Family reunion

It's the last phase of our family visitations with my sister leaving this morning. My folks are in for the week, and it's been amazing seeing them go ga-ga over Calvin! My mom just can't stop touching and holding him. All along, Sylvia and I were musing over how my folks would react, and their first introduction to their grandson almost brought tears to my eyes. As I reflect on all that our family has been through, all the trials and joys that threatened to undo us, I can only echo my mother's almost constant phrase, "thanks to God..." I'm so glad that they're here, and I know the week will fly by so fast. Then it's just Sarah and me. Continue to pray for Sarah as she has not been home alone since we've had Calvin. I'm praying that it will be sweet time with the Lord and that she won't be too lonely. Mothering is such hard work! (At least it looks that way from my perspective!!!)

Pictures of a happy baby...

Some pictures of me laddie...

Long time coming...

Sorry folk, the adjustment to life and ministry with a kid has been more taxing than ever I realized. I just haven't had the energy to update! But here I am today typing one-handed because Calvin is finally asleep (albeit iny my arms).

Martin Luther once said that the essence of sin is a curvature of the self in and upon the self. I think Luther was onto something. Self-centeredness, selfishness, self-referentiality, call it whatever you wish, we human beings are naturally bent towards looking out for numero uno, our needs, exalting ourselves...overall, making the world revolve around us. Think about it: our own self-estimation causes us to lust after people or things - we think to ourselves how much that thing would please us, how we deserve it, with no thought to the dignity of the person being lusted after, no consideration of the place of such thing in God's economy. This curvature of the self is so deceptive - we don't even know when we're being all about us!

Calvin is showing me how deep the well runs for me. He is exposing patterns of selfishness ingrained in my habits and lifestyle that I was ignorant to. Likewise, Sarah, by her selfless example and unflinching maternal love, shows me how far I must still go. I'm all about MY sleep. I love the kid because of the joy he brings ME. When he's fussy, poopy, crying, I get frustrated. Why? Because he is not behaving the way I want him to. I see now more than ever that parenting is a means for my sanctification. God is making me who He wants me to be not as a father to Calvin, but as a child of God. As I pray with Calvin in the evenings, I am overwhelmed with love for him - a love that I pray truly becomes a little more selfless today than it was yesterday. May the Lord continue to free us from our propensity towards selfishness no matter what our season of life because we all have people immediately around us in need of love.

And now for the pics...

Mama and Calvin look better than ever!

Calvin praying...

The kid knows how to sleep in style.

Grandpa and Calvin...

The mystery of where Calvin got his feet has been solved!!!

Calvin and samchoon...

That's all for now!!! Blessings...

Week 1 of parenthood

Week 1 of parenting an air-breather is over with, and it has been quite the transition. I find that the birth of this child has robbed me of passion in some areas. All I can think about is getting home to see my boy...and sleep. Not that I'm that sleep deprived, but rather all of the thoughts and things concerning the boy just sap my energy!

I have been in and out of so many different thoughts...there are so many different emotions, so many different questions I have. Looking at the prospect of raising this boy, I stare directly into the state of my own sinfulness and rebellion against the Lord. Knowing what I know about myself, I honestly think that I would never trust someone like me with a child. All I can say is like Paul, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

I suppose that this is the reason why even parenting must be centered on the Gospel. I recently listened to a lecture by Tim Keller in which he said something so profound. Most people think that there are only two ways to live - our way (or according to the world) or God's way. Actually, Keller says that there are three: 1) Irreligious - that is, our way, rejecting the commands of God 2) Religious - keeping moral commands and using them to procure our own righteousness 3) Gospel - realizing that our righteousness and security comes from the finished work of Christ on the cross.

So many people think that 2. & 3. are the same, but they are so different. I realize the tension when I think about how parenting needs to happen. Does my son have worth in my eyes because of what he will achieve? for him? for me? Is he loved because he is a huge income tax deduction? because of his looks?

The question comes back to me: am I loved b/c I'm a good dad? Will God bless me more as long as I discipline him well and serve my wife well through it? No, Calvin is loved because he is in the image of God. And one day, I pray, he will realize that the Savior died for him and realize the extent of God's love. I am loved because of Christ, not because of my parenting... What a huge relief!!! What an inexpressible hope!!! This is my greatest assurance and my strongest joy. Thank God for the Gospel...

On another note, here are some more pics...

