The Name (21 Weeks)

We wanted to choose a name for our son that not only rolled off the tongue eloquently, had a significant meaning, and was devoid of negative associations for us, but also one that was derived from the Bible.

There was a man who was known for being wise, who was spoken of in the same sentence with King Solomon in all his wisdom. He grew up with two brothers, singing, writing songs, and making music to the Lord. As a Levite, he also grew up watching his relatives serve in the tabernacle, observing the sacrifices being offered, and pondering the mercies of the Lord. He wrote a Psalm, and had three additional Psalms dedicated to him.

Rumours had it that the ark - the very symbol of the Lord’s presence - was being returned. As it was arriving, being carried on the shoulders of men, the joyful dancing was accompanied by songs of praise. This man and his brothers stood before the people, played stringed instruments, trumpets, and cymbals, and led the congregation in song - ”raising the voice with resounding joy” (1 Chronicles 15:16).

King David designated him by name to give thanks to the Lord; his six sons also walked faithfully with God and were separated by David for service. They were called to declare the word of the Lord through song (“to prophecy with stringed instruments” (1 Chronicles 25:1-3)). Years later, he was able to witness the completion and dedication of Solomon’s temple. Standing next to the altar where countless sacrifices were made, dressed in white, he stood with his sons leading the congregation in worship, singing “He is good; His mercy endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34). When the presence of the Lord filled the temple, he was unable to even sing, as he fell to his knees in worship, in awe of the reality of God’s presence. God’s presence always seemed to inspire and accompany his songs.

His name was Ethan, and thus is our son's namesake.

With his name meaning "strong", our desire is for Ethan to love the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and STRENGTH, as it says in Deuteronomy 6:5. The Lord has created him to know God, to walk humbly with Him, and to trust in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. And even as Ethan is being shaped in body, mind, and personality, it is comforting as parents to know that God has bigger plans for him than we do!

And it came and went: 20 weeks

Actually, in this picture, I am about 20.7 weeks... :). But as you may know, we had the ultrasound. The baby is as healthy as can be (measured 20 weeks 5 days when he was 20 weeks 2 days old... let me guess... he is going to be tall). Also, the placenta is in its rightful position!! We are super excited! And, just to make it blog-official, we are having a BOY!!! :) Stay tuned for the name. Josh will be posting the name and its significance very soon! :)

19 Weeks: It's almost time!

For some reason I can't rotate this picture here. So, here is the only time I am going to be laying on my back during the pregnancy! ;) Anyway, at the time of this picture there is a week to go until the ultrasound, and I am SO excited. We just can't wait to find out whether baby is a girl or a boy!

On Thursday, this week (August 11, 2011), I felt what I thought was my stomach girgling after lunch and touched my hand to the area. To my surprise, I felt a very obvious kick from our little sweetie. I could have sworn it was a heel: it was THAT distinct! This was such a huge moment for me in the growing reality that there is actually a HUMAN growing in me! I have been feeling what I thought were maybe little kicks since 15 weeks, but I never was sure of it and it happened so infrequently. Now that I have felt this with my hand, I feel the baby kicking all the time! I guess my stomach wasn't as active as I had thought. It was baby all along! What a joy to live with this child in the same body for all this time!

Please be praying for our little baby as they continue to grow and that we would have a healthy report this upcoming Tuesday!