Dad's Corner #1:

So, everyone keeps asking what it feels like to have a Little Guy on the way, and it's such a complicated answer...

1) Knowing that God has blessed Teri and I with such a priceless gift fills me with such joy and excitement that I can't come close to expressing it with words, but to say "Thank you, God, for this incredible addition to our family!!!"  Also, I'm pretty hyped to have a legitimate reason to play with mud and LEGOs again! 

In all seriousness, though, it has been amazing to be able to talk of our future child in a non-hypothetical sense and to prepare our home for his arrival.  I can't wait to come home each day to my loving wife and our adorable little child, wrap them in a giant hug, and say "Daddy's home!"

2) I am filled with wonder at the incredible duty Teri and I now have to raise a God-loving, family-oriented, community-serving, nature-respecting, Wolfpack-rooting Little Guy!  There have been a few times since we found out about the Little Guy that I've thought of Mother Teresa's quote "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle, I just wish that He didn't trust me so much", but then I remember the very different kinds of news we've gotten in our lives the last few years and I embrace this beautiful gift so much that Teri has to tell me to quit talking to her belly in Babies R Us! :)

3) Along with wonder and awe comes the scary realization of how much the Little Guy will depend on us to take care of him as he grows to adulthood.  It is crazy to think of how everything he needs for food, drink, clothing, shelter, medicine, etc. will have to be provided by Teri and I, at the proper time and in the proper amount.  I've had some moments where it really hits me just how important it is that I don't mess this up, that this is a little baby relying on us to provide for and raise him well - no pressure, right?

4) Our Little Guy is going to be smothered by love from all sides of the family and friends!  I have been amazed at just how much joy he has already brought to our families, friends, the NCSU Catholic Campus Ministry community, and my co-workers.  There's just something about the awe and wonder at how God blesses His people with being able to bring such adorable little new life into the world that brings a smile to everyone’s face!

Baby Shower #1: Morehead City

Teri and I had a wonderful weekend in Morehead City!  We had our first shower for the Little Guy -it was so much fun chatting with so many people who have known Teri for so long and are SO excited to celebrate our Little Man.  There were Sara's coworkers, church ladies, neighbors, and friends - even some of Teri's teachers from elementary school!  A big thanks to my Mom for making it down for the day, bringing a cute baby picture of me (who would have thought she'd be able to find one?), and for helping set up!

A great coastal spread was enjoyed by all and the cake was FANTASTIC!  Thanks to Jackie for the crab dip recipe - it was so good that people traded in their game prizes for to-go cups of it!  I think Douglas Ann Swanson of Delicate Delights hit our theme right-on with the cake (she also did our wedding cake).

We are so thankful for the well-wishes, name suggestions, and parenting advice from everyone and have gotten a kick reading through everyone's notes.  We were overwhelmed with all the generous gifts and Teri is apparently well into the nesting stage, having already put them away where they go!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to all who came to the shower, all those who couldn't make it who are thinking about and praying for us, and to Sara and Lauren for preparing all the food and throwing a great party for the Little Guy!