19 Weeks, 6 days...waiting

You sure are keeping us in suspense. We are anxiously waiting for that first flutter, butterflies, popcorn, or whatever it is supposed to feel like. You know, that first kick. The one where you undeniably make your presence felt. Go for it whenever it feels right to you. Nevermind mom and her schedule.

19 Weeks, 5 days...another scene stolen

We went to your cousin's 9th birthday party yesterday. You done it again. Stole the scene. People lost focus on the birthday boy and paid attention to you. Well, the adults did anyway. Afterwards we went to your grandma and grandpa's and chilled in their sunroom for a while.

19 Weeks, 4 days...The Eternal Question

I got to thinking today. Reflecting on the eternal question: "Why?" As a child this was my favorite line of questioning. For every order given, task assigned, comment made, or truth given there needed to be a reason for it. "Why" was the opportunity to justify all of these things. Then, of course, there was the obligitory "why" to follow the justifying reason. "Because I said so" simply wasn't the answer I was looking for. "Why" was my way to challenge the order of things, to break up monotony, and to question authority. In my reasoning I was turning things around to make it suit my purpose to do whatever was asked by having a reason for doing it. I didn't like to just do things because someone said so. Like I really had a choice in the matter. Today I do not like to be asked "Why" at all. I have heard that to stop the "Why's" many people follow things with an "OK?" Then the child answers back "OK!" Maybe in my wisdom from a former "Why" asker, I can somehow use this reverse psychology on you.

19 Weeks, 3 days...all the cool stuff

Unofficially we have began picking out your stuff. Things we will register for so people can get you plenty of cool things. There will definitely be showers in your honor and people want to get you things. We like Precious Planet stuff by Fisher Price. It's the coolest. I also want a Baby Bjorn to carry you in. Color, brown or black. It looks like it is much more conventient than a stroller to me. If we run across any more cool stuff I'll include it.

19 Weeks, 2 Days...so tired

After work today I met a friend and his 2 year old at Starbucks. She normally owns the place when we meet but today she slept the whole time. She just lay in his arms against him and slept. When I take you to Starbucks you can do whatever you need to do. Whether it be sleep, socialize, or shriek.

19 Weeks, 1 day...march madness

You must be growing. Your mom noticed the shape of her belly is becoming a little different. She said it is not as big as a basketball but more like a volleyball. Either way, it's march madness time. We aren't the biggest sports enthusiasts so this probably means that you will be an athelete. Or a sports fan. You can drag us to all your games.

19 Weeks...Workmanship (poihma).

Workmanship (poihma).
Old word from poiew with the ending -mat meaning result.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10, Updated Bible, Version 1.9
You are God's workmanship, His MASTERPIECE. Great stuff to consider as you grow and develop during your nineteenth week. You are being sculpted by the master potter, your complexion painted by the master artist, and your voice being tuned by the master singer.

18 Weeks, 6 days...Cousins

I sent your 4 cousins cards on your behalf. The cards read: Dear cousins, hope to see you soon. Love, Your Cousin. You will have loads of fun playing with them.

18 Weeks, 5 days...Unwinding

Just in case you got dizzy last night I can explain. Your mom started a new class with Nexus. They were practicing turns. First they would go around a cone to the right, then left. Then the other way. Turns on the inside and turns on the outside. All that activity wore the dog out. Mental and physical stimulation is good for her. Either you were a dizzy baby during all that or you were having one heck of a good time. All that activity wasnt wasted on the dog either, your mom was out like a light too. How about you. Was it easy to unwind after all that spinning around and around?

18 Weeks, 4 days...the Highs, the Lows

Your position was discussed by many in Kentucky, and they determined that since you were being carried "high" you were a girl. I told them they had a 50 percent chance of being right. Funny, I thought it was the other way around. "High" meant a boy and "Low" meant a girl. Anyhow that is just an old wive's tale. The doctor knows for sure and has that in a sealed envelope just like they do at the Grammy awards. ...And now the winner is...US!

18 Weeks, 3 days...mini-reunion

While we were in Kentucky you got your first introduction to Mom's cousin Chris. He saw her belly and kidded her that it was a beer gut. Too funny! You also met her aunts Doris and Polly. They were so excited to see the three of us. They felt your mom's belly. They are both excellent cooks and fun women to be around. You also met Brenda and her daughter Belinda. Belinda has a 3 week old baby. You two can play together when we visit again.

