Jackson's Baptism

The memory of this beautiful day when my sweet Jackson was baptized will be forever imprinted in my mind.  It was a time stopping moment where the souls of believers and the angels in heaven danced in celebration, rejoicing the life of this precious new believer.

Jackson at only 4 1/2 on his own accord told us that he believed in Jesus and wanted to be baptized.  We questioned whether this was too young and wanted to make sure that he understood the choice he was making so we waited.

This past year Jackson continued to mature spiritually.  His love for Jesus apparent through his beautiful prayers, the deep conversations we had, and his general desire to learn more about Him.  All of this yes in very much a child's way, but with such pure and complete faith that had my mouth dropping open at the profoundness of our conversations at such an early age.  

It was in June when we were talking about Kindergarten starting this fall and how much fun he would have going to P.E., Art and Music when he asked me, "And chapel too, right?"  My answer of no left him very upset.  He asked me in a very worrisome tone where he would learn about Jesus.  He was so used to learning, worshiping and giving thanks daily at school that he was shocked there was not a dedicated time to learn about Jesus at "big school."  I agree it is quite the bummer.  When I reminded him that hello, he would be learning about him at church and of course at home still he replied pressing his hands to his forehead, "Good, cause you know I'm just REALLY into that guy!" And then, "Hey, why have I not been baptized yet, cause you know I have Jesus in my heart?"  We prayed together that night and I questioned him about what his decision meant and why he wanted to get baptized.  To see the truth so clearly in his eyes and words as he spoke to God that night was beautiful. After talking to Bryan we decided to go ahead and let him profess his faith through a public baptism at our church.  This verse guided us in our decision.

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

Jackson was more excited about his baptism than he was about Kindergarten starting or his upcoming birthday.  Throughout the week leading up to the big day we spent a great deal of time talking about the significance of baptism and what the Bible has to say about it. That this next step, was not just because of tradition but what the Bible teaches us to do once we have accepted Jesus as our lord and savior.  I explained that we get baptized for two reasons.The first being that Jesus did (Matthew 3:13-16) and we want to follow his example to be more like him. And in Acts 2:38 the Bible commands believers to repent and be baptized.  We talked about the story of when Jesus was baptized by John the baptist and then the verses in Acts.  Jackson thought it was amazing that after Jesus was baptized that he saw the spirit of God descending from heaven like a dove.  He really got that baptism was a way to show the world that he believes.  That it would symbolize his new birth in Jesus.  We are continually surprised by the depth of understanding Jackson has about Jesus at such an early age.  He told me several weeks ago from the backseat of the car, "Isn't it cool that Jesus found me?"  Yes it is! And how cool that when he heard Jesus calling that he responded with complete faith and obedience.  

The day of his baptism was a perfect day.  All of Jackson's grandparents,some of his great grand parents, his great aunt and uncle and many of our church friends were there. Because of the large number of people getting baptized, about 20, that day, to make it more personal there was a time set aside at the beginning to spend special time with your core group that came to witness this special event.  Bryan led this time and started by telling Jackson's story. He then asked Jackson why we were here.  He announced loud and clear "because I believe in Jesus!"  We presented Jackson with a cross to wear during his baptism and then Bryan blessed him and this occasion.  Back with the large group with gathered around the baptismal fount where the baptism candidates were asked these two questions.  Are you a sinner in need of a savior and do you declare that Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life?  Jackson answered with much conviction then marched up the steps and down into the water. He had prior to this day asked Bryan to come in with him because he was nervous about going in with just Pastor Jim, but to our surprise he didn't even look back for Bryan to go in with him.  Pastor Jim baptized him in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

We celebrated with our family at Jackson's favorite restaurant afterwards.  I will never forget the way he kept glancing down at his cross, curly locks still dripping wet, with such sweet contentment.  God whispered in my soul, "He is mine."

A story of it's own...

Like I said, each pregnancy is different, each baby boy unique, 

and each delivery has a story of it's own.

This is Owen's:

I went into labor almost exactly a day before my scheduled surgery.  At 2 a.m. on Thursday morning I began having the kind of contractions that take your breath away and make you think...could this be the beginning of the real deal?  After four hours of intensifying contractions that were becoming closer and closer together, after taking medicine for anything that could be exaggerating these (you know what I mean), after trying to sleep it off, I told Bryan maybe he should hold off on going to work first thing in the morning to give me a little more time to see if this would be the big day.  It just couldn't be I thought since I was going to go in the next morning.  It just couldn't be because this time I was going to get a good night's sleep, wake up in plenty of time to take a shower, leisurely put on makeup so that I look awesome in my last big belly shot and in my meeting Owen pictures.  As I stepped out of bed thinking maybe if I changed my activity by walking around or taking a bath I could calm these what must be false labor contractions down.  About five minutes later my big hearted neighbor, Amber, arrived by our request to be here when our big boys woke up because we thought we had another emergency on our hands.  Why does bleeding always have to be involved in the stories of my boys?  And how was I supposed to know that this was actually just a normal phase in regular labor?  Hello, third c section.  Now, didn't I pray too that I would be spared from any of the labor fun since I was going to already get to have c section fun?  Well, other plans, not of my own had been made and we were just a long for the ride.

