Babies Everywhere

I took this photograph when my sister was in labor with her second child, Clara. As you can see, my dad and my precious nephew Jack were both anxiously awaiting the birth of Clara!

It seems like babies are everywhere lately! Every time I go to the grocery store or out to eat, I am beginning to notice how many babies and pregnant moms there are in Birmingham. To me, there is nothing more special than seeing a pregnant mom hold her belly or smile at her husband. Most of you know this already, but I absolutely love everything about pregnancy-and NO I am not pregnant, and I have never been, but it is such a miracle from God. The whole process. When I hear of non-believers in regards to Jesus Christ, it amazes me and makes me think. Do people not understand how complicated, yet so simple at the same time the pregnancy process is? There are so many miracles that happen when you have a child. I cannot speak from my own personal experience, but I have friends and family that have witnessed to this miracle. It is so spectacular to me that when you are pregnant you have the opportunity to grow a human inside of you-not just any human-you're own precious child. A child that will look like you, talk like you, walk like you, and have bits and pieces of your personality.

This morning I had the chance to observe what I call "Newbee Parents" which means first time parents in my own language! I was in the waiting room for my check-up at my OB/GYN doctor when I couldn't help but watch the pregnant women pass through the doors. I was trying not to be nosey, but every time the door opened, I would look to see if that woman was pregnant. I would say 9 out of 10 were!!! I promise something must be in the air! I also play a little game in my head and try to guess when they're due. Most of the time I am right, but I can be caught off guard. This morning was particularly special for me. I witnessed two precious couples, or should I say their better halves, anxiously waiting in the room to be called back to see the miracle appear on the monitor. The first man rushed into the doors and frantically looked from side to side of the waiting room trying to find his wife. I heard him ask the receptionist where his wife was, and the man smiled and marched to the closest chair he could find and sat down. I noticed the anxiousness in his body through his hands and his feet. He was twiddling with his fingers and tapping his feet so hard that you couldn't help but notice. I knew exactly what he was waiting for-the moment of knowing if you are having a healthy boy or healthy girl. Putting his body language aside, you also couldn't help but stare at his smile. It was so cute to see a grown man, sitting there in this best suit, waiting to see his soon to be born child. I was praying that I would still be sitting in the waiting room when his wife came out to tell him the news, and I was! His wife, just as precious and about 4 months pregnant as she could be, looked at him and smiled. I saw some tears swell in her eyes as she said, "Hey baby! It's a boy!" This is when I had chills-here I am-a perfect stranger watching two people experience the miracle that God has given to parents. I couldn't help but stare.

The second experience was when I noticed a man that looked in his early to mid 30's laid back in a chair in the corner. His eyes were shut tight, and his mouth was wide open-he was dead asleep!!! I knew his story-2nd or 3rd child on the way, patiently waiting in the room for his wife to call him back, and too tired to be anxious because he was up all night with the little ones! Both of the scenarios were fun to see. It was so emotional to see. It was almost like a Hall Mark card or a movie-it was that real! I couldn't help but think of the time when Hunter and I get to experience this. I know we have a while to go, but it is so exciting to see other people experience this miracle!