Nesting

Today we had the wonderful opportunity to order the furniture for our new baby! In 7-14 days the nursery should be set. I keep picturing his little head laying in the crib, the car seat, the sling, and imaginging life with a tiny newborn again. We also bought his going-home-from-the hospital outfit and it brought back a flood of memories from when my other two boys came home for the first time too. As of today, I feel pretty prepared and should only need to do a few more things before he gets here. Last night I couldn’t sleep and actually began to panic wondering if I’ll remember how to do everything.:) With Gabriel I read so many books, heard a ton of advice, and took every pregnancy/birthing class offered. Even though it was my first time trying, I felt like I was ready to graduate to mommyhood and had crammed all the info into notes, and my brain that I could. With Grant, and again this time, I feel like I’m just coasting on memory and hoping it will come back to me! I’m sure it will but I just want to feel adequate to give the baby everything he needs. I think Jim went through his panic stage a few months ago and now he is ready whatever comes our way.:) Thankfully we each hit our insecure moments at different times so we could comfort the other one! Anyway, one of the vital books that I’ve actually opened EACH pregnancy is called “Prayers for the Expectant Mother” by Angela Thomas. It covers each stage, from before conception, to after birth, miscarriage, and everything in between (hearing the heartbeat, first kicks, etc). If you are ever looking for a present for an expecting mommy, this would be an amazing gift (+ a box of tissues)!! Anyway, I thought I would post one for today. She is such an amazing writer and definately has the gift of eloquent prayer!

The Next Generation
Dear Maker of All,
My doctor’s waiting room is full of mothers-to-be—women who are carrying my baby’s peers. I pray a special blessing for these who will be birthing the next generation. Their sons and daughters will make life-changing decisions and discoveries. Their children will conceive and establish the communities where my baby will live. My child will join theirs in filling the earth.
The demeanor of each mother hints at her disposition. Some are calm and pensive. Others seem stressed and already exhausted. The first-timers stare in awe at the mothers whose laps are full of children. And the mothers with children don’t even seem to notice they’re pregnant again. We all seem relatively composed, considering the feat we will soon perform and the life change it will bring.
Lord, I wonder if these women realize that childbirth is by Your design? Do they understand that Your very presence abides in their wombs, creating life? Will they recognize the image of God in the faces of their babies? Oh Father, I pray for these women, that at this incredibly special time, their hearts will be tender toward Your truth. Maybe pregnancy could be the catalyst that moves them to consider their Creator.
God, I pray that the reality of Your existence would impact these mothers, radically changing the way they will raise their children. Let our children know a world where more people serve You. Let godliness increase where selfishness has failed.
It is a privilege to be fruitful and multiply. It is a privilege to bear the next generation. It is a privilege to call You God.
Amen