Telling Gideon

Not knowing ahead of time the drama that could result from my hospital stay and all, Jason and I put off telling Gideon about the baby. All he knew was that he got to spend the night at Nana and Papa's house, and that was that.

But we couldn't put it off forever.

On Saturday, after everything had gone well and I was "back to normal," we knew it was time. So while Canaan was sleeping, we sat in the living room and gave each other glances that clearly said, "You do it!" ("No, YOU do it!") I almost opted for Rock, Paper, Scissors, but figured that would be slightly inappropriate at a time like this.

The conversation went something like this (Jason and I shared the load, but I can't remember who said what):

Hey, babe, Daddy and I need to tell you something. You know how Mommy had a baby in her tummy? Well, we went to the doctor and found out that the baby got really sick. And since he was so sick, Jesus decided to go ahead and take him to heaven early. So, we're not going to be able to bring a baby home in October like we thought.

[silence]

We found out the baby was a boy, and we named him Benjamin.

[silence]

Does this make you sad?

[shakes head no]

Well, Mommy and Daddy are a little sad. We were looking forward to having another baby. Of course there's still a good chance that God will give us another baby someday. We just have to keep praying and see what happens.

Gideon: "Then we'll get more toys?"

That made us laugh, and we let the conversation end so he could have time to process it all.

Just a few days later, right in the middle of getting himself dressed, he asked, "Mom, do you have a baby in your tummy?"

I said, "No, not anymore, honey? Our baby is in heaven now with Jesus. Remember?"

"No, Mom. I know that. I mean do you have a new baby in your tummy yet?"

No even four years old, and already he has faith.