Come, though long-expected Baby

If our second little boy had followed Soren's timetable, he would have been here 4 days ago. Even though it's still early, I am anxious to meet this little guy. We have been planning and preparing for his arrival for 9 months. We have agonized over the perfect name. We have dreamed about what he'll be like: what he looks like, what his personality will be like, what his relationship with his brother will be like, what he'll love to do.

While I don't like the waiting and had begun hoping that he would arrive as early as his brother had, the anticipation in these last few days has heightened my anticipation for this child who is coming and has also led to an even greater appreciation for the anticipation accompanying the prophesies of Scripture for the coming Messiah. The past few days, I've been reflecting on the Advent and Christmas season (because I know my time will be limited after the baby comes) and my own excitement to meet our little boy has opened up my heart to have that anticipation as I prepare my heart and my family to celebrate Christmas.

This year, I get to anticipate and celebrate the arrival of two baby boys. My own son, for whom I have prayed these last many months as God has knit him together. My own son, who is a precious gift and a blessing that God is asking me to cherish, to parent, to disciple and to pray for as a temporary guardian for this sweet child. And God's Son, who God gave to the world for us to receive; another precious gift, but this gift brings salvation and peace and hope. This Child was the greatest gift and I am grateful to my long-expected baby and to God for this deeper understanding that was given to me this holiday season. And my prayer, for my son: come, though long-expected baby. And to Jesus: Come, though long-expected Jesus. We are watching and waiting with great anticipation.

Preparing for Change, Cherishing the Now

We are frantically readying our house and home for the arrival of the BW2. We have rearranged rooms, bought and sold furniture, finished lots of work on the house. We've cleaned and rearranged closets and we're cramming in various appointments and outings to make ready. We are busily focusing on the future, the coming weeks and all that we want to have finished before our world is turned upside by this baby.

But part of the reason we are so busy is because we set a goal early on to have things ready for BW2 two weeks before his expected due date so that we would either a) be ready if he came early, since Soren surprised us or so b) we would have time together as a family just to enjoy one another, to do fun things together and to have some down time to rest and relax.

We have been preparing ourselves, our home, and Soren for the new arrival. But while we prepare for all the changes, it is important to me that we take time as a family to cherish what we have now. To enjoy Soren in all his wonderful, only child glory a few last times. To enjoy time to rest during a routine I know before this baby turns the routine inside out. to take time to spend with Erich before we are taking turns sleeping and getting up with an unhappy or hungry baby.

As much as I am waiting with great anticipation to meet our newest baby boy, I am trying to slow down enough each day to enjoy our family in the now. I am trying not to wish away the hours and days until our sweet boy is here and allow him to come in his time. I am relishing the days the three of us have, with a toddler who is more independent, a little less demanding. A toddler who is funny and lovely and smart and verbal and wonderful and wants to play with Mommy and Daddy. A toddler who is going to be a great and special big brother in a matter of week--to a baby who is going to be a special addition to our family. Because we are both preparing for change and cherishing the now.