewish thing.

So, for us, we celebrate our son, giving him back to the Lord with the shedding of blood via circumcision- honoring the commandment God gave His people. This shedding of blood entered Abraham into covenant with God looking forward to Messiah's shed blood as salvation for all.

On to the ceremony:
Dr. Kulbersh a local Ob/Gyn, by recommendation from Beth Shalom Synagogue, agreed to perform the circ. We met in his office. Jacob, Bethany and Lucy attended, as well as my mother and my hubby and of course the star of the show, Levi. Jacob read some scriptures. Steve served communion. Then L. was circumcised. S. gave the reason behind his name, (L. W.) and Dr. Kulbersh spoke a blessing over L.


It was a difficult thing to watch as a mother, but it was quick and L. did beautifully. God doesn't call us to a life of ease, but rather to pick up our cross and follow Him. There are sacrifices of the flesh that we all must make, for me it was my desire to protect my son, and for L. it was a literal sacrifice of a bit of flesh. Our prayer is that Levi grows into a strong man of God, and as his name reflects that 'God will be his portion'.

Five days old and loving life!

My son...... The most beautiful baby boy in the universe. We are simply loving our time with him day and night. We're over the humps most ladies face in breastfeeding and now we're just enjoying each moment as it comes. Currently L. is dosing on my chest as I recline on the sofa... suppressing sleep so as to update this blog.

There are no words to describe being a mother. And it is very true you don't understand a mother's love until you are one. It's the weight of the world in love. I would give anything for this little guy. And I appreciate my own mother and all that she has done for me through the years.

Last night as we watched him sleep I asked L. to say 5 days old forever.. to which my husband frowned and said he wanted him to grow up so he could do all the father-son things. Playing catch, learning about outdoors, camping, bugs. S. is such an awesome man. He's so present in our lives. He isn't off somewhere mentally- spaced out on what really matters. And until L. grows bigger Papa will have to be patient and love him like he is below.

L. is priority Number 1! And how could he not be with a face like an angel...


We are thrilled that he is here and he is entrusted to our care. May God find us to be faithful stewards of His precious little creation.

WE HAVE A SON!!!

Announcing L.
Born October 17th, 2007 at 10:44pm
Weighing in at 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20 3/4 in. long!!
We are incredibly blessed!

More details from the birth upon request!

Is all fair in Love and Birth??

If mommy wants to augment the contractions she's having, is it a crime???
I think not.
Not at least, when she's past her due date.

A Good Day:

Dare I ask, the calm before the storm??? Don't I wish.

This morning was nice after being up at 3 am for 2 hours, but I digress. I took to 'retail therapy' and enjoyed a few hours of solitude wondering the aisles of World Market and Target. I also had a filling and healthy lunch with my friend Corrina, who also supplied me with a very yummy Venti-Decaf-Almond-Latte from her workplace, the mega-coffee-shop, Starbucks. I picked up my favorite CD from a friends house on the way home and then took a 2 hour nap. When I woke up feeling rejuvenated naturally I headed outdoors to rake the front lawn. The pine cones and needles were literally piling up in the driveway and driving me nuts.

Steve is now on his way home and bless his heart he's bringing the fixins for Hot Dogs (the natural kind) and coleslaw.. and maybe- just maybe he can find a fresh pineapple. Cause what 40 week pregnant lady should do without what she wants. If I want a fresh pineapple darn it all... My last pregnant demand! :-) And anyway it's an old wives tale eating an entire fresh pineapple will make you go into labor.

Could it be??

WWWWWWWell, THE day is almost here. At my prenatal today my midwife checked me by request and performed a 'sweep' of my membranes. We're ready for labor to start! I'll try to document any changes or major events as they happen. But for those with little to no tolerance level, I'll leave all the icky details out. :-)

I truly would love to introduce you to our little darling very soon!
~Love

Truckin along...

Three days ago, 39 +2 wga. Girth??? Ha- wouldn't you like to know...

39 Weeks Prenatal Visit

Here Steve is listening to the baby's heartbeat, counting the Fetal Heart Tones. They have good variability and usually stay 130-140's range. Happy Baby heart!

Steve is measuring my Fundal Height, which gives an idea of the size of the baby in relation to the week of gestation. And as you see below this measurement was around 39 cm.

We're getting closer day by day!!!

Water Works

Just for fun last Sunday afternoon Steve and I took Dara downtown to Riverwalk to play in the water. We had a great time. Dara made friends with a 7 month Ridgeback, Reggie and ran to her hearts delight. Here are some choice shots from our day.