First Photos of Kate at Hospital

New Father, Mother, Brother and Baby

After a long 24 hours, Jon is finally reunited with his mom and dad--and makes peace with his new sister who was smart enough to bring him a present when they first met. It was a Thomas the Tank Engine and a few other assorted train cars. "Toot! Toot!" After Jon was able to spend some time reconnecting with Anton and Meg, I got to bring Kate over and have Jon actually look at her tiny face. He was ready to acknowledge the source of the suffering he had just experienced as Meg and Anton had needed to leave him in the care of others--others he knew, but who weren't Mom and Dad and who appeared suddenly and seemed to take the place of Mom and Dad.

As he first really saw her, Meg encouraged him to "Give her soft pats . . ." which, of course, he did with much tenderness and precision. At this point, Kate was able to "give" Jon the train set that Megan had so carefully choosen and prepared. At that point, Jon seemed to feel that his world was again a safe and happy place. He also remembered to thank Kate repeatedly for the train set. Smart sister. Incredible mom.

Megan with Kate. Both are so tiny and perfectly formed--incredible.

Megan also spends time admiring Jon's new Lego truck and trailer, picked out and constructed and then glued together by Uncle Nate.

An almost-silouette of Anton, Meg and Jon against the hospital window.

This one is for Nate. The Lego creation was a BIG HIT! Jon took it to bed with him tonight . . . very high praise indeed.

It is very late--after midnight--but I wanted to get these first photos up so that you could all see the newest addition to our family. I am tired--Jon emotionally and physically exhausted. I am sore--Meg just beginning to heal from giving birth. I feel overwhelmed--Anton now with an additional child to nurture and care for.

I have it very easy. It is good to be here in Maryland with Meg and her family. Their home is a refuge and an enchanting place where Meg's artwork adorns the walls and Anton's papers collect in columns of strength as he works, serves the Bishop and cares for his family. Jon and I had ice cream tonight for dinner. For breakfast, Jon and I will probably have left-over macaroni and cheese that Meg made a few nights ago. WAAAAA! The world is upside down and all in the right place at the same time.