Adam Barnett

Ellie's First Road-trip!

We took Ellie on her first road-trip this weekend.  We went to Dallas to the Lead Now Conference and loved every minute of it! Of course, it is a different experience when some of the time, you're less concentrated on the conference and more concentrated on Ellie's hungry tummy or full diapers. At one point, during Matt Chandler's session, Ellie blew out her diaper and passed gas so loudly, people multiple rows away were looking our direction.  Once they realized the "toots" were coming from our sweet Ellie, they minded their own business.  All that to say, she did a great job and as you can see in this pic, loves her car-seat!!!  

Person vs. Purpose

I got an encouraging email from a friend the other day that said she was praying for Andrea and me as we continue to learn about parenting.  She said something very profound that has challenged me and consumed me since the moment I read it: "Don't raise a person; raise a purpose." I've thought a lot more about this and here are a few things I've thought of: 

Raising a person leads to fear.  Raising a purpose promotes boldness and courage. 

Raising a person limits creativity.  Raising a purpose promotes dreaming wildly. 

Raising a person is ownership.  Raising a purpose is knowing what belongs to the Lord. 

Raising a person creates worry.  Raising a purpose is to fully trust the Lord. 

Raising a person is to define a future.  Raising a purpose allows freedom and choice. 

Raising a person is selfish.  Raising a purpose is to promote God's desires. 

Raising a person is defined.  Raising a purpose keeps one open to the Holy Spirit. 

Raising a person requires plans.  Raising a purpose requires following God's direction. 

Raising a person can be done alone.  Raising a purpose requires the body of Christ. 

Raising a person is stressful.  Raising a purpose is to be filled with the joy of the Lord.

Raising a person is boring.  Raising a purpose is full of anticipation! 

Raising a person can be done with luck.  Raising a purpose requires prayer. 

Raising a person lacks purpose.  Raising a purpose promises a fruitful life! 

... So, Lord, help Andrea and I (and those around us who love Ellie) to raise more than just a person, but a daughter with a purpose to shake things up in this world!  Amen. 

This Makes it Real...

Andrea and I have been looking at this application on my i-Phone for 9 months.  To see that there is only one day remaining makes it ridiculously real in my heart.  I'm going to kiss my daughter tomorrow. Unbelievable. I guess I'll just delete the application tomorrow!  Ha!  Andrea is doing well and I'm just astounded as I continue to realize how strong she's been during this pregnancy! The other funny observation I've made of myself during this preparation for labor is that I feel like this is something that no one has ever done before (it is that monumental in my life!).  And then I realize that there have been billions of fathers in history who have felt this same feeling. I'm thrilled to join the fraternity of fathers tomorrow! I'll post her picture as soon as possible!

Final Prep and Chocolate Chip Pancakes

It is strange to realize that in just a few days, I'm going to see what my daughter looks like.  I'm going to hold her, kiss her and change a poopy-diaper.  I can't wait! We have been making all of our final preparations for her arrival, especially around the house. Andrea will be induced on Wednesday morning, so we should have a baby by that afternoon or evening.  People at work have logged their guesses of her arrival time on my whiteboard.  We haven't decided what the winner will receive - maybe we will put a dirty diaper in the mail to their house!  Andrea and I had a crazy reality check tonight... we had our last "date night" without having to pay a baby-sitter.  Andrea picked IHOP and watching her dominate her food almost gave ME contractions. 

  

Pregnancy Lesson V: Projects

This will be my final "Pregnancy Lesson" that I write about, mainly because Andrea's about to finish her pregnancy! One of the most time-consuming things about preparing for the baby is the list of projects that are my responsibility, a.k.a. "Honey-Do List."  It is a blessing to be preparing in this way for Ellie's arrival, but boy was it a long list!  It includes putting together the crib, changing table, dresser, swing, baby-bouncer, high-chair and stroller, painting the room, hanging stuff on walls, cleaning carpet, hanging a chandelier and the list goes on and on. 

The largest "project" on my to-do list was to build a china hutch.  All of our china has been stashed away in Ellie's closet, which we now need for shoes, diapers, clothes, etc.  So, my dad and I built a china hutch and made room for the new addition to the family.  Well worth it.  

