My husband, Jim, and I are going to have a BABY.
This past Monday, a monthly jaunt to the midwife (and one, short ultrasound later) revealed that the Lord has blessed us with a beautiful BOY maturing in my womb. Thus, as any proud, "paparazzi" parent would do, I would like to introduce for posterity: the first picture of our son, Ethan James Ashby.
As any "poor, seminary student couple" would be, Jim and I were a little jolted this past May when a pregnancy test revealed that in nine quick months, this newly established Ashby household would harbor its own little "rug-rat." I think I speak more for myself than my sweet husband in this instance, but the reality of what was taking place inside me hit me upside my consciousness about as hard as a Mack Truck leveling a chipmunk. Jim, on the other hand, has waited his whole life to be a husband and a father. His calm demeanor and solid faith in the Father was a God-send for someone who considers "sudden change" to be a filthy phrase.
It's weird: you spend so many passing moments of your youth wondering how you'll respond to such news, but no one can truly claim such knowledge as their own until God grants you the experience. Now, as the weeks pass (and my pregnant belly grows), the excitement and anticipation of this gift the Lord has freely granted is becoming more and more of a precious treasure. As overwhelming and intimidating as the realizations of parenthood and major life transition can manifest at times, the Spirit in me continues to testify that - as in all things - His "grace is sufficient"; and it's not just "up to me" to raise this little one.
Ethan - already - belongs to God. As he is being sewn together in my expanding womb, the Father is in ultimate and total control of his very short past, his present, and his (Lord willing) broad future. Jim's and my prayer continues to be: that our lives would reflect the Son in such a way as to cause our boy to yearn for the Lord more than anything on earth.
