The miracle of life

So today we got to see our newest child via ultrasound. So I know that it might seem like old hat by baby number six, but I never ceased to be amazed at the miracle of life. As soon as we find out she is pregnant I just feel the power and blessing of a new life being created.  As I watch this new life grow in my wife, I am reminded of the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson, "It is not a question of when “meaningful life” begins or when the spirit “quickens” the body. In the biological sciences, it is known that life begins when two germ cells unite to become one cell, bringing together twenty-three chromosomes from both the father and from the mother. These chromosomes contain thousands of genes. In a marvelous process involving a combination of genetic coding by which all the basic human characteristics of the unborn person are established, a new DNA complex is formed. A continuum of growth results in a new human being. The onset of life is not a debatable issue, but a fact of science.

Approximately twenty-two days after the two cells have united, a little heart begins to beat. At twenty-six days the circulation of blood begins." (April 1985 General Conference).

It is amazing to me that God gives us this precious power to create life.  I feel so grateful to be able to see this miracle occur. The other part of the miracle is watching my wife give so much to bring a new life into this world.  The strains that her body, mind and spirit go through in the process of growing this new child within her and bringing that new child into the world will never stop being anything less than amazing to me. Surely there is not a greater example of Christlike love than that of a mother who gives everything for her child to have life, just as Jesus gave His all so that we could all have life.

It makes me so excited to see my baby girl in June! Meanwhile I will enjoy the tender moments when I can put my hand on Amber's tummy and feel the baby kick and later on in the pregnancy when we can literally watch a gymnastics show right inside of her stomach. So grateful for each one of the kids that we have and for the miracle that each of them are in our lives. So grateful to a kind and loving Heavenly Father who allows us to receive the joy that comes along with being a parent!