Welcome, Mateo!

Hallelujah!  

Mateo arrived into our arms on July 22nd at 2:15pm, weighing 7lbs 6oz (3460g) and measuring 22 inches (56cm).   The delivery was perfectly smooth, intimate and was followed by two days of relatively unadulterated time together in the very hospital where Bernardo was born 36 years ago.  The three of us walked home together on the 24th and have been reveling in being a family ever since. 

We could not be more thankful or joyful for Mateo's arrival and know that many prayers have contributed to his safe-keeping.  Thank you, thank you!

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Mateo is the patron saint of Oviedo, where Bernardo and I were married and this happy Canga Leader family of ours was born.  It has been the gospel of Mateo/Matthew which has marked the days in the Catholic Church for the past two months and will continue to do so daily until September, keeping us good company and directing our anticipation and understanding of this new life.  Lastly, and most importantly, Mateo means "gift of the Lord," and this wonderful child is nothing if not that. We think that the name suits him splendidly!