Saturday mornings

Saturday, two weeks ago, Natalie climbed into our bed to snuggle in and watch cartoons. This "on demand" child has become accustomed to any show that she wants to watch being available to her whenever she is ready. Except for Strawberry Shortcake. This show only comes on Saturday mornings at 7. This show makes her appreciate the cartoon world that we used to know as Saturday mornings.

So, back to two weeks ago. She climbed into our bed and started watching her show. She wiggles and snuggles, giggles and talks, making it impossible to sleep late. Chris groaned and I suggested we soak it up because this would be our last Saturday just us three. Chris and I both laid there quietly as that statement hung in the air between us. Then, we enjoyed the morning together, a berry morning and all.

This past Saturday, I was lying in bed, feeding Micah when Natalie joined us. As Chris turned on her cartoon, we all got settled and I had to laugh. This felt SO normal. All four of us, as if life had always been this way. "Was that really just two weeks ago", I said to myself. Then I felt a twinge of guilt. I was almost mad then at the idea of my last Saturday with just my baby girl. Today, nothing, and I mean nothing, is better then the four of us. I don't know how our hearts grow to accommodate the love we have for our children, but yet again I am amazed. I knew I would love Micah. I knew he would be every bit as precious as Natalie is to me. But I could never understand until I met him.

In just two weeks, he has gracefully landed in our home and hearts. In just two weeks, I can't remember not thinking of him and praying for him. I say in just two weeks, it really was two seconds. I heard him cry and instantly I was consumed by both of my babies. I wanted to know he was okay and I wondered what Natalie would think, all at the same time. I love them both for a million reasons, most of all, because God made them mine.

Having Natalie gave me a better understanding of God's unconditional love for me. Having Micah gave me a better understanding of His unconditional love for us all. I never understood how He doesn't have favorites or love some more then others. Now I know. Regardless of it all, God says He loves us because we are His. We have His attention, His grace, and His love. Simply and only because we are His.

That makes me "berry" grateful indeed.