The Pediatrician and The Pain

As a young woman, I never took it literally when I read in Genesis 3 about the Lord's promise to women. He clearly says, "I will greatly multiply your sorrow in your conception; in sorrow you shall bear children..." GREATLY MULTIPLY. I totally understand that concept now, having just given birth to my first child four days ago.

However, I don't think that I realized that the pain wouldn't just be during delivery. The contractions beforehand were excrutiating, the hurt just to receive an epidural was insane, and delivery itself had to be what they meant when they created the word, "pain." But, that verse in Genesis doesn't tell you what happens afterwards... Maybe it does in some ways, but the pain you feel as a parent has only just begun.

We took Daniel for his first pediatrician's appointment today. It's the most difficult thing watching your child ache, seeing him squirm and squeal, and hearing his cries for help, knowing there is nothing you can do. It's all a part of life, and as he cooed his way through having his blood taken, after being poked, prodded, and pulled on, it was an overwhelming sense of pain that I felt.

Pain because I knew this wouldn't be the last time he would hurt. There will come times when he aches, and I will not be able to heal his hurts. From that first fever to his first skinned knee, to his first broken heart and his first realization that he is lost, I cannot stop pain from coming his way.

As I endured the pain of delivery, I never understood that my heart could hurt worse than any contraction or push I might attempt. I imagine this is the sorrow and pain God felt when He saw His Son dying on the cross... Can you even fathom what God felt? I don't think I can, but as I saw that Garfield band-aid across Daniel's tiny foot today, I pictured it. I imagined the pain He felt. I attempted to understand the love the Father had for His Son. Because, friends, I have it. I have more love than I ever thought possible for this little boy, and I am thankful for the pain because it means having him.

By the way, everything looks good. No weight loss, no jaundice, no fever... Just a healthy, little gift from God.

Here he is, all ready for the doctor!


Daniel didn't necessarily like the doctor!


Daniel's treat when he got home from the doctor: his first time in the swing!

Thank You All...

He isn't quite a day old just yet, but I cannot tell you how immensely excited we are over this little boy. He spent his first night in the nursery, and (after 23 hours of labor and no sleep) Brian and I were able to sleep soundly. Of course, Daniel came in a few times to see his momma, but he was just so sweet each time. He hasn't cried very much, but I imagine he'll find his voice soon and make sure he's heard. I am sore and exhausted, but I haven't found much time to sleep, looking forward to seeing Daniel's sweet face.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has called, texted, emailed, and stopped by the hospital. Your love and support of our family has been incredibly overwhelming and humbling, and we deeply appreciate all you have done for us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue on this fantastic journey. We love you all, and cannot wait for you to meet our blessing, Daniel.

Love and Blessings,
Jenna, Brian, and Daniel

Daniel's First Day

Aunt Jessica waited patiently to hold Daniel...


Mimi was all smiles...


Daddy and Daniel


Daniel and His Family...


Dr. Nason, Daniel, and Daddy


Daniel getting checked out by the nurses after delivery...

Daniel is Here!

After twenty-three hours of labor, Daniel Benjamin made his appearance today on April 20th at 3:53 p.m.! He weighed in at 8.8 pounds, 21 and a half inches, and looks just like his momma. He's got a sweet nose and chubby cheeks. He is long and lean. He's extremely quiet and happy with the most beautiful complexion.

Mom and baby are doing well; we are at Hendersonville Hospital in Room 223.

Pictures will follow...

Delivering Daniel

Have you ever truly read the story of Daniel in the Bible? I hadn't. Well, that is, until my husband decided just six weeks before the due date of our son that his name was to be Daniel.

I was devastated to be completely honest. For four, long months of my pregnancy, I had called this little miracle Elijah. My husband was so burdened, though, that I could not ignore the fact that God was speaking to him about our child's name. Far be it from me to question that voice.

It was then that I began searching the scriptures about Daniel. I knew he had been in the lion's den, but I truly didn't know enough about him to be confident about naming my child this particular name. Did you know that God gave Daniel and three other young men knowledge and skill in all writing and wisdom? Did you know he fasted for twenty-one days? Did you know that the Lord gave him the ability to interpret dreams? Did you know he was a prophet that loved God? I didn't. I had no idea.

It was the deliverance of the Lord that got Daniel out of the lion's den. It was the deliverance of the Lord that allowed Daniel to be a mighty man in the king's court. It was the deliverance of the Lord that provided him with great understanding. It was the deliverance of the Lord that caused him to speak with wisdom concerning the ways of God.

I soon will be delivering a Daniel of my own. I anticipate with great joy what the Lord has in store for this little boy. Though I realize my child isn't the Daniel I read about in the Bible, I have to believe that the same power the Old Testament Daniel had is the same power that will live inside of my son. God is good. We anticipate His hand as He delivers our Daniel to us...