Nala and Dad peeking in on Calvin


Beautiful mom and beautiful Calvin


Our friends, the Schulte's came by with Joshua - only two weeks apart from Calvin!

Our neighbors, Courtney and Josh and Brody came by as well.

Like Nala, Calvin LOVES baths...

...and eating!

Several firsts...the collision of two worlds

We had several firsts yesterday.

1. Calvin has been pooing real stuff now (no more of that tar-like, sticky stuff straight out of Spiderman 3). In fact, he shot out a blast as we were changing him. Like father, like son I suppose.

2. We got rainbowed!!! As I was changing him, he decided to water the playpen, our bed, some blankets. He didn't get dad, however, I did use my hand to block the flow to prevent over saturation.

3. Calvin and I had some serious meaningful time. Singing and staring...

4. Calvin had his first bath!!!

5. Calvin and Nala had their first real introductions... Nala will just come up and sniff him whenever he cries. She will respond in a maternal way whenever it seems like Calvin is in distress. It's really quite sweet. And then she'll start barking if Calvin goes on for too long. Calvin will then get really quiet and stiff like a rabbit who things a predator is near. It's quite funny - must be a fight or flight response. Nala has been so good throughout this whole deal just being where we tell her to, and constantly wanting to be around - just like a good dog.

Here's some pics of the days events...

Nala meet Calvin...err...Calvin's feet..."No Lick!!!"


Papa and son...catching some zzzs...


Calvin preparing to hit the road...in his sleep.

Happy Feet 2

At first, Calvin didn't like his bath...or maybe it was the fact that mom and dad were taking photos and video while he was nude!


But then, like a good jedi knight, he settled down and felt so good...


And fell asleep in papa's arms. (Note: just like mom, he sleeps with his eye slightly open.)

Silence is golden...

The first two days of having Calvin home were quite the challenge! Eating every two hours and being up was tough for Sarah and my mother-in-law. I think I've had it relatively easy as they've been sleeping in the master bedroom, and I've been all around the house. I'm so grateful.

However, last night, Calvin slept for a good deal and even now this morning, he's out. All I want to do is watch him as he sleeps. Even though I've got to prepare a sermon, a lesson on textual criticism, and get things in order for several other events, all I can think about is my little boy and how tiny his hands are. Every night I get on my knees and pray for him at his crib, asking for grace for one more day to enjoy him.

For the better part of the morning, Calvin and I just stared at each other as I sang him a medley of songs ranging from "How Great Is our God" to "Great is Thy Faithfulness". It was the first real meaningful time spent between father and son, and I pray the first of many.


Well, here's one pic until I get the other ones posted...

Calvin and Grandma getting to know each other.

Homecoming...the prince has arrived!

Sarah and Calvin were discharged yesterday (yippee!) And we broke in the carseat and base unit in the Pathfinder. It was such a weird feeling knowing that my beloved son was in the car. I was so alert watching my speed and other cars...trying to protect my son at all costs. It really makes me think about Rom 8:32...

On another note, it's amazing how suddenly all of these baby stores and clothing shops pop out to me. I took Dave to the Aurora Premium Outlets to visit the Nike store, and I was stunned at the number of child stores that I had never seen before - Carter's, Gymboree, etc. It's like when you buy a new car, then suddenly everyone's driving your car...go figure.

I went back to work today briefly, and all I could do was look at Calvin's picture in my phone and feel drowsily loopy. I guess I need to get used to this feeling of being dizzy all the time! Nala's had this dazed look on her face trying to figure out what she did wrong to keep her from certain rooms now. She's been amazing though!!!

Well, here are some more pics to enjoy (at gomo's request)!

Calvin didn't like his carseat at first.

But then he chilled out.


Calvin's 'gangsta' face.


The Cote family came to visit.


So did Aunt Jane!


And the Sampsons...


And the Nickerson's!!!

Thanks to all of you for the love and support you guys have shown. It means so much! Keep praying for mom's recovery, Calvin's sleeping habits, and ultimately Calvin's salvation. We love you guys!

You want pics? I got pics...

I know so many of you want to see some pics of Calvin, so enjoy!!!

Calvin enjoying some sleep (post 'snip-snip')


A few hours after birth...


Happy (but tired) mommy, grandma, and baby

Proud parents and baby

Tired mom and the ever essential birthing ingredient...Chex Mix.


That's all for now...see you soon

The calm after the storm...

