Believe it or not, it's me. I can't believe how fast time flies and how long it's been since I have posted something on here. As you all know, I've added a new title to my name. You can now call me "Mommy". I'm so excited to be able to write and share about my beautiful baby girl. As her daddy said the first time he saw her, she's perfect. I never really understood how deeply love could go until 10:35 AM on October 28th. After a long night and some complications, Autumn Joy was finally delivered by C-section. I can honestly say that I can't remember a time where I've been so physically exhausted. Here it was. Nine months of waiting and preparing and now, in just a few minutes I would finally meet this little person. However, despite the excitement of what was getting ready to take place, all I wanted to do was sleep. As all moms know, when you've been through the delivery process, you grow very weary. As they administered the medication that completely took away any pain, suddenly I could barely keep my eyes open. My prayer then became "Lord, help me stay awake long enough to see my baby." I dozed off and on in the operating room as my doctor began the procedure. But, I'll never forget hearing my doctor indicating that she was out. I opened my eyes and looked up and wow! There she was. I listened closely for the sound I had waited on for nine months. I heard it. I heard her screaming her protest of being brought out into this cold and scary world. I knew it then. I was in love.

I knew that despite all the pain and suffering to get to this moment, in spite of the weariness that had covered me like a blanket, there was no doubt that I'd give my last breath for this baby if I had to. This wasn't just any baby. This was Autumn Joy. This was my baby.

Most parents who read this will be ready to tell you the same thing. Our children are the very life of us. We hurt if they hurt. We do what we can to protect them. We do everything in our power to meet their need. And if someone were to threaten them in any way, we'll die if we have to but we'll be sure they are safe. Why? We love them. They are ours.<>Now, just imagine how Jesus feels about us. We are His children. When we hurt, He hurts. He protects us. He supplies our needs. And when Satan decides to attack us, He's ready to step in. He loved us so much that He died so that we could have life. He endured the pain, the agony, the weariness, and the separation from His own father when He bore our sins on that cross. We weren't just anybody. We were His and He wasn't willing to let us go. Why? He loves us.

Autumn is sleeping right now. As she grows, she will come to understand that she can always close her eyes knowing that no matter what, her mommy and daddy love her. Tonight when I close my eyes, I'll rest knowing that my Father in Heaven loves me, no matter what.