A New Paige, and "M starts with Maren"

A New Paige

Paige Clara McBride

Born: February 2, 2012, 11:56 P.M. CST

Weight: 10 Lbs., 1 Oz.

Length: 21 Inches

"M starts with Maren!"

Last night (February 2nd to 3rd) was a long night for me, and an even longer night, I'm sure for my sweet wife. Thanks to loving support from good friends, I was able to spend the night in the hospital with Maren as our beautiful, gentle Paige was born. Although, not as big as her brother was, she still boasted an impressive 10-1 birth weight, and has the double chin and cheeks to prove it. Maren was strong and courageous through every minute and I look up to her and respect her with everything that's in me.

Now, less than 24 hours later, I sit in a quiet home. Maren and Paige have one more night in the hospital, the oldest two kids are asleep (although their battle to avoid the bed was well fought), and I have time to ponder a few things that have been in my head, and to write them down.

A week or so ago, Tessa was admiring the letter "M" in a book and stated authoritatively that "M starts with Maren." I understood what she meant to say, and almost corrected her, but decided not to. In her world, and in mine, M does indeed start with Maren, and not the other way around. My wife, and the mother of my children is everything to this household. She cooks, she cleans, she takes the kids to their activities and classes, she sets an example of faith, virtue, integrity, and good works. She is an outstanding mother, an excellent friend, a fine comedienne, and an exemplary wife. She understands me. She knows my imperfections but accepts me for who I am, and together we strive to grow and improve. The list could go on and on. I love her dearly.

As we welcome a third child to our household, the strength she possesses is evident, and I take comfort in the thought that she will teach our girls how to be such women.

Welcome Paige!

I love you Maren.