Well, there is definitely a buzz in the air around our house! We have been fully submerged in baby prep. This weekend, we spent 7.5 hrs learning about the adventure that awaits us in about 13 weeks. We practiced our breathing (or coaching on Mundo’s end), learned every detail about labor and delivery, we watched several “interesting” videos and we took a tour of the hospital. It was quite a productive day. Then, we spent our Sunday registering in Babies R Us. What a fun place- at least on my end. I think Mundo was a little overwhelmed. Most guys would be! Our registering expedition ended with the purchase of our crib mattress and our first crib sheet. Now, our baby’s bed is officially ready!
We are filled with so much excitement and expectation. What an awesome moment it will be when we finally get to hold our little boy! It is such a blessing to be able to start a family. We are building a legacy, investing in and adding to the next generation- such a big responsibility! All of our friends keep saying they can’t wait to see how we will adjust to becoming parents. I think we are even more curious than they are!
As Manda and I get ready to have our first child, I am beginning to think how will I as a father raise my kids. It is a pretty overwhelming and scary thought at times. Every day that Manda’s belly grows (man oh man is it growing…. I will post some pictures of her so you can all see later this week), my expectation for this next seasons increases as well. Such a privilege and blessing to be able to raise up the next generation. I have been reading in the book of Deuteronomy all the encouragements the Israelites were given to impress the ways of God on their children.
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” -Deuteronomy 6:4-10
From this verse it seems we see the key to teaching children or anyone to love God. If we want our children to follow God, we must make God a part of our everyday experiences. Not just a Sunday deal, or Bible studies……. don’t get me wrong, these are good, but everyday ways to apply the word is the key. As we sit around, when we walk around, when we lie down to sleep. We can teach our children to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.
For me to live is Christ………… Philippians 1:21
So, we are now 26 weeks along- 14 more to go! I (Amanda) had a little scare last week when I went in for my regular monthly check-up. I was having a lot of pain on my sides and all around the bottom of my belly. It was round ligament pain. However, the doctor wanted me to come back the next day if I was still in a lot of pain. Being the obedient girl that I am :), I went back. They decided to do an ultrasound and that was when they said I was having contractions. I had no idea this was going on, so I was a little shocked. I stayed on the couch for the next 4 days (which wasn’t so bad!) and my body felt so much better. This past Wednesday, I went in for a recheck and my second ultrasound went great. The doctor said everything looks great with my cervix and I’m just going to have to get used to the ligament pain (this is due to all of the stretching on my little body). We found out that our little boy weighs about 1 lb 9 oz and he’s already 13 inches long! It’s hard to believe he’s already that big! I thought you would like to see a few more candid shots. He seems to be a fan of the camera! Thank you for all of your prayers. Keep them coming!
He’s blowing bubbles in this one
Here he is flexing his arm for you
This was the scene at the starting line of my first marathon. A year and a half in the making. The marathon was finally here! I have been training with a group here in Memphis called Memphis in Motion. Awesome group to help you prepare to run whatever you desire.
Well, I am glad to announce that I finally ran a marathon. I ran the Memphis St. Jude Marathon. The first one is in the bank. Now I have my sights set on the next one. It is addictive for sure. I never thought I would be running like this, but here I am. I have been impressed with this thought: You may not be built exactly like you would want. I don’t have what you would call a runners body, but the big idea is this - USE WHAT YOU HAVE. I am thankful I can run and God has allowed me to fulfill many of my dreams. We can always be desiring someone else’s gifts and abilities, or be thankful for the ones God gave us and use them to the best of our ability. Thank you to all who supported me and encouraged me. It is yet another desire fulfilled. JESUS!
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. -Colossians 3:17b MSG
