yesterday.

the night before kenzie was born, i was stuck in the surreal, unable to fully grasp what was about to happen to us.

i mean, how do you ever fully prepare yourself to have one of the best days of your life?

then, yesterday happened. it was one of those days you would relive over and over again if you could. i am already playing back the memories in my head and feeling my heart swell with gratitude.

the best moment was no surprise. hearing her cry for the first time. and i knew she was finally here. i looked over at luke as he peered over the cloth that separated me from seeing her. i'll never forget the look on his face when he saw our daughter for the first time. tears welled up in his eyes. he looked astounded. i asked him if she was okay. it took him a moment to answer. he was speechless. she had taken his breath away.

it was amazing. it is amazing. she is here. and she is everything i had dreamed she'd be.

i spent so much time over the past few months worrying about what caleb would do and how he would react. i was scared he would somehow feel less loved.

but he was happily distracted with his cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. he cheerfully kissed her and posed for pictures. he proudly held her in his arms and patted her gently.

i am one proud mommy.

and one blessed girl.

family and friends spoiled us with their visits and calls and gifts and kind wishes and support. they love our kids and that is the biggest blessing and joy to me. i am filled with thankfulness.

God's plans are beautiful. His stories are full of twists and turns and sometimes detours and obstacles and details you wouldn't necessarily write for yourself. but it is days like yesterday that remind me that He always knows the outcome, He is always in control and He is overwhelmingly good. I am so thankful that He is the author of my story ... that He authors all of our stories. as i look over at my sleeping baby now, i know there is no greater assurance in this world.

it just doesn't get much better than this.