"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be."
-John 14:2-3
Been thinking about this verse a lot lately as Kyle and I have been able to lovingly prepare a place for our baby who will be here in just a few short weeks! Kyle and his dad painted the room back over our thanksgiving break, and we have slowly put things together since then as furniture has arrived. We went with a kind of vintage-nautical theme. We wanted something that was boyish, but not too theme-y or babyish (just our taste I guess), and happily agreed on the following set-up:
Kyle and I have kind of a silly tradition that has thankfully incorporated it's way into our baby's room. Sometimes on date night we like to end the evening at Barnes and Noble and peruse the aisles, coffee in hand of course. Inevitably, we end up in the children's book section, where we typically each pick out one of our favorite books as a child and read them to each other. Wow, that's kind of embarrassing, but we really like it! Both of us came from families that valued reading and togetherness, and so usually our favorite books come with lots of special memories to share, and ideas for how we will read to our children. All that to say, it's not unusual to buy one or more of the books we read, and in doing so have built up a little collection that, until now, piled up on a shelf in our study. In fact, we used some of those books with a note attached to tell both of our parents that their first grand baby was on the way. So happy to have them out on a shelf, ready to read to our sweet baby. We've added to the collection via some generous gifts from family and friends, including Baby's first Bible from his Auntie Julie.
Baby's room is filled with so many special things from so many special people, my favorite thing about it. My dear friend Hayley handmade the sweet blanket hanging over the back of the glider. She's so talented and thoughtful, and the blanket is so special knowing it was made by her. The glider itself was a gift from Kyle's parents, and it's currently my favorite place to sit in the house. I hope I find it as comfy in the middle of the night!
This sign was hand painted by Cathy Hoban, a lady I work with who is such a blessing. She gave it to me at a shower that was given to me at work a couple weeks ago, and I just love it. She had never seen our nursery and yet it matches perfectly. So sweet.
Another view...diaper bag hanging on the closet door (needs to be packed for the hospital), car seat on the floor in the corner (needs to go in the car)....still a lot to do!
Diaper caddy...ready and waiting!
More book shelf: pirate bear from GG (Kyle's mom), sweet lamb that sings Jesus Loves Me from my mom (it creepily rocks it's head back and forth while it sings and scares my poor dog to death. Ha! Hopefully Baby will find it soothing!). Blankets for swaddling and baskets for storage of odds 'n ends.
Changing table/dresser and fun wall peg shelf adorned with all things nautical.
And a peep into the closet!
We've had so much fun preparing for this little one and can't WAIT to meet him...4 short weeks from today if he's timely! This picture is already two weeks old (I haven't been great about taking them), so add a bit to the belly, but you get the idea.
It has been a JOY and a privilege to carry this baby. It is also been very difficult, but in a way that has grown and refined me. This pregnancy has been such a sweet time as our Lord has lovingly, gently loosened my fingers to relinquish the grip I have on my life. He's teaching me to surrender control to Him, to trust instead of worry, and to love with an open hand. Sounds basic enough, but I really do think that God has done something in me these past 8 months that has changed me and my relationship with Him. I've learned just how much I try be in the driver's seat in my life, and pregnancy is a time of waiting, of being still. While it's easy to wish the time away and look to what's ahead, sickness and waves of worry have kept me in the present, learning invaluable lessons on how to trust. And I pray that I have not missed what God has for me in this pregnancy. It's been a difficult and often painful refining process. I've cried many tears and had many sleepless nights, wrestling with things I don't understand. There have also been moments of great, great joy. Thankful that God doesn't give up on me in my weakest moments. Thankful to serve the God that I do.
"I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me.
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O fear the Lord, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the Lord shall not be
in want of any good thing."
3 comments:
I know I've already told this in person, but I just LOVE his nursery!! I can't wait to get started on Pearson's!!
Christie, your last thoughts about letting go and letting God are perfect and exactly what I needed to year. I have been struggling with this for at least two years. I am a control freak. I need to remember that there is a bigger and BETTER control freak, and His way is is the only control I need.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Oh and the room looks fabulous. It's exactly my kind of taste. I hear those gliding chairs are all the rage :D
His room is precious!!! Hope you are enjoying you sweet little man:) congratulations!!
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