Respect and Awe

I have a new respect for any woman who has ever given birth after witnessing my first delivery. I had never seen so much blood or pain before in my life. I knew I loved my wife virtually from the moment we met but had no idea of how tough she was. Now, I am in awe of her resiliency. She bounced back from a gory spectacle and tremendous blood loss to immediately wanting to hold our baby even as the doctor was still stitching her up. I love my wife now more than ever. There are not sufficient words to describe our love for our new baby.

Our New Arrival

We have our little bundle of joy. She joined the family last night. My wife pushed for all she is worth. Ultimately though, our doctor had to use forceps. In a way, parts of labor were terrifying. My wife was in incredible pain. We now have the great blessing of a healthy baby. Thank you for you prayers and support.

On "Induction" Day

I am not being drafted today. My wife is being "induced" into labor today though. She will (good Lord-willing) be delivering our first child. We are eager to meet the baby. Honestly, there is anxiety too, after several well-meaning friends have told us about painful, extended labors. There is nothing I can do to hasten or ease delivery beyond prayer. In my experience, prayer can be powerful. Please pray for both Tracy and our baby.

The State Casino

If you want to take money that you have earned and burn it in the fire that should be your prerogative. I am essentially libertarian in regard to economic self-determination. The state should regulate casinos but not be the casino. If casinos offered the same odds of winning as the state-sponsored lotteries do, the regulators from the state would properly shut them down. Table games on the riverboat afford the suckers a much greater chance to win than pick six or pick seven state-sponsored gaming. As far as the education scholarships funded by the state lotteries go, it seems tuition increases each time scholarships increase, essentially negating any benefit of the lottery scholarships. All in all, I find it reprehensible for the state to be in the gambling business.

Appointment with Destiny

My wife is having what will likely be her last appointment with her obstetrician before she delivers. We are near the finish line that is actually just the start of the race. There is a degree of trepidation as this is the first child for both my wife and I. If I could take the pain of labor for my wife, I certainly would. We are becoming first-time parents somewhat later in life. We know this pregnancy is certainly a blessing. Please pray for an easy labor and a birth without complications for my wife and for the good health of our baby.

A Hundred Names

We have heard dozens of suggestions for what we should name our baby. The baby has three living grandparents all offering different names. Even the postman has a name in mind. I figure my wife and I should have some say in what we call the baby. After all, without us, she would not be here. Does Jane sound too exotic to you?

Snow Storm Delivery

My wife is about to give birth to our first child. We experienced exactly what we do not need last night. As a native Southerner, I have one experience driving in snow and on ice in my life. That was not a good experience as I skidded, spun across five lanes, and ended up on a traffic island, remarkably without damaging anyone or anything including myself and my four-wheel drive 1978 Jeep Wagoneer. I have next to no skill at winter driving because growing up in a state with mild winters, I have no practice at it. Now, with a winter baby on the way, and the chance that I may have to rush to the maternity hospital at any time and possibly in icy conditions, I had better hope I still have my horseshoe.