That "Don't Settle" Attitude!

I woke up really early today. I had to take out the trash, and I was excited about going to the store to shop for the baby. Kandis and I looked at some baby items earlier in the marriage, but now it's for real... a baby is coming in seven months! Although we decided that we would just window shop, I had all intentions on buying SOMETHING today. I brought my camera to document the day, but Kandis convinced me that I couldn't take my camera in the store, so I decided to use my cellphone. (Equipped with a camera).

Throughout the visits to USA Baby and the Baby Depot inside Burlington Coat Factory I secretly took a few pictures.

As usual, Kandis was confident in her selections with each sales associate. She was unwilling to compromise. That's one of millions of reasons why I love Kandis, she has that "don't settle" attitude. I mean, if she wants it, she tells you. And since this is God's gift to us, why settle for less. He has all riches! I could go on and on about God's blessings. And you should have seen the sales associate at USA Baby after she asked,"What's your budget?" and we responded,"Price is no object." She stayed with us throughout our stay despite all of the other customers coming into the store. Kandis picked out a wonderful looking crib and changing table-dresser set from USA Baby.

Once we arrived at Burlington Coat Factory, I think Kandis was picking up on my desire to at least buy something. I picked up a rug... no. There was a bag full of accessories...no. Kandis suggested a book... I looked at it...no. As much as I wanted to buy something, I didn't want to get just anything. I guess Kandis' "don't settle" attitude has finally rubbed off on me. (Especially when it comes to my child.)

Please Eat

It was hard at work today. But the good thing about it is that it's Friday! (Yeah) And as soon as I put out the last fire at the Teen Center, I called Kandis to make sure that she had something to eat. And the answer was "No".

For the last couple of days, Kandis and I have been discussing the importance of her eating and drinking properly. I know that her appettite has changed, but I feel that it's my role to encourage her to continue to stay on a healthy path. Maybe I'm coming off wrong. I don't know, ... I feel like I'm nagging her more than encouraging her. I want everything to be perfect. So I try to tell her nicely,"Please eat".

I hope that it works.

On another note, I went to our church's monthly men's meeting. Besides the fact that I was appointed to head the Youth Rally this summer, I had a chance to announce that Kandis is pregnant. Everyone shook my hand and said congratulations. And gave me some
advice,"Enjoy It."

Sleeping Beauty

I love watching Kandis sleep. She is my Sleeping Beauty. It’s such a blessing to be in a position to provide my wife a comfortable home setting where she can sleep peacefully. I know that I seem to write the same things; “God is Great”, “God has blessed me”, “Thank God”, etc. But I can’t help it. I know this is God. The house, the job, the family, the child, the wife, the life… all God. There used to be this saying, “It’s all good”. Well I’m changing it to “It’s all God”.

And because of Him I have an opportunity to do this…look at my Sleeping Beauty. Knowing Kandis and the baby are safe, that there’s healthy food in the house, and Kandis can continue to sleep without worrying about anything. And that lets me sleep knowing that God is providing for us in ways that I would’ve never imagined.

I am so grateful for my life, my parents, my family, my unborn child, and my Sleeping Beauty.

Thank you God!

One Day Closer, One Day Older

Another day closer to being a father and today was an eye opening day for me about the importance of being a good father. Children need their parents. Just the pressence of two loving parents provide so much to a child. With God leading us, I pray that we both can be there for our child. Yes I 've done the math; I will be 37 at the birth, 55 at the high school graduation, and (dare I say) 60 plus after graduate school. (And the numbers are even more staggering if we decide to have a second child a couple years later.) I love the opportunity and I know God has a plan for us. (And I know He knows how old I am).

I even had a chance to go grocery shopping by myself for Kandis. And like always, I may have over did it just a little bit. I always buy more than I should when I shop alone. Plus, I want Kandis to have more than enough. I felt like telling the other women at the store, "I'm shopping for my wife, she's pregnant." I had a chance to tell one of the employees, but I didn't. But I have seven more months to tell people.

I must admit that I am starting to get a hang of this "expecting dad" thing. And I know that a big part of being a good father is being there. And I plan on being there.

Worker's Support

The word is finally out at work...Bobby is having a baby. My excitement is being shared by all of the employees now, and it makes me feel pretty good. People genuinely are happy for me and that's cool. I even had a chance to get some good advice from Dayle who is now four months pregnant. Dayle was able to give me some insight on what to expect during this two month period.

I just continue to pray, read, and pray some more about it. How do I feel?...I don't know, sometimes scared, sometimes nervous, sometimes excited, sometimes anxious, but all of the time grateful! We both prayed for this and God has provided us with an opportunity to become parents.

It's going to be a challenge. I work with kids all of time (work, Sunday School, etc.), but at the end of the day, the kids go home. Soon I will get to bring a child home with me...my own.

The End Of The Men's Den

Today begins the eighth week of the pregnancy and after two months I must admit that I am starting to get the new daddy jitters. I want everything to be perfect. I can't help but think about the importance of getting through the first trimester. From my reading (and from Kandis) the first trimester is the most critical time of the pregnancy.

I know that everything will be fine (I mean, God has blessed us with a child, and I know He will protect our child.)

Kandis had to go to work today and I got to stay home. I began preparing the home for our new arrival by rearranging the office and the "Men's Den". I know that the den will be a room focusing on the child, so I am converting the office into the new "Men's Den". It's going to be great. I already have plans for both rooms. We have to make room for ALL OF THE TOYS that our first born will get from everyone.

I am now wondering how the baby's room will look. With the crib, the border, the closet and cabinets, the blankets, and the toys, the baby should be comfortable. I will continue to pray that God will guide us through this very, very special process.

I am sooooo thankful!!