Grey - Barnett boy #1
Today is my first born's birthday... marking the 4th anniversary of my husband and I becoming parents. Parker Grey was the long awaited answer to 11 years of prayers and each year that we celebrate his birth, I'm flooded with emotions of gratitude and humility. Parenthood is an awesome and truly humbling journey afterall! From the time Mr. Parker and I were first married, we knew we wanted a family and possibly a big one. But, after years of dissapointment, our faith was tried and grew in different ways. The depth and breadth of our struggle to achieve a healthy pregnancy changed us, forced us to rely on the Lord, to search out truth in all forms, and made us realize we were nothing without His grace and tender mercies. We relied on each other and our relationship was strengthened in our righteous desire to raise children together. We would get discouraged, many tears were shed and we would even get angry at times, but we could never doubt a loving Heavenly Father's mindfulness of us. We even recognized, as times along the way, the good that was coming from our journey and threw ourselves into studies and church service and our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ grew exponentially as we did. Standing on the other side, I am so thankful for the path we were asked to take to stretch, strengthen and prepare us to receive our greatest blessings and be placed in a position to serve others in the mire of infertility (as it can seem a lonely and desolate palce). I know I'm a better mother and Parker is a better father for it.
Grey's birth is still so vivid in my mind... it was a grey and drizzly day, but one in which a clean hospital room became a sacred place for us (LD 13). We knew his timing was deliberate. Those big blue eyes were such a sight for sore eyes. I said "Hello friend!" when I first saw him, Parker helped deliver him and the tenderness in his tear stained eyes was just beautiful. His labor and delivery were such amazing moments for us as husband and wife. 4 years ago this day, I will never forget the feeling that entered the room when he arrived... those moments when the veil between heaven and earth are so thin! Since he and his band of brothers joined us, I've never laughed and cried so much, felt so much concern and anxiety for someone else, and never slept SO little! He was born to be the oldest... he is orderly, kind, compassionate, inquisitive, a bit...um... bossy and opinionated. He is the head of the debate team in our home, a justice crusader, a tender big brother (especially to Baby Jude). He is a fiercely loyal friend and incredibly honest. He is an amazing, remarkable and beautiful boy (can you tell I'm his mother?!). I can't believe how much our lives have changed in these 4 years and he motivates me to be a stronger, healthier, more faithful and better version of myself. What a gift he is! Grey represents to me the blessings that come when we trust in the Lord and His timing.
Happy birthday Grey!!! Thank you for being a light and example in our home. Thank you for being you... even in the moments of emotional meltdowns and demands, refusing to wear clothes, telling us your vegetables are "not hungry for you", and being "thankful for our privates" in bedtime prayer... and especially when you giggle with Knox before falling asleep, or kiss Baby Jude and tell him everything is going to be Ok, or tell Mommy she is a princess when she wears a dress, or quiz Daddy for all of his animal and "Dr Daddy" back fixing knowledge, and as you sing to yourself no matter where you are. You were worth the wait son! We love you forever stinky face!
