Little Drummer Baby

One of my greatest joys from motherhood has come from getting to know my children. My children are so unique and special, and I am blessed by who they are and who God is growing them to be.
In fact, each of my children has been different from the time they were growing in my belly. Kaitlin, my precious first born was a swift and sure kicker. There is something so special about the first time your first child kicks - indescribable. Kaitlin's kicks were usually one at a time, but they were a wallop! Late in my pregnancy with her I would often yelp because those big baby feet of hers hurt. There was one particular kick that left me rubbing my side, and we actually found a bruise there the next day. Her kicks were playful, definite and a wonderful sign of how healthy and fun she would be.
Jonathan was a gentle glider. I would say, "this one is different - calmer." I knew that about him before he was born - just from the time I spent laying in bed enjoying his kicks. Jonathan would sweep and roll from one side of my belly to the other in gentle movements. Late in my pregnancy with him, Charles enjoyed watching a knee or an elbow float across my belly as he stretched and tried to find room. Jonathan was born for gentle, calm cuddle time (and still enjoys that to this day).
Now I am getting to know Jack. I have not yet seen his face or the color of his hair or his eyes (will we get a cotton top like Charles this time or our first with my green eyes?). But again I constantly look forward to times that I am still enough to feel him kick. Jack kicks more than either baby before. Each time he kicks he is like my little drummer - rat a tat tat tat tat. He never kicks once and then stops like Kaitlin, and there have been no gentle glides like Jonathan. This kid is tap dancing (with his whole body). He is my fighter. He has hung on and beat odds even before birth, and he brings tears of joy to my eyes when he confirms, "Mom, I'm still here - growing and preparing to be in your arms. God made me a fighter, and I can't wait to live the life God has planned for me!" Even now, as I am still to type this (and since I have just eaten breakfast) he is tapping out a rhythm - bump bump bump - quickly and steadily.
Jack, I already love you so much. I pray for you every day, and I can't wait to hold you in my arms. You are already a miracle in my life - a reminder of God's love and wonder. I praise God for you and the life He has given you. I praise God for the way that each of my children are unique - the fingerprints of God are all over them!