18 Weeks, 2 Days...Over the river and through the woods

We are going to see your Mamaw Phipps today. Get buckled up, its a long ride. 5 hours once we drop off the dogs. Some babies like to sleep in the car. Hope you get in a good nap. Kentucky, here we come.

18 Weeks, 1 day...storytime

Thought your mom was losing her marbles and talking to herself this morning as I was leaving to go to work. Then I realized she was reading to you. You can hear sounds now and detect light. Hope you like what you hear. It's usually barking.

18 Weeks...the Peaceble Kingdom

Daddy, how did the leopard get his spots? I painted them on. Milk chocolate spots on a honey brown body. That's how a leopard ended up on your wall. Tomorrow I paint orange spots on a tangering giraffe and a purple hippo. All these animals get along together in a peaceble kingdom on your wall.

17 Weeks, 6 Days...Lucky and Charming

Lucky and Charming, that's what you are, baby. Happy St. Patrick's day. Here is an Irish blessing for you.

A Gaelic Christening Blessing
Dearest Father in Heaven, Bless this child and bless this day Of new beginnings. Smile upon this child And surround this child, Lord, With the soft mantle of your love. Teach this child to follow in your footsteps, And to live life in the ways of Love, faith, hope and charity.

Next year we will pick 4 leaf clovers in the back yard for good luck. We are not superstitious, but it will be our tradition on St. Patrick's day.

17 Weeks, 5 days...At the mercy of the baby

"Blah, blah, blah...we're at the mercy of the baby." This is what the doc said during your ultrasound appointment today when she wanted to have a look at your heart but you were moving around. You were really holding court in there. You must have known that all the attention was on you and it was time to ham it up a little bit. It was cool to see your brain, heart, stomach, liver, kidneys, and diaphram. You opened your mouth and stuck out your tongue at one point. Was it directed at the doc, your mom or me? Oh, baby; I think I will be forever at your mercy!!!

17 Weeks, 4 Days...Gheel

Zephaniah 3:17 Updated Bible Version 1.9-"Yahweh your God is in the midst of you, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over you with singing." What an awesome celebration God is having over you right now, baby. Gheel is the kind of joyful dancing that goes on during Hebrew celebrations. You go ahead and dance too.

17 Weeks, 3 Days...Funhouse Thrills

Your mom read me a funny excerpt about how life with a baby changes your perspective on everything and your house and life become like a carnival. Kinda like how a funhouse resembles reality but in a distorted way. We will never be the same or look at things the same way again. The story said that everything will be thought of and viewed differently once you have a child. We had dinner out tonight at Ci Ci's pizza and marveled at all the kids that were there. We wondered how an evening out will be with you. We even went to the dreaded Wal-Mart. That seems to be the happening place for people with kids. We are mavericks so dont get used to the idea of going to Wal-Mart every saturday night. We prefer Target. So will you. I think I'll get one of those funhouse mirrors though. The kind that make you look skinny. New perspectives are sometimes nice.

17 Weeks, 2 Days...Waiting for the first kick

Your first kick should happen pretty soon. Some people say it feels like butterflys in your stomach and some say it feels like popcorn popping. These descriptions sound kind of romantic and sentimental. I don't think it will be so idealistic. Just don't break your mom's ribs. When we describe one day about feeling you kick, I want to tell you that you kicked me off the couch! The look on your face will be priceless!

17 Weeks, 1 Day...sleepytime

Your mom sleeps so much better now on the sofa than in the bed. She moves around quite a bit in the bed because she is trying to sleep on her side and not used to it. We even have a long pillow that she sleeps against. When we lay on the couch she sleeps on her side but is not as restless. I think she feels more cozy. By the way-what is your favorite sleeping position now? I'm curious. Do you curl up or stretch out? I start out curled up but when I wake up I am usually stretched out.

17 Weeks...Going Green Grapes

Painted your room today. A fab color called Green Grapes, from Olympic Paints. It looks so good. Gonna look even better with the jungle mural, the Ikea furniture, and the Precious Planet stuff by Fisher Price. The color on the walls is Green Grapes but I know your grandma is gonna look at it and say, "Why did you paint the nursery LIME GREEN?" I'll tell her you helped us pick it out.