Well, after a brief passing out incident early this morning, mom and baby are doing just great. They were moved to a private PPD room at Alexian brothers in Elk Grove Village, room 165. You are welcome to visit as long as you don't have any cold, flu, or other communicable disease. Also, visiting hours are from 11:00-8:00 pm. They asked us also to inform you that children under the age of 12 aren't permitted, so we'll have to catch you students in a few weeks, but I know Sarah would love visitors. Mom should be coming home on Monday by noon! If you want to call, you can try my cell phone, but signal comes in and out. Ok, blessings and see you soon!

Thar he blows!!!

Ladies and gentlemen,

May I introduce you to Calvin Edwards Lee! Calvin was born at 1:22 am on July 8, 2007. (Jen, you were a minute off!!! Prize will be forthcoming!!!) He weighed in at just under 6 lb. 4oz. Very little crying...and momma delivered au naturale with no pain medications! I can't believe it, and Sarah does not cease to amaze me by her strength, her will, and her determination. All of the nurses and the midwife were amazed at how fast he came out, and the fact that even when he had a shot no crying.

I am so amazed at this gift of God! Sarah and I are also blessed to have had so many messages and so many prayers from you folks out there. We can't wait for Calvin to meet you and be influenced by you in the way we have been blessed by your friendship and love.

Calvin saying hello to the world. As you can tell, he doesn't really mind nudity.

More pictures to follow shortly!

Soli de gloria!!!

Across the great divide

The biggest concern the midwife had this afternoon was that Sarah wasn't effaced, nor was she dilated at all. Penny, our midwife just came into our room at 11:21 pm and did a cervical exam. GOOD NEWS! Sarah is almost 100% effaced, and 3 cm! Thanks for praying! She is now officially out of pre-labor and now entering into active labor. This is such a relief. The hardest part is over. Sarah has been amazing because she's done all of this without an epidural or any medication. What a stud. If it was me, I'd be crying mommy and asking for my teddy bear, but no, she just breathes and bears it. Don't mess with her cause she will tear you up!

2 more cm and we are more than halfway there.

Come on...big money!!!

Enter stage right

At 8:20 pm, we received a new guest into our room...no, not the baby, but my mother-in-law! She took the first flight she could get on to come out and be with Sarah and me (mostly Sarah). Meanwhile, the contractions are getting even more intense! It's a crazy feeling sitting here listening as Sarah moans in pain through each contraction. There's nothing I can do, but pray and keep looking forward. In the background, we hear the gentle and rhythmic thumping of our son's heartbeat...surreal to say the least.

In one of my more emotional moments, I find myself on the verge of tears constantly as I think about how good God is to me. I would never trust myself to raise a child and steward a young soul in this world. What a gift of grace that He would entrust me, bless me...I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. Even as I write this, a song by Sara Groves entitled, "He's Always Been Faithful to Me" plays, and I am speechless. Thank you, Lord.

On a different note, Dave and I went to a Chinese restaurant right across the street to grab a quick bite. The restaurant is called PeaPod, and it has some special meaning. Two weeks ago, Sarah and I had the last of our childbirth classes. We visited the restaurant, and the owner was so friendly, yet gave us space. I told him that I would come back when my wife was in labor for some food. When we came in, he recognized me and greeted me so warmly. He also celebrated with me with this gift
...a bottle of champagne in a chinese gown. How cool is that. Thanks, Sam.

Well, we're still chugging along. Much more pain now, much more intense emotions...no turning back now!!!

Calling all bets...

The pitosin's in...and now let the contractions begin!!! I'd love to hear bets on the date and time you think the baby will be due. Here's some interesting facts to consider...

1. Sarah's water broke on July 7, 2007, that's 07/07/07.
2. We've been admitted to the hospital, room 7.
3. There's still time for a 7:07 delivery.
4. We're watching the AT&T championship, and K.J Choi just had three birdies in a row to go -7.

So, what's your guess? There will be a prize for the lucky winner who gets the time and date correct!

Stage 2...

We're at the hospital right now and Sarah's water has definitely burst! Unfortunately, she's not having contractions, nor is she dilated, so it looks like we will have to forgo our hopes for a natural birth. They will begin inducing in about an hour with a shot of pitosin. Sarah's a bit disappointed, but we've had some times of prayer acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision thus far and forward going. We'd entreat your prayers for us during this time. Pray for a dilated cervix!!! (I know, probably one of the most unusual requests ever, but definitely a need...)

