happy BEST mother's day to me!

That's exactly how the day felt.  Nine days old and Leia's presence has bolstered  the meaning of "mom" even more for me.  Until we arrive in heaven we will never know exactly how long it was that her heart was not beating before she torpedo-ed  out of the birth canal.  But I stand in awe of how God used his sovereignty to time her birth perfectly in such orchestrated moment-by-moment detail and pumped her heart back to life to grace us with her cries and breath of life.  Her life is so precious to us, and most importantly, to God Almighty.

Michael rose early to put on our missionary budgeted breakfast, sweep, mop and re-arrange the living room to accommodate a nice breakfast table setting.  By American standards it's a poor family's setting with a poor family's breakfast food.  But we can only say....who really cares??  The souls surrounding the table are the crowning jewels of parenthood and family.  It was beautiful.  More beautiful than the flowers Michael had Dylan drive out to pick up and garnish the table with.  We are family.  A beautiful family formed by God's sovereignty for his purpose and glory.  A reason I fall short in fully grasping in the everyday ups and challenges.  I truly wish I was a far better wife and mom.  Far better.  But by God's sovereign grace this is the position he's appointed to me.

Michael also served me lunch in bed....where I have been laying more than half each day to ease the muscular pelvic discomfort that came from the intensely fast labor.  What a man.  Then at 5pm we were gifted with tickets to the University of the Philippines Concert Choir performance at the Cadd theater of Faith Academy.  We only went because Tyler performed in the beginning.  Do you remember how your eyes were solely focused in on your child in their first school/church performance when they were so young?  You appreciate and notice all other performers (kids).  Yet, you can't help but let your lips and heart beam over your offspring. When they're in high school, it doesn't change.  Of course, Tyler makes us incredibly proud.  From his first talent night performance in his freshman year, to the recent INTO THE WOODS (prince charming role) musical,  all other talent night performances in between, choral performances and to the last three years of rugby season.  There's the palpitating flux of emotions heavily laced with pride only parents experience.  

The day ended with a trip to Yellow Cab pizza (By the way some of the best tasting cardboard that one can actually purchase in American size).  Mike and I were exhausted.  Little sleep with new baby on top of the gift [of house chores to keep up with a large family] that keeps on giving.  It's an amazing beautiful new level of life we face.  We had been enjoying a week of meals brought by friends while re-navigating life with Leia.

But what a perfect Mother's Day.  Seven is heaven's perfect number.  Leia is that perfect number.  This heart pumps with unspeakable joy to share such a day with the husband who has the most beautiful soul and with seven beautiful miracles.  I am MOM.