16 Weeks, 6 Days...What's in a name, part 4 (a name for a lifetime)

We tossed around some name ideas for you last night but came to no solid conclusions. We are going to have a short list and decide what feels right for you when the three of us meet face to face. Your name must be enduring enough to last a lifetime, yet immediate enough to be accessible to a newborn; influenced by your personality, yet not dominating your persona. I don't want you to get lost in the shuffle of same-named people, neither do I want you judged by your name either. Generally speaking I like stronger, more distinct names over trendy ones. We kicked out Napoleon and Wolfgang. I like those names but wouldn't want you saddled through childhood with them. You can always have your name legally changed to them when you are old enough.

16 Weeks, 5 Days...a touching story

Well, baby, your mom says you are now able to respond to touch. So I think I will start tickling her belly just to make both of you laugh. I will tickle her outsides and you tickle her insides.

16 Weeks, 4 Days...the Fear, the Wonder

Psalm 139:13-14, Hebrew Names Bible "13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to you, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well." The Fear and the Wonder are 2 things that go hand in hand with any new parents-to-be. The Fear comes when they are overwhelmed by "advice" from well-meaning friends, relatives, and strangers. Advice on all sorts of stuff-from "travel systems", nursery furniture, breastfeeding, mother's diet, and controversial "training methods" for baby. The Wonder takes place in the Ob's office when you get to see that ultrasound, hear that heartbeat, and find out that you are doing everything just fine and baby is swell. Then baby starts growing, and growing, and growing and you know that God is doing all the work just the way it needs to be done, regardless of the Fear!

16 Weeks, 3 Days...reminiscing

Hey baby! Your cousins came and brought some stuff for you today. 1 year old William got excited by some toys he played with when he was still a baby. He may be a big boy now but he sure got a thrill from seeing his some of his old toys once again. Pretty soon you will be making those kind of memories of your own. Maybe I will reminisce about some of my favorite childhood things later. Like my Lite-Brite, Tinker Toys, Etch-a-Sketch, and that purple bike once I learned to ride it without the training wheels.

16 Weeks, 2 Days...It's a Zip-a-dee-doo-da-day

I thought of you today, baby, when I was singing to the cat. Yes, I sing "Zip-a-dee-doo-da" to the cat. Not just recently, but for years I have sang this to the cat and the cat loves it. Maybe I have really been practicing all this time so I could sing it perfectly to you. "Zip-a-dee-doo-da, Zip-a-dee-ay, my oh my what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine heading our way...Zip-a-dee-doo-da, Zip-a-dee-ay!"

16 Weeks, 1 Day...with the speed of a glacier

The snow we got Sunday night is finally leaving. Today there were only remnants in northern areas where the sun doesn't shine as much. A few rapidly deteriorating snowmen still stood like watchmen in the neighborhood. The kids in the neighborhood are wearing shorts and riding skateboards again. Hopefully we are done with snow until you after you are born. Your mom and I are ready for spring.

16 Weeks...out with the old

Your room is starting to become bare. We donated the old furniture to Habitat for Humanity for someone else to use and are getting things organized for your brand spanking new room. We hope you love it. I'll start painting next week and then we will get your furniture. Welcome to your new digs!

15 Weeks, 6 Days...the heart of the matter

Took you and your mom to the OB today. We heard your heartbeat again. Sounded strong, 160 beats per minute. Your mom talked to your grandma about it. Your grandma said that when the doctor first listened to your mom's heartbeat it was so strong that they thought she was twins! It would have been quite the surprise if you were twins!

15 Weeks, 5 days...First Rain then Snow, then YOU

Isaiah 55:10-11 Updated Bible Version 1.9 "10 For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and does not return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
We saw plenty of rain and about 6 inches of snow this weekend. And we have spoken prayers over you concerning your dr. appointment tomorrow and overall development and health. I know everything is going to be A-OK!

15 Weeks, 4 Days...a matter of taste

the update your mom gave me said your taste buds are forming. I like tasty things. Sweet, salty, sour, hot, bitter, and savory and tangy. And all sorts of flavor combinations too. Like toasted cheese sandwiches with peanut butter, catsup on eggs, hot sauce on popcorn, and roasted carrot soup with curry. Hopefully you will have a bold palette and try things like this too. In the mean time, lets go with this. Psalm 34:8, Updated Bible Version 1.9 "8 Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good: Blessed is the [noble] man that takes refuge in him."

15 Weeks, 3 Days...A bone to pick with you

Isaiah 58: 11 Updated Bible Verson 1.9 " 11 and Yahweh will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in dry places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
Your bones are retaining more calcium and growing stronger every day. It is the work of the Lord in you. Grow strong, baby, in every way.