I'll keep you posted. Also, Sylvia's a bit bummed and miffed that Dave is here to experience this all and she isn't. We miss you Sylv!!! But here's a message from Dave.

Stay tuned until the next update!

7-7-07...

Well, my buddy Dave's been visiting and we had a great weekend planned - I was going to preach Sat. night and Sunday morning, then Dave and I were going to drive out to Cog Hill and play #4 Dubsdread, the course where the BMW Championship will be played in September. I've been waiting 1.5 years to play this course...(Note the use of the past tense).

At 9:20 this morning, Sarah felt a trickle of water, like peeing without the pressure...her water broke!!! We've called the doctors and now we're waiting. She hasn't had any contractions, but I know that my family's been praying that the baby would be born today. Of course, all of my family, the minute we told them the water broke replied, "Do you know what today is? 7...7...07! The luckiest day of the year!" We'll see if the baby comes today. All I know is that we're scooting off to the doctor's in about 30 minutes!!!

Stay tuned!!! (I'm so excited, I feel like a giddy schoolgirl...)

P.S. After confirming with Sarah that she is indeed going to have this baby this weekend, I called to cancel my tee time. Apparently, you have to call 48 hours to cancel a tee time. I wasn't within that, but I called anyway. Here's the conversation...

M: "Hello? Yes, I have a tee time on Monday at 6:50. Last name's Lee. My wife's water just broke, and I'm having a baby! So, I can't obviously make my tee time!"

Amanda (from the course): " Ohmigosh...Well, congratulations! I've cancelled your tee time."

M: "Congratulations on cancelling the tee time or congratulations on the baby?"

A: " the baby..."

M: "Thanks!!!"

Time to breathe...

Well, we just finished the last of our childbirth preparation classes, and aside from being freaked out by all the things that could go wrong with childbirth, I found it a bit disappointing. Seeing all of the different types of parents (and especially dads) really reminded me of how so many parents spend so much time preparing for the BIRTH of the child (classes, nursery, showers, registries, etc.), but overlook preparing for the UPBRINGING of the child (being parents!)

Working with junior highers, high schoolers, and college students, I realize that the first few years are so crucial in laying down the values and formative family dynamics that will shape a kid into adolescence. There really is only one shot at it!

This past Monday, Sarah and I had the chance to spend some time reading, eating lunch, praying and meditating over Scripture, and discussing the first two chapters of a book we're reading together, "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp. We talked about some family values that we were brought up in - different roles that our moms and dads took on, how we resolved conflict, how our parents demonstrated their faith and made it visible...and what we wanted to shape in our family. It was a precious time that had a profound impact on me.

It's a fantastic book because of it's Gospel-centered approach to parenting the heart, not just behavior. For all you new parents out there like us, let me commend it to you.

Well, much thanks to Jim & Pat Schiltz for giving us use of your beautiful home and garden for the day to retreat. You really gave us the gift of time. May God give us the grace to be parents who love Jesus even more than we love our kid!

Dear children...

"...Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth."

Thank you to our CF family for demonstrating 1 John 3:18 to us! More than the gifts, the tremendous outpouring of time and energy in preparing a bash and the interest have been such a blessing. Our church family demonstrated to us this past Wed. night what the relationship between a church and a pastor ought to be about - mutual love! It was amazing looking out and seeing the various people whom God has given me the privilege to love and serve. It actually made me speechless...(I know, I can't believe it either.)

More than that, I can understand Paul's love for the Philippians in Chapt. 1, and how he must have had the desire to serve and love them in the best way he knows how - by showing them Christ. I want so badly to teach well so that these families whom I love would have the best thing in the world - Christ. It's funny because I feel a lot of the same things towards my wife and my forthcoming son.

I only pray that I would love Christ more and that my knowledge and understanding of His majesty would deepen in order that I might make Him clearer and more beautiful to my family, both Sarah and baby and CF.

Thank you for loving us!!!

Whistle while you work...

School finished about a month ago, and I find myself busier than ever. I've got more to study, more to teach, and more to prepare all the while getting things ready for the baby. I think Sarah is definitely going through a 'nesting' period as we do lots of home improvement-type things. Two weeks ago, I painted the basement, removed old blinds, and installed curtains. One week ago, I moved all my books and shelves downstairs. All together, it was a 10-hour job. This past weekend, I installed shelves into the garage, another four hour job. What does this have to do with the baby you say?

