Daddy Steps...

If you know anything about who I am, you know that I am (what my mom calls), an extreme “feeler”.  A few years ago when I took the Myers Briggs personality test, my results on the portion of Thinking vs Feeling was as far on the Feeling side as one can be.  I don’t know how much I trust MBTI testing, but I do know from experience, I am an extreme feeler.  In every situation, every experience, and every season of my life, my feelings have dictated every decision and action... but, in my current situation, my feelings have me stumped.

Elkie and I are now in our 2nd trimester, 17 weeks to be exact, and I still have no idea what I am feeling.  Of course, there have been feelings of excitement, and joy, and worry, and fear, and love, more emotions than I can name, but I still can’t put a finger on exactly how I feel.  I guess, the best way to describe my overall feeling of becoming a daddy is that it is still very surreal.

Elkie doesn't yet have a basketball for a belly, we have not set up a nursery or had any baby showers, so the whole idea of being a dad has not set in.  I was reminded today, how little I talk about the baby, how little I pray for the baby, and how insensitive I am to the fact that Elkie is working extremely hard 24/7 growing a human inside of her.  Reminders like these give me a real sense of urgency to take action and to prepare.  The problem is, I have no idea how to prepare to become a daddy.

Thankfully I am married to an incredible woman who was created to be a mom.  I know she will teach me “baby things”, how to change a diaper, how and when to feed, how to hold and nurture, and how to care for it’s every need.  I guess the best way to prepare, is to learn how to love and care for my wife, my partner, my teacher, my best friend, more and more each day.  My dad has been a great example of this for me.  As I’ve grown older, I have noticed his incredible ability to be a great father stems from the depth of love he has for my mom.  

So, I ask you to pray with me and for me as I prepare to be a dad, that I will be a great husband, and will continue to grow in love for Elkie and in my ability to express my love to her.  

A baby will be reality very soon.  Until then, I will continue taking small little daddy steps.

-Ben

The 4th

It has been a crazy week of revealing our big news to the world! We have been so blessed by the way our friends and family have shared in our excitement over this little baby. We recently had another doctor's appointment and were able to hear the heartbeat for the second time and receive a healthy report! 

That night after the appointment, I was a really healthy pregnant person and ate dinner with Ben, Graham and Laney at Five Guys, duh. We had so much fun catching up with them and hearing all about Graham's experience as a leader at Young Life camp. Young Life is such a special ministry and Ben and I loved getting to revisit our memories as leaders as we listened to Graham's passion for his high school guys to know Jesus. After dinner, Graham, Laney and I hit the road to meet my family at Atlantic Beach - Ben had to stay behind and continue running the show at work until the weekend. 

Our week was full of family, old friends, traditions, food, fireworks and SUN. 

14 Weeks and rocking the Mommy one piece

Happiest man in the world, also the most stylish. 

Riley is a beach girl all the way

Her first bath was pretty traumatic 

Watching the parade with the Wallace's and the Gant's this year was bittersweet...my dad wasn't leading the band with his trumpet in his usual ridiculous get up, BUT baby Kate marched her cute little booty down Ocean Ridge and I loved every second of it! 

Laney and Graham working it at the Parade

Team USA

Brian...

BFF's and In-laws 

I don't know what it is about 4th of July, but it has always been one of my favorites. I was especially excited this year because it felt like a real vacation for the first time in a long time. It might be because of my long days inside wasting away in front of a desk at work or this child using all of my energy, but I needed this week of rest! 

Mom and Dad - Thank you for always hosting anyone and everyone! It was so fun to see your excitement telling your friends and our family about becoming Grandparents. 

Caroline - Thank you for putting up with my cravings for cheese fries and Dairy Queen. 

Jamie - I loved getting to spend some good time with you before you head back to Mississippi! One thing I can always count on with you is laughter and a few good eye rolls at the same things. 

Joe - It wasn't the same without you! You're never allowed to skip this trip ever again! 

Stella, Graham and Laney - You are all family and I loved spending this Holiday with y'all...thanks for being just as crazy and weird as the Branches :)