Rainbow Baby.

A baby born after a miscarriage. The “rainbow” after the storm.

That’s our David Jonathan Cruz, and it’s his birthday today.

It doesn’t seem like it has been five years since this 10 pound 4 ounce bundle…er…boulder of joy joined our family. He’s strong yet sensitive. He’s confident and caring. He loves cuddling, but if you cross him, he’s liable to punch you right in the nose. And he’s hungry…always hungry.

He sometimes seems like he’s uninterested in what’s going on, but then he hits you with some memory or fact that slipped right past you. He doesn’t miss much, which is why my biggest prayer with David is, “God, please let your grace fill my gaps.” Because there are so many gaps. But I’m thankful there is so much more grace.

David has taught me how to apologize as a father. He’s proven that no two kids are the same. They all require just a little bit different approach in parenting, communication, and everything else. I’m still learning, and will be for the foreseeable future. More times than I would like to admit, I’ve been wrong when I correct or discipline David. It’s a humbling experience when you have to ask for forgiveness from a 5 year old. Yet, every time, he hugs my neck and tells me he loves me. That’s grace in the gaps.

See, we had a miscarriage scare at 7 weeks, but we prayed, and things normalized. We got to spend 7 extra weeks with a baby on the way before we lost it at 14 weeks. We grieved…and questioned…and grieved more. Then, David showed up. Though one baby does not replace another, it certainly helps to heal a broken heart.

He really was a rainbow after a storm.

He had a head full of dark hair, cheeks that always looked full (they still do!), and a gentleness that, without words, said, “it’s going to be okay.”

He adds such a dynamic dimension to our family, we would be incomplete and somewhat empty without him. His physical capabilities never sees to impress, and his memory never disappoints.

He truly is a God-given gift, and he’s already had a great start to his final year in preschool. We can’t wait to see all that God has for him this year, and beyond.

Happy Birthday, David!

#daddylessons