[Rach]

Wow, Stephen! This is sooo bizarre, i was seriously just thinking about you the other day, something on CGR reminded me of you and so i was wondering how you are doing. SO very glad to see that you are doing so well and congratulaitons on your marriage and baby on the way! That is so wonderful to hear!

[SCCdcTFreak]

Yeah, it's been a long time since coming in here . . .

Daddyness -- Wow, the coolest thing in the world. I believe the last time I entered a post on here was over a year ago. At that time, Heather was 3 months pregnant, craving massive quantities of Sonic Mozerella sticks and complaining about the 70 degree Texas Februarys. She then longed for those days by the time she was 8 months pregnant in July.

To give everyone an update, I had some major issues at my job at that time. (which was a return trip to a previous job, but this time with a manager that to this day is still over-managing the department) But that is neither here nor there.

On August 18th, 2006, Reghan (pronounced just like Megan, but with an R) Kiersten into this world. We had to schedule a C-Section because well, like her momma and daddy she's stubborn and did not want to move into the correct birthing position. Boy, little did Heather and I know at the time what foreshadowing that was.

No, but seriously -- I love my little girl. It's hard to believe that she's now 7 months old and even starting to eat actual baby food. She doesn't talk yet, but she sure tries. Heather is doing awesome -- we realize more and more each day what a miracle the gift of life is. It's amazing how much of a sponge Reghan's little mind is. She's already pretty much figured out the "drop-it" game. You fellow parents know the drill. Baby has rattle, baby drops rattle four feet to the ground, baby finds amusement in the dropping, daddy picks up the rattle and hands it to baby, baby smiles, and as daddy starts to take another bite of pot roast, baby giggles . . .and drops the rattle again. She's also realized that when the red light on her bottle warmer turns green, it's time to start kicking her legs in anticipation of her next meal. That one's pretty cute.

She's the most beautiful little girl ever, and anyone who disagrees will get a strong brow-furrowing. But on another serious note, God has really taught me what true and pure trust is. This little girl, this infant comes into the world knowing absolutely NOTHING, not even what hunger is. Someone wise (I think it was my wife's OBGYN -- who on a side note was a really cool guy and helped me be comfortable when he was doing what he had to do -- he's also a fellow believer, which was HUGE for us) told me that we have to realize when Reghan experiences hunger for the first time, she has no idea what it is. To her, she is absolutely going to die if she doesn't get food quickly. So the only thing she knows to do is cry. Her life literally revolves around her, and when she's awake, yeah, Heather's life and mine do really revolve around her. It's scary when you think of it. I'm still the guy that likes to stay up until about 1 AM playing PS2 but then get up and go to work at 8:30 AM. That doesn't mix well with a hungry child at 2 AM. Thankfully, though after about her third week we taught her to sleep through the night. And with exceptions, she's got it down. Anyone that's becoming a parent soon, PM me about that and I'll teach you the wisdom of a night-sleeping child. I can't take credit, the awesome OBGYN taught us.

So, I'm going to end this rant for now, but needless to say, I have an even stronger understanding of my faith in God through Reghan. Just when I think I can't do it all on my own, I think of my sweet little girl and how she REALLY can't make it on her own, aside from the spiritual aspects of that. Fatherhood is preaching to me. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I'll be around more often (I know I've said that before) but I work now at a place where I'm seriously at the computer all day, and there is not always a lot going on. Peace out, and much love to anyone taking the time to read this.

-- The Franchise (yeah, that's my on-air name now since graduating radio school -- yeah, I graduated radio school, too -- another bonus)

[Singin4Him82]

Hey there! Its awesome to see your enjoying parenthood!! Funny when you told me you guys were pregnant I was just about to be pregnant myself! We're now proud parents to little Elijah Aaron . It's seriously the greatest blessing isn't it?

[SCCdcTFreak]

Words cannot describe the ultimate blessing. Elijah is a very cute little guy -- I love the picture in the avatar. I have never been scared and excited at the same time until I held Reghan in my arms at the ripe, young age of about two minutes old. I've also never cried like that before. I was emotionally insane that day.