Counting For Caleb {9}

Caleb was the only baby born at Mercy Jefferson during the 48 hour window that he was a patient.  The hospital graciously offered Scott and I a room next door to Janey to make our own for the weekend.  Being Caleb's primary care givers from the very beginning was an amazing opportunity to say the least, but it also had the ability to create more than a handful of uncomfortable social situations. 

The hours following Caleb's birth were spent communicating and sharing our sweet bundle of delight.

Scott and I planned to assess the situation and emotions involved before making any definite plans for our children and family to visit.  Janey's desire to share in Andrew, Olivia, and Jaxson's excitement was evident very early in the day.  Needless to say, we contacted the troops, and within minutes our once peaceful quiet hospital room closely resembled Central Station.

Over the course of the 48 hours, we were introduced to Janey's older children which was a real treat. 

I found myself counting once again.

-Two identically decorated hospital rooms
-One absolutely perfect baby to treasure and love
-One family filled with introductions, hope, and the promise of a future spent together
-One family struggling with sadness, fear, and the reality of saying hello and goodbye in the same breath.
-Eight biological and adopted brothers and sisters with twinkling eyes, open arms, and toothy smiles falling head over heels in love with one darling baby
-Two mothers focused on answering questions honestly while acknowledging real fears
-One family unit taking a huge leap of faith trusting us with their precious Caleb and our promise of future contact
-One mother counting the minutes until the final discharge papers were signed
-One mother counting the seconds left before saying "goodbye"

2 rooms + 2 families +1 baby = more than enough love 

 Elisha was Caleb's very first visitor.

 Believe it or not, this photo is absolutely candid.  My niece grabbed my
phone and captured this moment while we were completely unaware.