Pilgrims' Home

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It has been 4 days since the last post, and I apologize to the grandmas out there, who would like hourly photo updates... According to the dodctors, we have an abnormally long child. We went to the doctor for Micah's 2 week checkup (before you know it, he will be 18 years old). He was alert and content the whole appt., just like we talked about in the car. Our pediatrician was very pleased with Micah's health, especially the color of his poop, which he let her see several times...the kid can go! Also, the nurse said that she had worked in the office for 13 years, and this was the first 23 inch two-week old ever! I called Guiness (the Record book, not the beer company...hmm) but they were less than interested. Anyway, Phil Jackson did call inquiring about placing the youngster in his special infant/toddler basketball camps...and since we live in suburbia, you really can't start them too young. Well Micah is changing. Like I said, he is more alert, and his multitude of faces ...

Someone asked me why we named Micah what we did. Frankly, several years ago, Lindsay and I knew that if we had a boy, Micah would be his name. (James is the middle name of my dad and me). Micah comes from the prophet in the BibleOne way to tell the story of Micah's name is "Who is like God?" The name is a question - character of the prophet Micah's work, asking the wealthy class, who lived on the backs of others, "Who is like God?" Micah the prophet is known for his call to Israel: What does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God." May his parents, his community and Micah, himself, live out of God's Spirit into this life of justice, kindness and humility. The image above is Micah James (you have to read it from right to left).

I just have to include this picture. I forgot that I had it on my computer. This is a picture of the day after we realized that Lindsay was pregnant. It is us being silly at the Arboretum in Chanhassen. My parents (very willing to humor us) took the picture, and we have it hanging in Micah's room. Here's the story: In early October 2006, on a Thursday evening, Lindsay decided to take apregnancy test, which made me a but nervous. See, my parents were coming, and if we weren't pregnant I didn't want to be bumbed out for the weekend. I was downstairs watching "My Name is Earl" a classic American televsiion show committed to raising the average IQ of the 30-something American male (that's me). Anyway, I heard this roaring cry from upstairs, and in my mind, I was conivnced that this was going to be one tough weekend.... But I was wrong. Lindsay, screaming with tears, told me to come upstairs to see the stick, and sure enough - pregnant we were...I was so shock...

We had John and Mona Norman, who come from California, over last night for Chipotle (we ordered online!). Believe it or not Chipotle was out of guac, so I made some of my own - twice the garlic, twice the onions - guaranteed heartburn! Anyway, John Norman is Janet's cousin, so we consider them like aunts and uncles. The whole second/third cousin, or cousin once-removed is too impersonal. Anyway, Lindsay joined us late for supper since Micah needed his first. I went to relieve her and burp him, but 20 minutes into burping Micah, we both fell asleep. We finally went horizontal in the bedroom, and I woke up 3 hours later after John and Mona had already left. Some host that I am - sorry John and Mona. We were both tired. But the report of the evening was that there was much laughter and reminscing about life. Lindsay said that they also spent time making fun of each others' parts of the country - Midwest and West Coast. Lindsay said they (actually, she) spent a few minutes picking ...

Today I was rustling around the nursery, and I found an abundance of items that never before had I imagined purchasing. I am learning new grammars, ointments and creams, and procedures that I never knew existed. My personal favorite is the "Butt Paste," which very respectable and proper people recommend as the best. I would have completely understood if my friend and new dad, Jeff Williamson, recommended it (for he introduced me to Beano in the early 90's). But Butt Paste it is, along with Desitin, Laxotrim, and other odd words, including Acidolphilus (this cannot be the correct spelling). But seriously, I do have some favorite things: 1. When he sleeps - not simply because so can we, but to look over him as a peaceful and innocent little boy, awaiting a world of wonder and excitement. 2. Praying that he would know God and he would know the power of the Holy Spirit pouring out over him. Praying that Micah will have an insatiable imagination, curiosity and wonderment that ...

Micah took his first bath at home today. Let' just say that today was the day we chose to torture our child. (For those fo you who get concerned with this language - we didn't really, but based on the screaming pouring forth from Micah, one would think we did. He is seriously the cutest kid. Today, we walked around the block, twice (and I was worried the whole time that he would get a sunburn, so I made sure to walk in the shadows, away from the sun). I am pretty sure that he was smiling at me, but then when we got home, he had a full diaper - pretty sure the smile was just gas (like mother, I mean father, like son). On the mother note- Micah slept between late night feedings for 3.5 hours, so mommy was able to get some rest last night! Hooray! She even found time to shower, and she, as always, is radiant. I am really thankful for her - she is a great mom. I look forward to being her buddy in parenting forever - wow, that's a long time. Anyway, let's finish the text and...

Okay, so we (Kyle) know its a little ridiculous, but some great company created toys called, Holy Folks, so I bought all that the store had (they were missing Noah). So here is Micah on Day 5, surrounded by Moses, Jesus and Mother Mary. If I may be so silly, we have History and Torah in Moses, the Savior in Jesus, and God's servant in Mary - with Micah, we might even say that we have the prophets. And his middle name, James, can include the epistles (All we need to do is include mom and we have Wisdom). It's all there??? Why not? It is a real joy being a dad. Originally, I was dreading the nightly interuptions, the dirty diapers, and the exhaustion. But it is really wonderful. Who knew being tired and clueless could be so fun? Here are a few more pictures...because, why not?

Micah is five days old, and I am continually amazed that mom and dad are still functioning. Mommy is exhausted, but she continues to radiate beauty. Enjoy the photos, and I am sure that we will post more in the coming hours....

Well today was exceptional. I was able to be with my dad, my father-in-law and my son, Micah, as well as our three beautiful wives. I have grown to appreciate my dad more and more over the years. I do pray that Micah might learn to appreciate me earlier than I learned to fully appreciate my father. I am thankful for a father who taught me to work hard, even when it seems easier to put it all off. I have a father who prioritized well - he values people and family above money, security and prestige. He is a father who constantly taught me to tell the truth and value the truth and integrity of others. In the face of injustice, speak up. My father continues to grow in faith, and I value these conversations more than anything. I thank God for my dad, and I look forward to growing together as I enter fatherhood and as he extends his love to a third grandchild. Thanks be to God that our relationships transofrm as we mature - Thank you dad for never giving up on me. It was truly an amazing da...

Well, we left for the hospital at 8:45 Thursday morning, and on our way we stopped to buy socks at Target. Thankfully they were on sale! On our way through Victoria we stopped at the Victoria Fire Station to have our infant safety seat certified for installation. Unfortunately, they don’t certify infant seats, so we will trust that Jeff Causton and I installed it correctly. We arrived at the hospital around 10:15, and Kim, our incredible nurse, welcomed us into a labor/delivery room. It was unclear if we would stay for the day or if our doctor, Dr. Matt Weinrich, would send us home. Early on Lindsay’s contractions were sporadic and quiet, but everything changed. And by-golly, we are here to stay. At 11:15 Dr. Weinrich moved the process along by breaking the water. Lindsay is naturally progressing along centimeter by centimeter. We were quite fearful about the epidural, but at 12:30, Dr. Turner did an exceptional job calming anxiety and finishing the procedure. Kyle had to sit down afte...