What A Wonderful Day To Be An Expecting Parent!

What a wonderful day to be an expecting parent!

Let me begin by saying, “Thank you Jesus.”

For he is wonderful and worthy to be praised! I am truly humbled by all of the blessings that He has given me, my family, and my extended family.

Today, my mother, Kandis, and I went to get the ultrasound. I am not going to go into ALL of the details, but I will say that seeing the baby was another miracle. The nurse suggested that we get some gates once the baby is born because he (or she) was so active. The baby moved around so much that it was difficult for the nurse to capture any images.

The baby was excited and so were we. This was the first time my mother experienced an ultrasound and just like I did on the first visit, she cried. I could feel her joy. As much as we’ve prayed for this baby, my parents have prayed even more for a grandchild. The nurse did not disclose the baby’s gender, so we won’t know until the birth. In fact, the baby kept its legs crossed as to say, “You said that you don’t want to know.”

Afterwards we talked to the doctor about the previous blood results. Since the ultrasound did not reveal any “signs” of abnormality, the doctor increased the results from 1 out of 21 to 1 out of 42. He reviewed our options and we decided to go forth without any other intrusive procedures.

And again let me say, “Thank you Jesus.”

We left the hospital and went to get some lunch. Unfortunately the meal ended with me and Kandis playing a rather cruel joke on my mother about us moving to North Carolina before Christmas. It was innocent in intent, but Mom did not find the joke funny. The day could have ended on a down note, but we apologized, spent more time together and eventually got past it.

I spent the next hour or so scanning and printing the ultrasound pictures and rubbing Kandis’ belly.

It was truly a wonderful day to be an expecting parent!

Let me end by saying, “Thank you Jesus!”

It Took Me By Surprise

Yesterday gave me a sense of what I will be like as a dad.

And let me tell you, it took me by surprise.

The day started off pretty normal. I woke up early, washed some clothes and cleaned up a bit. Then I went to work. (Pretty normal so far).

I had on my calendar Chanynn’s track meet at 4:15 in Strongsville, so I had to adjust my work schedule. I wasn’t even sure if she was still on the track team, but I figured that I call Kandis to find out. I also had to call the gutter company (no free plugs) and set up an appointment to have them work on the house. I talked to Daisie, the Club’s accountant, about our taxes. And this was amid numerous discussions about different grants, billings, and payroll. I worked on two other grants, made my rounds at the different Units, and answered calls while driving to Strongsville.

I arrived at the track meet to Chanynn’s surprise and gave her a few tips on not burning out during warm up. The coach (who is also her math teacher) agreed. During the meet, I joked with the Strongsville coach and waited “patiently” until Chanynn’s turn.

And then it happened… the inside of me began to… I don’t know… stir up. The competitive juices started to flow. I had to literally keep telling myself, “Don’t yell out.
Don’t embarrass her. Don’t coach her. Don’t…” Too late!

When Chanynn’s name was called I reached into my pocket and pulled out the digital camera. I began circling the shot put area taking pictures. I took close ups, reverse angles, wide shots. After her first attempt I said, “Chanynn keep your arm up.” After the second attempt I noticed that she had an improper technique that could hurt her arm. I said, “You hurt your arm a little didn’t you? Make sure that you don’t throw the shot.” After her last attempt, I reminded her not to leave the circle until the judge says “Mark”. Then I circled into position to take more pictures. I told Chanynn “Good job” and I stepped back; back to reality. And I began to think, “Oh no. What is happening to me?” I have to go home.
Once I arrived at home, Kandis and I began talking about Friday’s events. I was still feeling, let’s say, “different”. Then Kandis asked me if I wanted to read to the baby.

O.K.

I ran upstairs, grabbed a Pooh book and read to my child the story of Pooh and the bees. We both knew that the baby more than likely couldn’t hear us, but I read that story like my child was tucked into his or her sheets and getting ready for bed. I read that story like I had never read a story before. And after I finished I kissed Kandis’ belly, returned the book, and finished the night enjoying our favorite show “C.S.I.”.

After a day of house chores, work, schedule adjustments, home repair, tax scheduling, track meets, and a night time book readings, yesterday gave me a sense of what I will be like as a dad.

And let me tell you, it took me by surprise.

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