well, we are proud to announce the arrival, albeit a bit early, the newest Bell... Elijah Robert Bell was born at 12:39 am Monday August 6th.   He weighs 4 pounds 1.6 oz.  and is 17 3/4 long.   Elijah is a few weeks early which means there are a few concerns, mostly related to his breathing, but that all appears to be going well. 

we do have some concerns, Eli's ears are not developed as they should be, and there is no opening.  at this point we can not tell if he has an ear canal or if he will have the ability to hear.  its a very hard thing to take in and understand... we are adjusting to the news, this whole process has been a whirlwind.  we obviously weren't planning on having our baby this weekend.  and we didn't expect any developmental issues.   we are doing well, but we can always use prayers.   we ask that you pray for strength for colleen and myself, and that Eli will be able to have no problems with his hearing and that things can all be taken care of through medical procedures.  

its an incredible feeling, being a dad, its scary, its hard, and we have some challenges ahead of us, but we know that God is in control, and we submit to His will.  and we love our boy more then words could ever describe.  pray for us.

--aaron

i am sure some of you hate that i do this, that i only use xanga to tell you to go somewhere else, but frankly, i don't care, and if you keep up your complaining, you may become my next post.