Little Miracles

I adore baby snuggles. Especially from tiny babies who nestle right in and weigh almost nothing. Sigh...

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to snuggle my cousin's three-week-old baby boy. Oh, my heavens. He was tiny and sweet and so perfect. A true miracle. Just like my own three boys.

Love my snuggles!

I don't say that lightly, either. That little baby spent some time in the NICU before coming home. And before that, his parents waited for him for several years. In a world where so many people wait forever for a little one to join their family, he truly was and is a miracle.

My oldest was a miracle, too. When I was 35 weeks along, my OB/GYN noticed my blood pressure was elevated to a concerning degree. He put me on bed rest. A week later, not only was my blood pressure 160/110, I tested as preeclampsic. I was induced and my first little miracle arrived. He was only 4 lbs, 11 oz. - nothing but skin and bones. But he was healthy. We were able to go home together after spending just one extra day at the hospital.

My tiny little baby is now taller than me.

We waited eight years for our next miracle to come. At that point, we had given up hope ever having a second child. Our oldest was a wonderful kid and if he was going to be our only one, we couldn't have asked for better.

When I learned I was pregnant, I cried for nearly two hours. After years of disappointment and heartache, our dream finally came true. As my due date approached, my darn blood pressure started to protest again and I was induced. My second son made his appearance - a true Gerber baby. Big cheeks, perfect complexion. And 8 lbs, 2 oz, despite having come 2-1/2 weeks early.

He's still ridiculously cute.

His little brother came just two years later. Once more, blood pressure issues required inducement. At 36 weeks, he was 6 lbs. 8 oz and healthy as can be.

My mischief maker. You can see it in his eyes...

Not wanting to tempt fate, we decided our family was complete, which was a good thing. Not long afterwards, I experienced health problems that led to a hysterectomy. During that ordeal, we learned that due to the shape of my uterus, it was a miracle we had any children at all - let alone three healthy boys.

We know we are blessed. Miracles do happen and they happen every day. For Heavenly Father is a God of miracles. He loves each and every one of us and knows our needs and wants. All we have to do is believe.

23. For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. (2 Nephi 27:23)