and then there were two more

due to technical difficulties, i am unable to post pictures for this post which i'm disappointed with, but it won't stop me from writing. i want to continue with my "applause."
two very special women in my life, since my boy arrived, have watched him consistantly, week after week, wanting nothing in return. how'd i get so lucky? i've asked myself this a million times.
the first is lauren. she is a close friend who from ry's second month, took on the task of watching him for me every wednesday afternoon from 12-5. crazy huh? this is the call i got. "....i just wanted you to know that i am going to be taking every weds. off from now on so that i can be available to you to help with rykon when you need me. no, you can't pay me, i just want to help you and i want to get to know him." i couldn't believe my ears. she will not know the impact of that until she has her own. it was such a blessing. it was just the thing i needed as a new mommy adjusting to my new role. she did this till he was about 9 months old. then one day she called me with, as she put it, "sad news, something she needed to tell me." she had to start working on weds. she was so devastated. i giggled. how could i be mad. she'd given me the greatest gift ever. she still watches him when she can and loves him to death... and he loves her too.
the second person is my dear dear friend alisha. she and her husband used to minister with us in our college group so shortly after ry was born she offered to watch him for me on tuesday nights so we could attend group. this was such a surprise and of course we took her up on her generous offer every other week (didn't want to burn her out :o). this has meant so much to me and my husband. our ministry is so important and she knows that and so she knew that this would be such a huge answer to prayer. and she wouldn't allow us to pay her either. the thing i love the most is how much she adores my son. i know that is her real reason for watching him :o) AND it gives her some practice for when she gets to be a mommy! she's a special person who will always hold a special place in my heart as a wonderful friend and someone my son will respect and love.
both of these gals are an important part of ry's life and i know he already adores them both. i wouldn't want things any other way. thank you for your generous, servant, selfless lives that has been a blessing to and will be a testimony to ry. i love you very much!!!!