The End is Near

It's been quite a journey. The title of this blog couldn't be more appropriate as Timnah said a few days ago. At this point, I am so excited to meet Evan, I can hardly stand it. I feel so lucky that through the last couple weeks he still seems to be healthy and happy in there and Mommy has been so healthy and happy too.

A few other comments:

Timnah has been the most amazing woman and mommy-to-be throughout this entire pregnancy. She has been so devoted to Evan and his well being. Her diet, her walking, her squats, her prenatal vitamins, water by the gallons, rest and sleep....she has done them all without fail. She even got into eating Kale saying each bite, "I love you Evan." Because otherwise, why would you eat that stuff?! Awful! I have been so impressed with her devotion to researching what is best for Evan and her for the labor process, vaccinations, and for care of Evan afterwards. 2 sides on each point, right? WRONG! It's more like 27 sides to each point. And to winnow and sift thorough it all to find what she and I discuss and think is best took a tremendous amount of time and effort. Knowledge is so important when other people are so often telling you what they think is right or when you get to the hospital and the staff and doctors start telling you what "you need to do". We will do what Timnah wants to do for her and for Evan. That may be inline with what the staff says, but it may not and we feel comfortable with that.

Timnah has been AMAZING. I could not be more proud of her and so happy to have her be the mommy of this little miracle.

It's time to meet Evan and I'm feeling more and more the responsibility of being a father. Not just from diapers and feedings and the tasks of keeping him alive and well, but the responsibility that falls on me to raise him in a way that Timnah and I and our families will be proud of. To protect his heart, yet let him learn to work through pain and disappointment. Not to shelter him, but teach him to reason and make decisions on his own. To encourage him in his endeavors, but not push my likes or attitudes onto him. To support him, but not carry him. To provide him every opportunity to succeed, but allow him to make the choice as to whether he does or not. To be honest, I'm a little nervous about all that. I don't know how to do any of that because I haven't had to yet. I also don't know what I don't know. Ya know?! I am really leaning on the example set by others I respect, but also the Holy Spirit to guide me and help me realize the times when I need to "coach" and to have the right words to say. I can tell you this, I have never met a challenge I didn't like and this is no different.

I guess that's about all for now. More updates to come in the next few days! Pray for us and pray for little Evan and Timnah. They both are going to need it!

Love,

Daddy