I'm well aware, though, that the projects are just beginning. 

5 Years Strong!

Andrea and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on Friday.  It was awesome!  We spent the entire day together and finished with an amazing dinner at the Melting Pot (below).  I wish I could describe how wonderful it is to be married to my best friend. She's my FAVORITE part of my life!  

Pregnancy Lesson IV: Discomfort/Exhaustion

It would be ignorant of me to not consider how uncomfortable and exhausted my wife must be from carrying a child.  But, I'm here to tell you that it is an accurate diagnosis for the father-to-be, too.  

I know that many parents I've talked to are adamant to warn us of the upcoming sleep patterns we're bound to face.  However, we've already taken a few doses of this condition - Andrea's inability to get comfortable has resulted in numerous middle-of-the-night conversations.  This makes it much more challenging to start the work day with my typical level of zeal and enthusiasm. 

Lastly, the projects (coming soon) that come with pregnancy are exhausting.  After being spent after a day of ministry, meetings, planning, etc., the best treatment would be an evening on the couch with any form of entertainment on ESPN. However, my evenings have been spent will my drill, hammer, measuring tape, etc.  

All that to say, I anticipate that our friend's advice on parenthood is valid: sleep is rare, so never waste a moment to rest.  Bring on the baby!!! 

Pregnancy Lesson III: Showers

I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our family and friends as we wait on Ellie to arrive. Unbelievable.  Andrea has had four showers (I think) and has received so much stuff for Ellie.  "Stuff" includes, but is not limited to shoes, clothes, furniture, high-chair, chairs, stroller, baby-swing, bouncer, wall decor, clothes, picture frames, baby books, car seat, baby-monitor, sippy-cups, clothes, bottles, bottle warmer, nursing stuff, pacifiers, tons of diapers and more clothes.

We are so thankful for the family and friends that God has put in our lives... but in this season of life, our friends have given us the "kick-start" into parenthood that we needed and we'll never be able to explain our gratitude.  Maybe we'll return the favor when they start popping out babies...

Here are some of Andrea's girlfriends that threw Andrea one of her showers: 

Pregnancy Lesson II: Toughness

If there is one thing that I've learned about Andrea through her pregnancy, it has to be this: the woman is strong.  Personally, I cannot imagine being "with child" and the many changes that take place physically. To list some that I've noticed: 

• If Andrea ever sits on the ground, to get up includes rolling around the floor. 
• Watching human skin stretch the way her stomach has is simply miraculous.  
• To think about a baby pushing on my stomach - has to be miserable. 
• For Andrea to find a comfy sleeping position - impossible. 
• Having to get up 2-3 times in the middle of the night to pee - commitment.  
• How you can only gain 14 pounds in pregnancy... intriguing and awesome!  

Not to mention, last night at our church softball-league tournament, a ball came flying over the fence, took a few bounces and drilled Andrea right in the stomach. Of course, I panicked a little and assumed position as if it were time to deliver the baby. She said, "I'm fine. This is making our daughter tough!"

Conclusion: my wife hasn't even been in labor yet and she's my hero.  Tough chick!  

Pregnancy Lesson I: Anticipation

The second Andrea told me that she was pregnant, the entire world around me changed.  Immediately, although I was 9 months away from meeting my child, my mind began to race!  Here are a few thoughts that I had from the start: 

• What do I need to be doing for Andrea to make sure she's comfortable? 
• How in the world do I begin to pray for my little boy or girl?  
• How can I best prepare myself to be a daddy?  
• Is it going to be a boy or a girl?  
• I've got to clean out our "mini-storage" (a.k.a. spare bedroom)
• How quickly can I get Andrea a new car? (her old one - not safe!) 
• How much is a college education going to cost 18 years from now?!? 
• How can we creatively and uniquely tell our parents?  
• What are our two overly needy dogs going to think?  

We are now only a few weeks away from meeting our little one, but there's not a day that has gone by that I haven't thought a ton about her and prayed for her!  The anticipation has built since day one! And we are so ready!  (well, whatever "ready" means, we feel it!)