He's finally here! Baby Stone was born on November 19, at 10:39AM. Livingstone weighed in at 7 lbs. and 12 oz., and measured 21 inches in length. We arrived at the hospital a little after 9AM, and I was already 7cm. dilated! His birth came swiftly and with no complications. We are so thankful. Later in the day, I did weather a hemorrhage scare that completely wiped me out and has made the recovery a bit more difficult. Praise God I am doing better by the day, and am recovering well. The Lord is good, and for all the anticipation and waiting...He is truly sovereign, and always provides His best for us.
Baby Livingstone, who we are calling Stone, is named after the famous 19th century medical missionary and explorer to Africa, David Livingstone. He became a hero of the faith for Caleb after we read David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Christian Heroes: Then & Now)
So much could be said of the significance of the word "Stone" in Scripture. 1 Peter 2:4-6 says it all for me:
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Each of our children have Chinese middle names with the word Li (meaning strength) in them. Stone's middle name is YiLi, which means "perseverance" in Mandarin.
And while each consecutive boy has come out with lighter skin and lighter hair, Stone has reversed the trend completely. He is dark, with jet-black hair. He has his father's dimpled chin--a characteristic we've not seen until now. Oh to have a glimpse of who he will become! And yet, our only constant prayer--is that Livingstone might know the saving Grace of Christ, the forgiveness and freedom of a life lived for Him.
Thank you for all of your prayers, words of encouragement, and love. Our family has felt extremely blessed and treasured.
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