More Pictures of Riley!

She's here!

It has been a few weeks since my last post, but good reason...I now have a beautiful baby daughter in my life. I can't explain how amazing it is to be a parent! Riley was born July 1, 2008 at 9:52pm at Scottsdale Shea Hospital, weighing in at 5 lbs 8oz, and 19 inches long. She was given the nickname, "peanut" by all the nurses because of how small she was, and is. But to Vi and I she is the most beautiful, precious, sweet, and amazing little girl in the world. God has blessed us with the opportunity to have her in our lives, and we couldn't be happier!

Violet and I want to thank so many people that prayed for both Violet and Riley during the delivery process, and for all the support, encouragement, gifts, and meals that so many have given. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough, but thank you.

There are several things that I've learned as a new Dad the top 5 right now are....

5. Laughing has kept Violet and I sane for the last 2 weeks while being sleep deprived

4. Poop can be projectile(didn't know that!)

3. Riley gets her beautiful looks from her Mom(I'm thankful for that!)

2. I can't give Riley enough love, or kisses!

1. God is so amazing! The entire birthing process was the most amazing experiences for Violet to have together, and also in our walk with Christ.

Here are some more pictures for now. Enjoy!

My world is about to be ROCKED!

On Monday of this last week, Violet and I had a routine baby doctor's appointment. Violet is now in her 36th week of being pregnant, and so we are thinking about 4 more weeks of preparation will be great, we can enjoy our time together and get a few things done around the house. Well, after that doctor's appointment, we found out that she will not be coming in 4 weeks. Instead she will be coming on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
As we left the doctor's office, we where both in shock. Not really knowing what to say or how to feel, but left with a ton of questions that will probably get no answers, and in some ways I'm fine with that. I have to say that we are so excited about her coming! I can't explain how happy our hearts are. But at the same time, jumping from 4 weeks out to 4 days out, was something that I know we where not really prepared for, but we keep telling each other that the Lord wants her here early so that He can start to use her even sooner!
Please keep Violet in your prayers as we move closer to Tuesday, and please pray for Riley as well in the days ahead.
Can't wait to show off pictures of my daughter, and our new family!

There's going to be a new lady in my life....

Friday Violet and I went to our doctor apt, to find out what our little bun in the oven is going to be, and I have to be honest, both Violet and I wanted to have a little girl, but if we a little boy was on his way, we would be just as excited! We waited patiently to hear the doctor say those words, and finally she spoke up..."you are having.....a....little....GIRL! Violet and looked at each other and we both had tears in our eyes. I laughed thinking, if I'm crying now, I'm going to be balling when our little Riley Sophia is finally in my arms.

There's a BABY on the way!!!

Words can not express how excited I am to let everyone know that Violet and I recently found out that we are expecting our first child! I'm so stinkin-excited! I will be giving updates on how Violet and the baby are doing periodically, but for now that's all we know! But that in itself is amazing!

What to do with my time........

There are days that I honestly do not know what to do with my time. I feel like I have so much to do, and so little time that I have to break things down in order to use my time most effectively. Between caring and helping people's needs, preparing for the weekend, dreaming for the future of the Care and Compassion Ministry, having time for myself, and having time for the family, it can get a little crazy, and frustrating. I am learning though that my most valuable time for my wife should not be the leftovers, but should be the best. The last few days have been very resting for Violet and I. We just got "away" from the norm. We stayed in town, but we were far way enough from what we normally have, and know. Spending the majority of our time just together, talking about us, our future, and our goals together. There is nothing more exciting for me than to day-dream with my wife about us! I am so blessed to have such an amazing woman right beside me. If you know me at all, you would know that it will not take long at all for me to start talking about how amazing Violet is. People tell me all the time "your wife is so sweet" and I have to agree, she is so tender hearted, and the MOST compassionate person I have ever met. God has blessed me with such a Godly woman!