Sleepy Happy Shane

Dreaming of ...

...Swimming with mommy. Preferably in a warm ocean. Preferably in crystal-clear ice-blue waters. On a tropical island. With cold lemonade on tap.
...Flyshing with daddy using a 4 weight rod with weight-forward line and a wooly bugger size 12 on a small mountain stream (I didn't make this up. My husband just dictated this to me after telepathically communicating with our son).
...Reading all of Charles Dickens books. Four times
...Double-tall soy latte's. Iced in the summer.
...Sailing in Hood River with the ever-messy, wind-in-your-face-and-hair look.
...Grandpa Spotts' blueberry pancakes. And canned peaches. And pears.


No wonder he's smiling!

Dr. Evita and Andi and Gareth visit photos

Gareth and Andi are originally from the UK and working in India for two years. They have become good friends and shared a celebratory bottle of Sula champagne with us during their visit to the hospital!

Dr. Evita Fernandez is our doctor and Shane's first crush. Read more about Dr. Evita...she is an amazing woman who lets God use her to bless many people every day.

Sometimes I Feel...

Shane Daniel

Why the name "Shane"? Shane means "God is gracious." We desire for our son to grow in grace, to love others with the strength that only grace can give, and to allow himself to experience grace from his family.

Why "Daniel"? Although it is my dad's middle name, this is the name he goes by--Dan. In honor of Grandpa Crawford, Shane shares his middle name with the man who gave me life and who continues to give of his life and compassion to people worldwide.

Shane, we've been waiting for you!

Here's a copy of the e-announcement that we just sent out. We'll post more pictures and fun stories in the days ahead.

* * * * *

On Thurs. morning (Feb. 8th, 11:41am IST), Shane Daniel Spotts arrived. We are thrilled and things went smoothly in so many ways: a traffic-free drive across Hyderabad, wonderful staff at Fernandez Hospital, a safe delivery (with help from an epidural), Ben was allowed to be with Libby the entire time, and the one “deluxe” room (which simply means it has air conditioning, a little cot for dad to sleep, etc.) was available when we checked in! It’s evident to us that God’s hand was upon the whole event.


The other details on Shane:
7 lbs. 5.5 oz (3.33 kg)
20.5 in. (52 cm approximately; because they usually don’t measure the length of Indian babies)
Blue eyes (we think)
Fair skin (because Indians always ask; of course his skin is also red, if upset, and blue, if cold, etc.)

We just got home from the hospital a few hours ago. We’d appreciate your prayers for all that is ahead. Ben will take some time off for paternity leave and Libby’s parents arrive on Monday. We are thankful to God for Shane, for the miracle and sanctity of life, and for you and your interest in us!

With love,
Ben, Libby and Shane

2+1=3

Our Favorite will soon arrive. Favorite curly smile, Favorite clingy snuggles, Favorite forever memories, Favorite tussle of hair. Fatigue, new challenges, difficult adjustments ahead, yes. But our Favorite.

Week 39. In a matter of time our family of two will be three. In a matter of time, our very flesh and blood, the miracle of a child, boy or girl, will be ours to hold and to have.

We are simply overwhelmed by the gifts you have sent, lovingly made, and intentionally asked about. We say thank you, THANK YOU.

Carpe' Diem. Seize the day.