Here is a picture of John just a few minutes old on July 28, 2008

A little over 19 months ago, I was sitting at my house with my parents and Matt, knowing that at 6:00 a.m. the next morning, I would be giving birth to a baby. This would be Matt and I's baby...a gift from God. At 2:45 p.m. on Monday, July 28, our precious John was born.

I got to relive that experience tonight because tomorrow at 5:45 a.m., Matt and I will travel to Centerpointe and become parents of a precious baby. My parents came up, we had dinner, ate ice cream and played cards. Plans are made for tomorrow and hopefully all will go well.

John will become a big brother tomorrow and Matt and I will become parents of 2. It is hard to imagine, but I am so excited. This past week, I have reflected on our life the past 19 months and how much it has changed. I look at how priorities are different and how our plans that we make have changed. I wonder how it will be 19 months from now?

John is going to be a BIG brother! I am so excited for him to meet this new little person. He has talked to this little friend through my belly the last few months. I wonder if this baby will recognize his voice tomorrow? Even though I am excited for these two to meet, I would be lying if I didn't say I was a bit nervous. John's life is about to change and he doesn't really know it. I know it is all for the good, but I pray that God will help me be a mommy to 2 little ones. I pray that I won't show favoritism and I won't compare. I pray that my precious 2 will be good friends, able to grow up together and have so many memories that they will talk about one day.

There is so many things I want to say, but I think I will just end in a prayer before it starts to sound like I am rambling.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Tomorrow is a big day and I thank you for giving Matt and I this opportunity. You have blessed us in so many ways. I pray for good health tomorrow. I pray that if there is complication, that we let You have control and that we don't try to "understand why", but that we will put our complete trust in You. God, I pray for this little one. I pray that as we raise him or her, that we will focus on You and teach Your ways. I pray that this little one will live for You. I pray for John as he becomes a big brother. I know it will be tough, but I pray that You help Matt and I to help him love his little brother or sister. I pray for Matt and I as we become parents of two. Please give us strength when times get tough. Help us to enjoy the small moments and be intentional with our parenting.

God, I can't thank you enough for giving me the job of being a Mom. It is the best job I could have ever asked for. I pray that I draw my strength from you and that I don't try to do it all on my own.

Give Matt and I a restful night and be with us tomorrow.

In Your name,

Amen