My first niece!

Early on the morning of August 20th, my sister Heather gave birth to her first little girl, Mercy Jael Franseen. We rejoice with Josh and Heather on the birth of their second child! I was able to go see sweet little Miss Mercy on Thursday... God is truly gracious in giving us such precious little blessings!

My sister Stephanie has quite a few more pictures here.

Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God, and the body in which it dwells is worth all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ’s name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation, my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother’s heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her life-long prayers!

-Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Verses of Virtue