Boy, oh Boy!

First, let me say that going a week without internet service does NOT help the "behind blogger" catch up. :) I'm overdue for updates on our Avon Walk in Chicago, our AMAZING trip to Italy, and now our biggest news of all...

That's right! On Monday morning, we found out that the Jacobs Family is actually adding a BOY to our very girly mix! I didn't even think it was possible...even after the sonographer said the news, it still didn't seem real. As I kept listening to her say "and here is his little hand" or "his kidneys look great", I couldn't believe that I was hearing "him", "his", and "he" to describe my little one pound bundle of joy!!

After getting the wonderful news that all was healthy and strong with this little one (it was amazing to hear that for the fourth time!), we headed to Aunt Cassie's house to get the girls and tell them the news. Of course, I had to stop at Party City to get some necessary decorations for sharing the surprise. Without much pre-planning (as you can tell by looking at it) we decorated the car with "It's a Boy" car decals, blue streamers, a banner, and blue balloons. Mark had plenty to say about my keen ability to be "over the top", even though I disagreed because it was really NOT my best work. But, hey...it's these moments my kids will remember, right?! Here's the big reveal...eyes were closed tight, even though the whole time Kendyll kept saying "I already think I know!" (she has called this a "boy" from the very beginning...)

And, here are the sweet faces when they saw all the blue...

The girls also got blue M&M's and "It's A Boy!" ribbons to wear to announce the news. They have worn them to every store, to church events, and even to sleep in. Can you tell they are a little excited?? Here is Abby Kate modeling her ribbon...

I think she ACTUALLY understands this too! She has told quite a few people "Mommy's baby is a boooy like Daddy!" Very cute.

This entire time, as we had our doctors appointment, as we told the girls, and as I ran errands the rest of the day, I literally was in a cloud of disbelief, and meanwhile, my sweet husband was boo-hooing in the sonographer's office, crying again on our way to get the girls, and again that night as we prayed. I cried too...but his was a much sweeter cry. :) I don't think I'll ever forget that day. Not that the other "reveals" were any less significant. But, watching Mark rejoice over this healthy boy was a very sweet moment. Now, me...I have to say I had a myriad of emotions. Fear combined with maybe a little bit of worry MIGHT have been mixed in there among the relief and happiness to see he was healthy and strong.

Don't get me wrong. I know that I will love this little guy more than I can even dream. And, I know that his big sisters will dote over him and make him feel more than loved. I'm even warmed up to the idea of shopping in the "blue section", since we've already done it three times in the last four days. Yes, his big sisters are obsessed with finding things for him already. :)

What I worry about are the "big things" of raising a son, especially as a baby of three older sisters! I wonder about being a good "boy mom" after being a "girly girl mom" for so long. Mark and I have already prayed over this sweet boy, and have had some interesting discussions that are completely new for us. These conversations have ranged from what his room will look like (which ended with me in tears for some reason), what he will be "allowed to wear and not wear" (more of a Mark-led conversation, really), all the way to how we help him be a strong man, even among lots of women, and to be a spiritual leader of his family someday. Mark has had some sweet things to say on these topics as well, and although they aren't all for this blog, I do want this little boy to know when he reads this someday, what a strong and amazing man for a daddy he has to follow after in this family.

Your daddy, even in the last four days, has already been preparing his heart and mind for leading you in the way only a daddy can. I am constantly praying already to be a good mother to you, as well. Hopefully God has equipped us for this work He has called us to...there are many days where I wonder! But, I know He will guide both of us as your parents to raise you in the Lord and to be a fighter and a lover all wrapped in one CUTE boy body...which will also be new for me. :)

We love you, baby boy. And, can't BELIEVE we have been blessed again with a completely healthy baby. "Thank you" does not seem words enough to tell God exactly how much that blessing means to us. Use us, Lord, to raise these children as you would have us to. Keep this little one safe and growing strong. And, let our adjustment to the addition of "all things boy" be a smooth and joyous one for our family. :)