Sunday, June 18, 2006

First Father's Day...Sort Of

As a daddy anxiously awaiting the first Gaines daughter in over 50 years, Abigail took it upon herself to get me a few presents in preparation for this fall. In the bottom picture I'm showing off the little T-shirt for this daddy's girl. I also got a bib that says, "My daddy's the best." In the top photo you can see the big gift which was a manly baby pack complete with comparments for all manner of baby odds and ends, such as, an insulated bottle warmer, a portable changing pad, and air tight pouches for the leftovers. I'm all set! Now all I need is Gracie!

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

22 Weeks and Counting!!!

This is the first shot of Abigail pregnant and 28! After a birthday visit to Dr. Johnson we got a second confirmation that the baby I just felt kicking away is in fact a little girl. Abigail continues to feel good and is enjoying being pregnant. I am enjoying watching her grow as well, and am getting anxious to meet this little one. I was reminded today by my students of Psalm 8 which says, "from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise." May that be so for our daughter as well as all the other babies to be in 2006!

Monday, May 22, 2006

It's A Girl!

Today was the big day to find out whether Abigail's been feeling a he or a she kickin' all night long. As you can see by our new blog background, we've been touched again by God's grace! More pics to come later!

Thursday, April 06, 2006

14 Week Ultrasound...2nd Trimester!!!


14 Weeks
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.
Today we hit a couple of milestones. Abigail officially began her 2nd trimester (yea!), and we had another ultrasound and got to see the baby kick and move. We thought we'd blog a few pictures so you could all see the progress this child is making. In this photo you can see a nice side view with an arm sticking up and the umbilical cord at the top.

At today's visit we got to see the baby pretty well developed with all its parts (arms, legs, hands, feet, brain, spine, heart, etc.) It was an amazing experience to share together. As soon as Dr. Johnson started the ultrasound we could see our child moving and jumping. Abigail commented that Baby Gaines knew it was being watched so did some extra kicks and jumps to show off for its mom and dad. An absolute miracle to behold!

We'll settle the he/she mystery at next month's appointment. Dr. J said the baby looks beautiful and we're right on track. Thanks for your prayers. We look forward to the role you will all play in this child's life and development. We love you all!

Good Bye First Tri!!!


14 Weeks
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.
A great 14 week shot of our baby's profile. Nice round head. Cute little nose. Baby Gaines is now the size of a large peach. How sweet it is!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Reflections from Dad

Until now Abigail's been doing all of the baby blogging, so I thought I'd swing in and give a few pregnancy reflections of my own. The Lord has certainly been faithful to us in so many ways. His timing is perfect. As I write we are hopefully coming to the beginning of the end of finishing our major construction overhaul of 143 S. Wabash, and this baby's room which now sits without walls, will soon have the Abitouches put to it. I'm hoping for a mural. After recent trip to Colina de Luz, I'm feeling more ready than ever to be a dad. Ironically, it was on the playground at Colina eight years ago that the Lord first put in me this desire through the embrace of a 5 year-old orphan. He's brought me full circle on that one and again remained faithful.

Abigail's been a wonderful pregnant wife, and soon to be mom. We've gone almost exclusively organic in all of our food consumption. No pesticides, preservatives, or growth-hormones for this child. You all know how health conscious she is and we've only taken that up about 10 levels. She also amazes me as she continues to direct the Homework House amidst weird tummy issues, aches, pains, and exhaustion. I have so much respect and admiration for her!

We've got another ultrasound appointment later this week, so look for another baby picture to be posted soon. Abigail got to hear the heartbeat last week, and I was the absent father (we actually didn't know this was that kind of appointment). Anyhow...my prayer for this child continues to be, "may every heartbeat beat for you my Lord" Seeing that all creation in some way is a part of ceaseless praise directed towards its Creator, we were sitting in church worshipping awhile back and I was struck by the thought that this child is already worshipping even as its being knit together. Wes or Steve, perhaps a song? Too late to make this CD? Worth a shot! Look for an upcoming blog about what it will take to be the best uncle as I reflect again.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

A Little Bump!


A Little Bump!
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.
The baby has already formed its organs and its brain is moving its arms and legs around. By now, its nose, eyes, ears, eyelids, and lips are also present. Its fingers and toes are no longer webbed! Yeah!

Baby Gaines at 9 1/2 Weeks!


Baby Gaines at 9 1/2 Weeks!
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.
Snug as a bug in a rug, Baby Gaines is already beginning to make its mama's belly stick out! So far Abigail's symptoms have been relatively mild. Besides a few tired days and regular midnight snacks, she's feeling pretty good!

7 weeks


7 weeks
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.
Baby Gaines at 7 weeks!

The Big News!


The Big News!
Originally uploaded by jacobgaines.
On January 18th, we found out the beautiful news, We're Going To Be A Mommy And Daddy!! And of course, Harles found out that he was going to be a big brother (or something like that)!
Abigail took about 10 pregnancy tests (of all different varieties) before she believed the positive line was for real. It was truly a surreal moment. Jacob just had that "deer in the headlights" look for about 48 hours.