The days pass sweetly. Saturday afternoon Nancy & I had a long conversation. She brought to my fear Luke 1:12, 13 ff. Zecharias was full of fear & the angel told him not to fear for the Lord had heard his prayer . . . We talked about the fear I have felt to enter labor. As we prayed together we understood that some of the fear was perhaps fear of God which is a good thing. He has graciously removed the other fears giving me a practical ability to rest & trust in Him--in His accomplishment of this birth, this blessing He has given.

Last night I had many contractions. Didn't sleep well because of it. But this morning they stopped. Nancy & I walked downtown & ran errands. This afternoon we talked more & I gained a new peace about timing as I heard Nancy's testimony about God instructing her during births to leave things alone--not to break waters or give tinctures, etc. but to let Him bring the birth about--that it was His work. What blessings she has seen in these last 7 births. When I reminded her of the ease & beauty of Rebekah's birth where the waters pushed her out so gently she was encouraged to realize God's purposes in it.

Today the children, who were convinced last night that the baby was coming, decided to forego schoolwork to clean house with Fawn as a surprise for me. The clean house was such an encouragement--especially the kitchen counters! It cleared up a little & the kids when to find the new park after lunch.

[Next entry is Cal's]: January 18, 1996--3:58 a.m. , Grace Andrea Bronwyn born; 4.32 kg = 9 lbs. 8+ oz.; 21" + 53.5 cm; head 34 cm. + 13-1/2"; attending: Nancy, Fawn, & Cal