We are so enjoying this little one. He is a full-time responsibility, to be sure, but his presence is a continual reminder to me of richly blessed we are.
For those 3am feedings I am groggy and tempted to grumble, but I speak truth to myself: this child is a reward, a heritage, an arrow that God had given for these years (and I have a notion that they may pass far more quickly than I can imagine.) Remembering to be grateful makes me appreciate him even more, and then I don't mind so much being woken by a hungry babe - I watch him nursing contently, seeing he is healthy, strong, and robust, and know that I have a precious gift indeed. What is the use of a full night's sleep to me? It does not necessarily teach me of my need for God's grace. No, for this season I need to have my precious rest broken so that I can see my need for God and appreciate all that He has already given me.
We have many nicknames for this little one, usually arising from a practicality: Burrito Boy when we swaddle him, Chunky Monkey now that he's filling out, Fussypants when he cries just to hear himself make a ruckus, Grunty Granpa when he grunts (which is pretty much whenever he's picked up or moved) etc. The sillier ones, such as Bug-a-Boo (his special Momma's-drying-you-off-from-your-bath name), are just that, silly nicknames. Little One and Little Man are also common. I've only now started using his God-given name when I speak or sing to him during feedings.... for I've begun to wonder how he'll ever know his name is Zachary unless I use it? All the conversations are rather one-sided now, so it is very easy to speak with a nickname, but I'm looking ahead to when he can begin to respond and speak, and I'd like him to know his name. I am particularly fond of using nicknames, though... perhaps he'll know all of his names by then. :)
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