Amaris Ruth

Yesterday my beautiful sister in law, brother, and niece Petra welcomed new baby girl Amaris Ruth into their family. And from the moment I heard she was here while sitting in the hospital cafeteria, my mind has been able to focus on nothing else but that sweet little bundle.

The birth of children has always captivated me. I don't know if you've ever gotten to experience the first moments of a new life, but they will forever change you. Because there is nothing else like it in the world. The miracle that a new life was one moment not yet in the world, and the next making a grand entrance into the world for however long God gives, is truly remarkable. A moment like that can't help but being overwhelming. In the best possible way.

Yesterday around 1:50 in the afternoon, this precious new life was born. Around 2:10 I stood outside the door hearing her precious new cry for the very first time and my heart swelled. I entered the room i'd been in earlier that day, but something was new. She was! My smile beamed light as I saw my amazing sister in law holding her new sweet love. My brother had that distinct look of a proud new dad. And my sweet little niece Petra was asleep, still unaware that her baby sister was here! I got to see my brother hold her for the first time, and the love in his eyes, the promise to protect her and love her no matter what. I got to see my parents take turns holding their new grandbaby, proud to have another healthy beautiful addition to their name. My sister was next, mesmerized by her. And then came my turn. I love new born babies, they are so cuddly and squishy and sweet as can be. My sister placed Amaris in my arms, and I was overwhelmed with a feeling and emotion i'd only felt one other time nearly three years ago when her big sister was born.


I began whispering to my new niece how beautiful she was, how much I loved her, how special she was. And then my eyes began to tear as I told her what a wonderful life she had ahead of her, and that God had incredible plans for her. That's part of what makes a brand new baby so special. You see this tiny, totally dependent person, and even though you can't imagine what might possibly happen, you begin to wonder about all the things their life will hold. You know there will be good and bad. Your heart rejoices knowing the good will be amazing, and you feel a fierce sense of protection not wanting that perfect little person to ever know anything but good things. Yet somehow, looking into the face of my little angel, I knew that this little one is destined for greatness.

I am a strong believer in the meaning of names. In Biblical days, a persons name meant just about everything. It wasn't about what sounded good to the parents, but what it MEANT. I believe names hold great power.

Amaris:Of Hebrew origin meaning "fulfilling God's promise".

Ruth: Of Hebrew origin meaning " Friend", "Compassion."

Weathers:English: patronymic from Weather, from Middle English wether ‘wether’, ‘(castrated) ram’ (Old English weðer), hence a nickname for a man supposedly resembling a wether, or a metonymic occupational name for a shepherd.

What a big blessing of a name! I believe this little one is a fulfillment of God's promise, I believe throughout her life she will fulfill God's promise. I believe this sweet baby will be a compassionate friend. And as for a shepherd, I think it's safe to say that a shepherd was a humble servant. 

To my sweet Amaris Ruth,
You have stolen my heart little one.When I hold you in my arms and look into your sweet face, I see the goodness of God, his truth and beauty all bundled up in YOU. I am so amazed and awed that I get to be your Auntie. I can't wait for the days in the future we'll share together. All of our adventures, our laughs, and giggles. I promise to love you no matter what, and be there for you in the hard times. I pray that you always remember that your family will always be here for you. I promise to stand behind your incredible parents when it comes to how they raise you. Believe it or not sweet one, they will do all they do because they love you with all they are. I promise to  pray for you and give you advice only an Auntie can. Sweet Amaris, I pray a fierce jealousy of the Lord over you. He is jealous for you. I pray that you choose him in all you do. I pray as you grow and learn that you turn to him, always. Sweet one, know that no matter who you are, who you become, you have people who love you. Know that when all else fails, God loves you, and he will never leave you. He thought you out from the beginning of the world little one, and he chose you for his specific purpose. There is so much in store for you, I cannot WAIT to see what it is. I am honored and truly blessed to be a part of your family. I can't wait to bring you cousins to play and grow up with. You're part of a pretty cool legacy little lady! You and your sister are my girls, and I don't think I could EVER get into words how much I love the both of you! I cannot wait to see your lives unfold. All my love sweet one, now and always. Auntie Bug