exciting times...

These are exciting times...for the very first time, I am going to be an aunt. I know you're thinking I'm already an aunt, and you're right. I have a niece & nephew on Jeff's side of the family, Brittany & Brandon, and I love them dearly. BUT -- this is completely different.

My "little" brother, Daniel, (he's only 2 years younger, but it seems like so much more than that to me...) and his sweet wife, Brandi, are going to welcome a darling addition to their family in about 2 1/2 months. And this will change lives, people.

It will change their lives -- they will no longer be a couple; they will be called a family. They will not only be "husband & wife", they will become "mommy & daddy" to a precious child. A child who will watch their every move, listen to their every word.

It will change the lives of my parents -- they will not only be parents, they will (finally) be called "grandparents". They will experience the joys of grandparenting which I've heard is so much different than parenting...they are absolutely beside themselves with excitement.

So Brandi's due date is July 23, a mere 6 days before they celebrate their 2nd anniversary. So she is just about 2 1/2 months away...has it really already been 6 1/2 months? That's crazy. And she's just the cutest little pregnant woman -- you'd never guess she was pregnant if you were looking anywhere but her stomach (it kinda makes me sick...). And guess what they're having? Oh, I just can't wait!

We had a baby shower for them a couple weekends ago in my hometown, Lexington (NC). All of Brandi's family is around the area and they have a great support group at their church so we had good attendance that Sunday afternoon. I made little corsages (out of socks & such) for both of them to wear, the mommy- and daddy-to-be. And then the unveiling of "THE PINK" began! Yes, they got loads of girlie, pink stuff, much to my brother's chagrin. But, they are having a girl. That is the natural tendency. They did get a lot of nice things that were NOT pink and he was thankful for that. Let me just say, the child will NEVER be naked for lack of clothes! But how can one resist those little dresses, onesies & jeans that are only 7 inches long?! Oh, and don't even get me started on the shoes!

Tell me...do you think he looks ready? :)

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

--Proverbs 22:6