Just a few days!

It's so difficult to believe that in just a few days my husband and I will be parents. (The official due date is May 8.) I suppose technically we've been parents for almost nine months, but as my husband puts it, "I'm sure he's a lot easier to take care of in there than he will be out here."

The excitement of meeting our little boy—combined with the anticipation of labor—is almost overwhelming. I'm not sure whether to be overjoyed (I can't wait to hold baby Jack and kiss his little cheeks! Won't it be wonderful to see my husband be a dad!) or just completely panic (Our house is not quite organized for the baby! Will I be a good mom? What if we've forgotten to read up on some critical aspect of childcare?! And labor—yikes!).

Thankfully, the baby is coming soon, no matter how ready I do or do not feel. I am grateful that God is in control of our little family. Last night, some songs on the radio reminded me of how much I needed Him—at this time in my life, and always.

It's a comfort to know God picked us to be parents to Jack, and him to be our son. How honored we are to be blessed with such a beautiful miracle.

Showered with joy

To help welcome our little boy, my sister-in-law and three other thoughtful friends hosted a baby shower for me. A couple weeks ago, 27 people gathered to share my joy at a local restaurant. We enjoyed a delicious brunch (thanks to my brother-in-law for cooking up a wonderful meal) played a baby bingo game, and munched on a cake almost too cute to cut. And I unwrapped a mountain of delightful little clothes, tiny toys, and baby essentials.

The decor was adorable; baby blue tablecloths were accented with rubber duckies floating in little fishbowls lined with blue glass beads. Artfully displayed shimmering iridescent Easter grass gave the tables and cake table an extra bit of elegance, and a few balloons added to the festive atmosphere.

I can't completely express my gratitude for all the friends and family members who came to so kindly and generously celebrate the upcoming birth of our little Jack. I came home with gifts galore—and lots of love.