Getting Ready for Ryen

This is the week that our newest family blessing is due to enter the world and we are getting ready.  Chad and Lori chose not to find out whether it was a boy or girl until its birth, so we were excitedly waiting to find that out as well.

 

Since we didn’t know the exact date of Ryen’s birth, that meant than I needed to stay ready for that important phone call at all times.  I made sure the phone was with me, my clothes were chosen for the next day, the bags with gifts and snacks were packed, and that other details had been attended to so we could leave as soon as we received the call.  I even got up between 4:45 and 5:00 each morning, to get ready for the day, just in case the call came early. 

 

And on Thursday night, around 7:00, the call came.  Chad’s cousin and our precious niece, Sarah, went to stay with David and then we all headed to the hospital.  Lori’s parents, Dave’s mother, and Larry and I met in the waiting area and prepared for the great arrival.  The hospital is set up to where there were chairs and couches right outside each of the birthing rooms so we were able to be right there to visit with Chad and Lori and each other.  What a wonderful time with such special people.  We pulled an all nighter, with a few naps along the way, preparing to greet the newest arrival to our families.  Around 6:05 Friday morning, the doctor arrived and precious Ryen Ann Bertrand entered the world, our family, and our hearts at 6:20 a.m.  Ryen is named after her grandfather and mother.  Lori’s dad’s name is Reinhardt and Lori’s middle name is Ann.  Because we were right outside the door, we were able to hear Ryen’s first musical cries as she announced her arrival.  There were tears of joy and great rejoicing.  And now a lifetime of loving and celebrating a special gift from God.

 

And then came the chance to make phone calls, texts, and e-mails to share the exciting news.  For the first time ever, I used all but 2% of the battery on my phone!  I did learn that next time I will pack the charger for important matters so I don’t have to limit my calls or sharing information.

 

I also realized that Jesus desires for me to be just as prepared and ready, at a moment’s notice, to welcome whatever he has for me that day.  May my willingness to  prepare, trust, and obey bring him much joy.

 

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born…
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2a

Ryen Ann Bertrand

David showing Ryen some of his "Big Brother" presents

With Uncle Brad and Aunt Melinda