A long ride it could have been to the hospital smack dab in morning rush hour traffic time.  I think Bryan and I were in a constant state of prayer, both aloud and silent, as we made the drive into Houston.  I did at one point call 911 and ask if we could have a police escort should traffic back up again.  They were so sweet and said just call them back if we needed them and I could just jump in one of their ambulances.  Well, at this point, traffic remained clear, God willing, and though I didn't glance at the speedometer, Bryan's hazard light driving got most people out of our way quickly and we soon found ourselves in a labor and delivery holding area.

After a thorough check and monitoring of Owen, our worries were eased as we found out that hey, I was just simply in labor with no emergency on our hands.  I encouraged my Dr. and nurses to speed things along as I understood there was no emergency now, but that I would like to please have this precious baby before one might happen.

My surgery went beautifully, my nervousness constantly being eased by the whispered prayers of my loving husband whose head only left mine to take the most breathtaking pictures of our Owen being delivered from my womb.

My first glimpse of Owen was even before he took his first breath, still a part of me, and then moments later as he become his own little self his first cry sent tears streaming down my face.  And then it gets better...I actually got to hold him right away.  I had never had this opportunity with the other two because of their very own stories, so this was a true gift.  When they laid him on my chest, I looked into his deep and said, "You're mine!"

Owen got to meet Mimi and Poppy, Uncle Wayne, Aunt K and Cousin Hayes when Bryan wheeled him out as they headed to the nursery to check him out thoroughly.  Our family is amazing.  My Aunt Jennifer within minutes of my phone call that morning took a day off work to relieve my neighbor and watched the big boys all day.  My Uncle Wayne rushed to the hospital to be there when we arrived because we thought it might be another emergency situation and from previous experience of not having anyone there when that happens I wanted to make sure Bryan had someone with him.  Mimi and Poppy rushed in and got there moments before my surgery for hugs, kisses, and well wishes, and Aunt K had to bring Baby Hayes who was just so excited to meet his new cousin.  And as this was all happening, my in laws booked a flight to come back for the day from a dental convention so they didn't miss it either.  Everybody that could be there was.  We are well loved...that's for sure.

In recovery only a short time later I was able to nurse the very hungry Owen right away. He had passed all his newborn tests with flying colors so he got to come be with his mama.  I was in heaven snuggled underneath the recovery room heating blanket (it's amazing and I'd love to own one), holding my precious little bundle.  I was also under a heavy dose of benadryl on top of my other pain meds to fight off the anesthesia itchies so I thoroughly entertained the nurses with my constant, yes constant ramblings that I can't begin to remember at this point and that's probably a good thing.

Later that afternoon after a good long nap, securing Owen's nursing abilities, and making sure my loopy ramblings were on the down low the boys were brought up to meet their new brother.  They gave him the "Owey Bear" they made for him, celebrated with a birthday cake, and took turns holding and loving on him.  Wow, is Owen a blessed little boy to have them for big brothers.

After only two nights at the hospital instead of 3 or 4, I was released to go home.  We were shocked and relieved at the same time.  I was doing amazingly well after surgery and Owen couldn't be any more healthy so we headed home Saturday early in the afternoon.

We were welcomed home by my mom, dad, and my sister's family.  They all oohed and awed over sweet Owen. And let me tell you, he is very ooh and aweable.

A party of five now lives at my house.  Two parents to three precious boys, each unique, each with their own story, each loved completely.  Man, God is good!

Introducing Owen!

He is here and he is magnificent!  A breathtaking blessing straight from heaven above!

Owen Wyatt Reece was born at 10:13 in the morning on Thursday, July 26th.  He weighed 7 lbs. 9 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long.  With the beautiful glow a top his head, his flawless peachy skin, deep blue eyes, and cute button nose there was no denying that this copper top beauty was ours.

Hearing his first cry sent me to tears.  It was the most wonderfully anticipated sound that rushed straight to my heart and made it leap with joy.  I had been holding my breath since earlier that morning when I knew that he was on his way, hoping and praying for a healthy delivery.  My prayers were answered.  Here he was, loudly telling us hello.  The completeness that accompanied the moment they laid him on my chest for the first time was clearly orchestrated by our Heavenly Father.  As if He were speaking through me, my words rang clear and strong, "You're Mine!" as I took in the beauty of God's new creation.

We are awestruck each and every time we welcome one of our babies into the world.  Each pregnancy has been different, each delivery has it's own story, and each baby boy completely unique.  The one constant, unchanging factor is that each is a beautifully answered prayer from our Creator.  A moment when God's words speak loudly in my heart and radiate through my soul.

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

Psalm 139: 13-14

Dear Heavenly Father,

You created Owen's inmost being;

you knit Owen Wyatt Reece together in MY womb.

I praise you because he is fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are WONDERFUL,

I KNOW THAT FULL WELL.

AMEN!

 We all adore this new addition to our family that made us a party of five and are transitioning beautifully.  Owen is here and he is magnificent!