When I married Brian, I knew that he was the type of person who wouldn't shrink back from life...and that our lives together would be full of adventure and joy.

What I couldn't have known for sure is what a sweet father he would be, and how much his partnership in parenting would mean. Lazarus is now 7 weeks old (!) and is thriving. He is fully surrounded by love, and my dear husband is such a vital part of this family equation. He leads us in sweetness and joy, and the magic that Lazarus brings to our house is amplified by Brian's fatherhood.

In light of this blessing, I have looked around these past few weeks and am amazed at women or men who do this job of parenting alone.

Today I am thanking God for this man of His and mind, and for providing children with what they need, and for strengthening those who parent without a partner.


EMB

Lazarus is here!!!!! And life will never be the same!

He joined us on Wednesday at 3:08 a.m. (after my water broke around 3 a.m. on Tuesday). He is 7 pounds, 11 ounces; 22 inches long. Perfect in every way....God has opened our lives and hearts up in ways I never imagined were possible. He truly does bless us beyond what we can ask or think. Please join me in praising Him for keeping us safe, and even for granting us the type of birth experience that we prayed for. I believe that it was because of His help, and the prayers of the saints, that things went as they did. And, hopefully our son will be a lifelong credit to this truth....Lazarus means "God helps." And so his name is Lazarus Mercy Barger. Please ask God that He will support us in doing everything we can to help the life of Lazarus be an opus to his Creator, a reflection of the Beloved Son, Jesus.

Because I am too busy falling in love with our son to update more than one spot, please check Facebook for pictures.

Sending love to you all!

Erin

Our baby has very politely and punctually decided to start entering the world on his/er due date! We have started the labor process and hope to introduce you to him/er in the next few days!

Please pray that our baby will enter the world in calm and grace, and that God is glorified throughout this process.

With love,
Erin

Brian and I are anxiously awaiting our introduction to Baby Barger...we are at 38 weeks which means that moment of introduction could come at any time. It's funny to see all of our guests at the community kitchen look at me with intense apprehension. For those with limited birth experience, I believe they are expecting my water to break at any moment and that I will call on one of them to deliver...obviously, they don't realize that most first births take several hours and are not emergencies. It's funny to see how differently people react to a very expectant mother.

The shower was great! It was the most "to the point" shower I have ever experienced (but yet, was very gracious and warm). No games, no shenanigans...we came, we ate, we opened presents, visited, and departed. For a lady with a 37 weeks baby belly, I had no complaints that no games were played. Three of my 4 nieces were there, which was such a gift. Also, my niece Hannah was accepted at UGA, so she will be our Athens neighbor. The week was complete with baby shower AND a college tour. We are very blessed.

And speaking of blessings, diapers: cloth or disposable, or both?

First baby shower coming up this weekend....any funny shower stories or advice?