Today my Bonus Baby turns 2 years old. "Bonus Baby" because she came so quickly after her big brother, and was my smoothest and easiest pregnancy. No extra blood work, no stat ultrasounds, no heightened concern about miscarriage. She was just added blessing, after we'd already been so abundantly blessed.
The day after Christmas 2007 I went in to talk to my doctor about what we should do about this "overdue" little girl. I was dilated to 5. The doctor was convinced that she should have been here already but, wanting a natural labor, I was hesitant to induce. We agreed that Dr. Fee would break my water the next morning, and hopefully we wouldn't have to introduce drugs to get contractions going. Much to my joy - and pain - contractions started coming hard and fast 20 minutes after my water broke. And less than 2 hours later I was holding my little girl in my arms. A beautiful beginning to a beautiful little life.
Rebekah Jane, you are a miracle to me. So much about you is a surprise and - two years later - I am still marveling at the mystery of YOU. How did you get such silky blond hair and sparkly blue eyes? How do already have such a passion for shoes and dollies? How can you be so perfectly girly and still eat dirt whenever you get the chance? And how I am I so blessed to have you as my porcelain-skinned, rose-bud lipped, snuggly, feisty, baby girl?
I am obsessed with your sweet smile, especially when you think no one is looking and you are simply content with whatever you're doing. I love all your new words, and how every sentence ends with a pause, and then "mama." "Nilk, please... mama." "Shoes on... mama." "Want dat too...mama." I love how you call Ezekiel "Brudder" and when we go out just me and you, you're always asking about "brudder." The other day we finished our grocery shopping and as we walked out of the store you said "See brudder?" knowing he was waiting for you at home.
I love how you want me to hold you - a lot - and how you bury your face in my neck almost as if you're pretending to be shy. And how you squeeze my neck tight and pat my back with your tiny hand. And even though it's challenging for me at times, I admire your spunk, baby girl. You are a complicated blend of sugary sweet and fiery spice. And sometimes I just don't know what I'm going to get. You can be throwing an all-out tantrum and I'll wonder how I'll ever reach your heart, when all of a sudden you'll listen to my voice, stop in your tracks, and say "Oh, sorry, mama" and move on to something else. Again, my mystery girl.
I don't know how much longer you will be "Baby", Bekah Jane. Daddy and I really hope God continues to bless us our family with more children. But you will always be our miraculous gift from the Lord, the baby we couldn't have wanted more, and the daughter we never imagined we'd be so blessed to have. We pray every day that you will grow to know and love Jesus. Doesn't that sum up everything we could want for you? Know and love Jesus, sweet girl, and you will find true joy in the life He grants you.
We love you with all all our hearts!
