You Raise Me Up...

As wonderful as earlier today was-- being able to change Miss Elise's tiny diaper and to hear very encouraging reports-- tonight was just amazing!  Daddy changed Elise's little diaper, Mom checked her temperature... Then, the nurse said "would Mom like to change Elise's bedding?"  Jess was in heaven... our attachment growing stronger and stronger. Just as her bedding was all changed, the nurse then asked "have you held her yet?"  We both shook our heads no, and then the magic happened!!!  We both had a chance to hold our precious but tiny bundle in our hands.

It was so exhilarating! I've held many babies-- most much larger, rarely any smaller, but never a baby that I never wanted to let go! I long for the chance to squeeze her and hold her tight, but of course that will be a long, long way off.  I pride myself in patience and delayed gratification, but I really can't wait to hold that delicate little part of me to my chest and have her cuddle against me.  What a wonderful day!  

We leave you with the lyrics to the well-known song by Josh Groban: You Raise Me Up. As you read these words, look at the pictures of us raising her up...but in fact, she raised us up tonight.

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be. 

Sweet Dreams, 

G & J & E