#1 in a series of 5

The number 8 is supposed to represent "New Beginnings." The number 9 is representative of "When Things Are Birthed." I really believe that my 2008 was a year for "New Beginnings." I could do a post about all the "New Beginnings" in my life last year, and I probably will. I know I will. Just not tonight. Tonight I am going to start with the first in a series of 5. I am going to write about "When Things Are Birthed." And how better than to start with the actual birth stories as they relate to my 5 children?

The first birth story is about my son, Jeb.

I had quite the notions regarding birth. Fears, expectations, hopes, excitement, the list goes on. I was probably a typical first timer. I was armed with a birth plan that included no epidural, ironed pajamas with a matching robe, yes, I ironed them, a stack of "relaxing" cd's, a boom box, a baby journal and a new pair of socks.

I never listened to the music and I was hooked up to the epidural within the 2nd hour of labor. I did wear the nicely "starched" pj's and the new socks felt wonderful.

Jeb made Daddy cry when he was born...the ultrasound had been wrong, she was he!

I had to send my mom to the store to buy a boy outfit. The Gymboree diaper bag was filled with pink, lace and ruffles. Nothing could even pass for neutral in this new mommy's bag.

After 24 hours of labor I was exhausted but more than relieved to say goodbye to "morning" sickness and have a beautiful, healthy, real live baby boy.

The next morning, after falling in love with the new man in my life, I had the first..."you are NOT talking about my kid that way" experience.

They had put me in a semi-private room and I did not know the neighbors. I had just been privy to all her labor and delivery TMI details. The new parenting couple were very talkative with lots of opinions and very loud ones. I guess they thought I was out of ear shot, but I was not. The husband made a comment that floored this new mommy. He made fun of Jeb's name! I have successfully blocked out his exact word usage, but needless to say, I was quite upset.

I don't know what it is about someone saying something about your kid, but it rocks you. I am sure that is how our Father feels. "Is that my Katie you are talking about?" "Did you just say Greg had weird shaped, what?" "You have a problem with how smart Joe is?" "Janet did what on Saturday night?" "You think he talks to slow?"

It's different when you think of it that way. But it is that way. We are His children. He is in love with us. He made us and created us with His love. He wants to spend time with us. He wants a relationship with us. He wants us to walk with Him. He doesn't want others to talk negatively about us.

That's what we do when we talk about each other. That's what it feels like. We can not stand it when someone talks badly about our kids. The Lord can't stand it when we talk badly about His children.

Remember that the next time you want to spew a negative comment about the cashier's make-up, the dry cleaner's hair style, the clerk's clothing choice or even your spouse's bad breath. We are all children of God and no one likes to hear someone talking about their baby!