Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Elsie Jane Carel


She’s here! This has been an unbelievably long nine months for our family, but our wait is over and we got to meet out little girl on Saturday morning March 31 at 8:19. Sophie was glad to share her title as the largest of the Carel babies when her newest sister joined her weighing 9 pounds 1 ounce. And as if sharing her sister’s birth weight wasn’t enough, Elsie Jane measure 21” in length which was also Sophie’s birth length.


So I am going to take a moment and be a bit politically incorrect. Excuse my indiscretion here. Over the past months I cannot tell you how many times I have heard something along these lines, after telling telling someone my wife and I were awaiting the birth of baby number five: “You know how to stop that don’t ya?” or “Wow, are you Catholic or Mormon?” or “What did you do to deserve that?” Most of the time I would just smile and express how happy we were. Sometimes, feeling a little antagonistic, I would reply a little less than kind. However, just to set the record straight, I am neither Catholic or Mormon and indeed I do know how to ‘stop that’. However, what did I do to deserve this? Other than the unexplainable grace, mercy, blessing and favor of God, I am not sure. The indescribable joy of seeing my newest daughter brought up to her mother’s chest, while surrounded by my four other children and close friends, yields me speechless. I guess I am just a guy who is crazy enough to believe scripture when it says “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3 ESV

Over the next couple of days Gretchen and I will share our amazing story of Elsie Jane’s arrival. So if you’re so inclined, you can come along as we share.

Elsie means God is my oath and Jane means God is gracious.

May God be your oath and be gracious to you.

Ed

7 comments:

mommy4 said...

When we had our fourth only a yr after our 3rd we heard the same comments. It's sad soooo many people see children as such a burden! I long so badly for a fifth but know it won't happen. I'm waiting for grandchildren! Blessings to you and tour family! You are so blessed! and I am oh so jealous! ;)

Elaine said...

I have been checking your blog often awaiting a picture of Elsie Jane. Beautiful baby girl. God bless you and your growing family! We love you guys.

Steph Mac said...

Congratulations Ed and Gretchen. So happy for your family. Wonderful news! Stephane & James and the Mac 4

Kelly said...

She is so precious! Looks like a Carel already! I can't wait to meet her and see you guys.
I can't believe how big she was! That is amazing. Can't wait to hear the whole story! Much love from the Malones!

Ginger said...

She's beautiful! In addition to being the same height and weight as Sophie, she seems to look like Sophie too.
That's funny that you hear the Catholic and Mormon comments. I don't even hear those! lol

K.E.A. said...

She looks beautiful! We love the blog. The Alexander's

Vicki said...

Aww what a great post. She's and angel and you all are blessed indeed!!!