I smiled at my newborn baby as my husband wrapped his arms around me. Nine months, eleven hours of labor, and excruciating pain sure was worth it.

Landon sat in the bed beside me, stroking the baby's cheek with his index finger.

"She's gorgeous Jamie." He said, getting teary-eyed. "Thank you…for this…for everything."
I smiled at him through my joyful tears. "What do you want to name her?"
"I like the name Lauren." He said and I nodded.

"That was definitely one of my favorites….I don't think I like Lauren Madison anymore…" I said, frowning slightly.
"Lauren Mackenzie?" he smiled. A grin spread across my face. "Lauren Mackenzie Carter. I love it." I said, kissing him.
"You do?"
"Absolutely."
"But those were two names that I liked…you liked Emily and Madison."
"Well…it is your daughter too…and besides…I think Lauren suits her."
"So...Lauren it is." He said, smiling at me.

"You haven't gotten to hold her yet, have you?"
He shook his head. "It's okay."

"Landon…come here right now." I said.
"What if I break her?"
I laughed. "You won't break her."
"I haven't done this in ages…."
"You'll be fine. Hold out your arms." I ordered, and he did so. I placed the newborn baby in his arms.
"I swear….the biggest grin has to be on your face right now." I said and he looked at me, his eyes bright.
"This has to be the best feeling in the entire world." He said and I smiled.
"Fatherhood suits you Carter." I said and he smiled. "I'd hope so. Considering I am one…" he paused for a moment. "Gosh…I'm a daddy aren't I?" he asked and I laughed.
"Yeah…yeah baby…you are." I grinned, my eyes brimming with tears. "She's absolutely perfect." He said and I nodded.
"I'll have to agree with you there. We did good." I said, and he laughed.
"We make some pretty good looking babies if I might say so."

"I love her so much…" I said. "Everything before this just seems…insignificant anymore."
"I know what you mean…like…our lives had no meaning before this moment. Jamie…you've given me everything…"
"I feel a sappy speech coming on." I joked. "I'm just kidding. Continue." I said as he sat on the edge of the bed, still holding Lauren tightly in his arms.
"I mean…without you…I'd still be the jerk I was in high school. You changed me, Jamie. I'm now a good, Christian man who loves you and the Lord with all he has…and a father….never in a million years did I think I would be like this…I always assumed I'd never amount to anything. But then…you came along, and totally changed my life around. Jamie…I can never thank you enough for that. I can't thank you enough for introducing me to faith…to love…to hope…to trust…you are my world, baby. I love you so much." He said, leaning forward and kissing me.

"I think that might just be more beautiful than your wedding vows." I said, kissing him again and wiping my eyes. "That was beautiful, Landon."

"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you….and with our children." He said, looking at Lauren.

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God


Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh and God's not through, no
In fact, he's just getting started…

Yeah…I know it's short, and I'm sorry…but would you rather have me update like…once a month and be longer or once a week and be shorter? Haha

Like the name?  let me know what you think!

Song credit- Fingerprints of God by Steven Curtis Chapman