Zatteo Job Broten
Last week, at 12:44 AM on Thursday morning, April 11, we welcomed our little baby boy, Zatteo Job Broten, into the world. He was our biggest baby at 20 in. and 8 lbs 4 oz.
Contractions started on Wednesday afternoon and we were at Abbott Northwestern’s birthing center by 6:00 PM. This is the same place where we delivered our first two children, Nehemiah and Evangeline, as well as our previous daughter, Serenity. Nurses monitored Sonja for awhile while the contractions continued apace.
Sonja had light labor until her water was broken around 10:30 PM. Then began the really hard work. Per usual, Sonja was amazing. The whole birthing process never lets me down in making me feel utterly useless as Sonja struggles and wrestles with indescribable pain to bring life into the world and I “allow her to squeeze my hand”. After a couple hours of intense labor we were holding our baby boy, Zatteo Job.
I know, you probably need an explanation of that name. Most of our kids’ names come from something we were reading during the pregnancy and Zatteo is no different. When we traveled in December to the capital of Chad for an ultrasound, we were in Isaiah 62 for our family worship, and it said,
“11 Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” 12 And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”
We talked together about how many cultures give their kids names that have a meaning in their language and how cool would it be to have the LORD give you the name “Sought Out”. Sonja and I gave each other a glance that only the two of us understand. After we prayed, I looked up the Hebrew word used there, derushah, but it didn’t sound very boy-like. Then I looked at the Greek word used in the Septuagint, zeteo and we loved it. We gave it a little Italian flavor in spelling, Zatteo, and pronounced zuh-TAY-oh (similar sounding to the name Mateo). We gave him this name “sought out” because we sought him out in prayer and more importantly, we believe the LORD has sought him out in creating him. We’re so excited to be your parents Zatteo!
And we weren’t the only ones excited to see the little guy. The kids came in the morning and immediately started loving on him, taking turns holding him and talking about what nicknames they wanted to give him and who he looked the most like.
LORD, thank you for the precious gift of life. Grant us grace to love Zatteo as you love us. Amen.
Awesome GOD!!
We praise you for healthy mother and baby. (Another sermon-in-a-name!)
Father, would you give blessing, health, strength and daily joy, with a myriad of opportunities to speak of you! Holy is your Name!!
Love from Carolyn Pinke
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord . The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
Psalms 128:3-5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.128.3-5.ESV
Congratulations! We rejoice with you. We savored the lovely pictures.
Congratulations!!! I love his name. :)
Such a joy to see your precious new son! May He know and follow Jesus all the days of his life. Grace to you all!
Congratulations Brotens! Love his name and what a sweet face. Great job, Sonja! Blessings to your growing family.
Congratulations Brotens! Love his name and what a sweet face. Great job, Sonja! Blessings to your growing family.
Yay! Such a pretty baby! Congrats, so happy for you guys.
Beautiful!!
What a beautiful boy and a beautiful name! Many congratulations to your whole family. Your children are all such a joy and I have no doubt Zatteo will continue that tradition. I hope to see you all when your travels bring you to California.
God already has special plans for Zatteo’s life—His name has meaning for his purpose as he comes to know and follow Jesus. An additional Easter joy has come to you!
The Lord be praised for another precious life! Marlene
Al Hamdulilah 3ala salaama!
Alf Alf Alf Mabrook!
Truly children are a gift from God. Praising the Lord with you guys! Many blessings to you all!
Awww Congratulations! Thanks for sharing Zatteo’s birth story! He is gorgeous Good job Sonja
May he bring joy and comfort to all of you PS. Love his name!
So happy for you all