Dedicated
Twenty years ago I realized that I was not building a life with the best family values. I saw some of the guys I worked with who had been married 2, 3, 4, and even 5 times — or were in their 50s and still single and lonely. I said to myself, “I don’t want to end up like that.” But I knew I’d have to make some lifestyle changes if I was going to avoid the pitfalls these guys had fallen into.
First, I realized that the women I was dating would not necessarily make good mothers to my children. Second, I realized that I wasn’t exactly great father material either. Soon after that I had a conversion experience and gave my heart to the Lord. I thought it would be a short time before I found a good woman and would get married. But what I didn’t count on was the character development that needed to happen in my life. To attract the type of woman who would be a good wife and mother, I had to become the kind of man that would be attractive to that kind of woman.
I didn’t think I’d be in my 40s before I met someone as cool as The Wife. I definitely don’t deserve a woman like her. But, the Lord had plans for us and just over 4 years ago we were married.
God has given us some amazing gifts in our lifetimes, but our Darling Daughter is absolutely the most amazing gift He has ever entrusted us with. This is a powerful and humbling responsibility, to raise her in a way that will glorify Him.
We know there are generational curses to overcome and we want to stop the cycles of addiction and dysfunction and not pass them on to our daughter. We’ve been reading Stormi Omartin’s book, The Power of the Praying Parent and that has really opened our eyes to some issues.
DD has brightened our lives in ways we never imagined. We gave a large thank offering when we moved into our house and it only seemed fitting to do the same when she was born. God is so good!
Today, as we dedicate Darling Daughter to the Lord, we are committed to raise her in a way that brings glory to God. We pray that you help us in this endeavor and that you hold us accountable.
We also solicit your prayers!
Almost 4 Months
In 3 days, our Darling Daughter will be four months old. She is really growing — physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. It is awesome to watch her look around and explore her environment. It is awesome to see her recognize faces. It is really great to see her try to figure things out. And sometimes, it seems that when we pray, she is very quiet and interested.
Today, I took her onto the front porch and sat her on the rail. She just looked around and took in all the sights. Then I showed her one of our wind chimes. It has lots of little bells and she seemed quite intrigued by that. She would grab at it and make the bells ring. This caused quite an outpouring of vocalizations. That is really fun!
The Wife is such a good Mom. I can’t believe how caring, attentive, and absolutely cool she is — course, I knew she would be — that’s why I married her!
Waiting
Two weeks ago we went to the Dr. and she said the baby could come anytime. Jen was beginning to dilate and the baby was about 7.5 pounds. That was exciting news and welcome for Jen as she is beginning to feel quite uncomfortable. So, we went home quite excited and begin to wrap up last minute details. The suitcase is well stocked with provisions (food, an electric fan, a tennis ball, magazines, books, clothes, toiletries, video camera, extra batteries, and so on and so forth!); we finished painting and decorating our little girl’s room; household tasks are completed (bills paid in advance, office tasks completed, house cleaned, etc); and we have made arrangements for church duties, and other needs. We were ready!
But, a week later, still no baby. I didn’t realize how stressed I’d become. It isn’t a real stress, it is more subterranean – a low level, under the radar stress. I wasn’t sleeping well, I was eating junk food, and I was on edge. What made me realize my stress was when I found myself playing video games. Jen said I only do this when I’m stressed. Yikes!
Then we had another dr’s appointment last week. This time she said Jen was about the same dilation and she didn’t expect we would deliver right away. She thought we’d be back in on our next appointment – which is in two days.
In the meantime, we find ourselves relatively focused on household tasks. Jen took down all the Christmas decorations and I’m not making too many important appointments. We are not attending pastor’s meetings due to their remote location. And we just continue in our holding pattern – waiting for something to happen.
I told Jen last night that when we expected it last week, it surely wouldn’t come. A watched womb never births. But now that we have accepted our waiting – I’m almost saying, “It isn’t real. There is no baby.” That’s when she’ll come.
We measured Jen’s growing girth last week. She is 44” around – the same size as my chest!
Jen is a trooper and I am so proud of my beautiful wife and soon to be mother! This is exciting – yet we still solicit your prayers!
gw
Confessing my Dad Attitude 