Gifts

Az is... what words can I use to adequately describe him?  Love. Joy. Innocent. Laughter. Sweet. Soft. Wonder. Snugly. Awe. Pure. Happy. Fun. Good. Trusting. Slobbery.
Beautiful. That gives you a tiny glimpse of the amazing little boy he is.
There is no doubt, he is one of my most cherished blessings. I am so thankful to be his Mama.
Azariah Joseph is now 5 months old. He has gained 10 pounds and a tooth since his birth. He is cooing, laughing, reaching, grabbing, sucking his thumb, sleeping well, eating rice cereal and squash, drooling, chewing on his fist (as the second tooth tries to make its way up and out), giving kisses, and altogether melting my heart on a daily basis.  It is hard to believe the days of the newborn are passed and we have moved into this equally rewarding days of infancy where each day holds something new to be learned and mastered.  I know all too well how quickly these days go by so I am doing my best to live in the moment!  Soak up all the wonderfulness that it is to be his Mama.  As we prepare to dedicate our sweet boy in a couple of weeks I have been thinking a lot about the gift of Azariah.  God has entrusted him to us.  We are to love him and care for him and "train him up in the way he should go." Such an incredible responsibility.  One that feels quite daunting if I am honest.  But then why do I feel that way?  Azariah is a child of God.  God loves him even more than I do.  My brain can hardly begin to fathom the depth of that love.  God has a plan for Azariah...a plan for a hope and a future.  What have I to fear? I will love him, protect him and teach him to the best of my ability and I won't be alone.  God is holding me in His mighty hands, giving me strength and wisdom and any other thing I need to accomplish all that is before me.  And that makes me feel just a tiny bit better.