Sunday, May 12, 2013

Introducing: Baker Samuel Stel

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
 We are pleased to announce the birth of our fourth child, Baker Samuel Stel.
He was meant to enter this big world the same birthday as his older sister, Mia.  And so it was that on April 8th, 2013 at 1:19 AM he made his debut at 22 inches long and 8 pounds 6 ounces.


 We are in love.  It is sheer joy to care for his needs and to watch him respond and grow.  He reminds me of his siblings but he is distinctively himself.  What a joy it is to be his mom!


 There has been new grief that has surfaced, and caring for him has brought clarity about my connection to his sister.  Baker has helped keep memories realistic and brought certain things full circle.  Caring for him has made me long for his sister more intensely than ever.  But, and I never thought I would say this, being with him has brought a measure of healing to my heart.


 It doesn't hurt that this guy is gorgeous and pure sweetness.  I have so many stories to share IF I ever seem to find the time or the focus.



Special thanks to friend Carole Buwalda for taking these beautiful pictures.  She was exceptional.  And when faced with the choice of taking her expensive camera out of sprinklers and let the nearby mom carry her own baby OR the other way around, she dropped that camera without a thought and scooped up my precious boy.  I love her even more for that(by the way, I did grab the camera for her!).
Thank you also to Amy Wohlgemuth of Buttons Diaper Co. for the beautiful diapers(can you call diapers "beautiful"?).