Harrison Oliver

Three days ahead of schedule, Harrison Oliver made his debut on April 5, 2012 at 5:20pm. He weighed 8lbs 10oz and was 20.5" long with a full head of black hair!

Since then I haven't been able to stop staring at him, or taking pictures. He's the most precious thing I've ever laid eyes on and it's just now beginning to seem real that he's actually here. Sometimes I miss my big belly though!

The thing I worried about most with labor was the pain. I've never been good at dealing with it and having heard that this was the most painful thing a woman can go through, I knew very early on that I'd be getting an epidural, and sure enough I did. God really had his hand on me throughout this process though. I dilated to 5cm without experiencing active labor (or painful contractions), which means I was halfway there without any pain. This in itself was a blessing. The epidural did wonders for the rest of the process and the emotions I experienced when he was placed in my arms were stronger than I could ever have imagined!

My mom is making her way through the Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young and she pointed out the entry for April 5th, the day Harrison was born. I found it so fitting, I had to make note of it:

Let ME fill you with my Love, Joy and Peace.  These are Glory-gifts, flowing from my living Presence.  Though you are an earthen vessel, I designed you to be filled with heavenly contents.  Your weakness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Spirit; on the contrary, it provides an opportunity for My Power to shine forth more brightly. 

As you go through this day, trust Me to provide the strength that you need moment by moment.  Don't waste energy wondering whether you are adequate for today's journey.  My Spirit within you is more than sufficient to handle whatever this day may bring.  That is the basis for your confidence!  In quietness (spending time alone with Me) and confident trust (relying on My sufficiency) is your strength.