On Christmas afternoon, Magdalena Bell Zenz wiggled her way into our arms. At 7 pounds 15 ounces and 21.5 inches long, she proved to be the biggest newborn out of the six siblings. She also showed up with the least hair of anyone. Magdalena has a sweet little round face, wide hands, rosy lips, and she came into the world grabbing fingers, kicking doctors, scoping out her new world.

Momma x6 is doing well, having enjoyed her second epidural experience. Amity is happy to be on this side of the pregnancy, the toughest one by far. We think Magdalena is happy to be on this side of the womb as well.

Brothers and sisters got to meet her later that evening. Evie (3rd birthday later this week) has already declared this "her" baby. The kids are excited to get her home and take turns holding her in rounds.

The name Magdalena is a simple variant of Mary Magdalene's name. We settled upon this form after weeks of inconclusive discussion as to whether "Magdalene" should be pronounced "-leen" or "-lin." The middle name, Bell, is a family name, shortened/shared with great-grandma Arbell Zenz. Although we had "Bell" picked out some time ago, baby girl's Christmas day arrival certainly gave this another fun connection.

Mary Magdalene is a wonderful Biblical figure. I'm not sure why so many wrong assumptions and groundless fantasies have been cooked up throughout the centuries. Her actual story presented in the Bible itself is a phenomenal account and needs no embellishment! While it's a simple story, I can't think of many accounts more powerful. Mary was a woman, once bound by the Enemy, then gloriously healed and saved by Christ. From then on she spent her time, energies, and income serving the one who had saved her, following the one who had transformed her life. She followed Him to the cross, was the first to see Him after His resurrection, and was the first to tell the good news to those around her. May all of us who have been healed and saved so devote our lives in service to our Savior! That's our prayer for Magdalena Bell as well.

We certainly had a wonderful Christmas, and hope you did too. All our love to you all!

Aaron, Amity, Isaac, Grace, Lily, Elijah, Evangeline, and Magdalena