One blurry month ago I fell back exhausted after 5 days of active labor and they laid all 7 pounds and 13 ounces of my squalling first born son on my chest. FINALLY. I didn’t instantly float into a rainbow cloud of mother-wonder and count every finger and toe. It all seemed to real and earthy for that. I simply held him as close as my weak arms could and mentally gave praise for that loud wail and those strong angry fists that flailed against my chest. What else could he be, but a bit dramatic? 🙂

We have had one beautiful, hard, and holy month of loving him, even as he picks away so innocently at our selfishness.

Merek Justin Doutrich

“Mighty Ruler”// “Righteous”

Born July 20th, 2014 at 4:59pm

7lbs, 13oz. 20 ½ inches long.

(Hair color is still being heavily debated.)

IMG_6498