Well, I had to paint the basement so I could move my office downstairs. I had to put shelves in the garage so that I could put the Christmas tree (which was in the basement) into the crawl space, and move the camping stuff from the crawl space to the garage. I had to move my office so that it could become the new guest room as I moved the bed and desk from the old guest room (now the baby room) into my old office. This way I could put the dresser, crib, and glider (which took us four hours to decide on) into the empty old guestroom-now new baby room!

Whew...it was almost easier doing it than explaining it. It's like one big sliding puzzle where you have to move one piece before you can move another.

Such is fast becoming my life...one big sliding puzzle. Still, it's been a joy serving my wife, and my baby boy. There's a strange sort of satisfaction in being able to provide for them (must be the nesting thing for myself as well).

Much thanks to Brian for helping me move the dresser and crib upstairs. And many blessings to John and Carol for your wisdom and guidance!

Whew-ew-whew-wheu-whew-whe-wheu (whistling while at work)...

What I'm Wrestling With...

As Sarah's belly continues to enlarge, and little Baboy continues to do the cha-cha in the womb, there are some serious questions going on in the Lee household. I'm realizing more and more how easily convinced we are to prepare for the short-term at the expense of the long-term. I've seen it a lot with marriages-people spend umpteen amount of dollars preparing for the wedding day, but overlook and neglect preparation for the marriage.

Likewise, we spend so much effort and money preparing for the nursery and for the arrival of the baby. How much time have I spent preparing my heart to be a parent? I know that no amount of preparation can ever be enough, but where is my heart as a dad right now?

These are a few of the issues that Sarah and I are wrestling with. Among other things, we really want to have this baby as God-believers, Christ-followers. We want to trust God for the delivery and for Him to provide everything we need. It seems that marketers and baby companies want to convince us that our baby 'needs' their product. We're really trying to figure out what's the best use of our money and resources. Of course, the generosity of people around us has made that really possible.

Sarah and I have been dialoguing over what really are the essentials. We don't want to end up with a lot of junk that the baby will use three times and then we give away. I think there's a balance - a tension if you will - between wanting to provide for our child, and at the same time remembering that we are but stewards of the resources God sends. I'm really wrestling with the idea that already, just by being born into our family, my boy is more privileged than a large majority of the population of children in his generation. How do I best teach him and show him how to handle this incredible blessing?

I'm praying for wisdom right now (and I'd ask for your prayers as well) as we continue to come to an agreement over how much is enough and what truly is needful. We so want to honor God and trust Him with the raising of our son...

May God grant you sobriety and clarity in the way you lead your life as well...

Some reflections about what lies ahead...

Well, after the encouraging words from so many of you, it's giving me fuel to continue to log this journey through pregnancy. It's been a topsy-turvy ride as of late. God's been showing me how inadequate I am to be a parent and how much I need Him.

Over these past two weeks, I have been really grappling with my own expectations on this coming kid. My own desires/dreams for him, and what I hope that he will accomplish. It makes me understand so much more the kind of pressures that my parents put on me and why they did what they did. (Not that I agree with it all, but it helps me understand how they could do it nonetheless.)

One subconscious desire I have is that my son would really have a relationship with his grandparents on both sides. I never had this because my grandparents were in Korea or passed away before I was old enough to really desire a relationship with them. These dreams came to the surface because recently I found out that my dad has colon cancer. He had surgery last week, and it was removed completely with no spreading, but it startled me nonetheless! The thought of losing him, and the thought of my son losing him, was more than I could bear.

The whole situation has really caused me to let go of some of my dreams and expectations and simply trust God. I know this is easier said than done, but I've really come to let go of what I hope for this kid, and I'm beginning to really ask God what He wants for this kid. I have a feeling that this will be the first of many moments of 'letting go' like this, but I'm willing to go through it.

On another note, it really makes me want to go home to MD. A bunch of Sarah's gal pals also visited us, and it was so good for us! It was great for Sarah, and it was a joy for me to host them. Particularly Jeanne - it was a blast hanging out with her on Monday, getting to know her, and realizing how good she is for Sarah. Friendships like hers make me want to put my family in a place where such people will always be around. Still I'm torn...life in Chicago is great - I must be content - but family and friends are in MD. Which shall I choose? I feel like Paul in Philippians 1. I only wish I had the same tension over being here on earth and being with Him in heaven...I'm sure the Lord will lead us in His time...

Sleep-talking Part II: The Sinister Twist

Last night, Sarah fell asleep first and as I was getting into bed (climbing over her), she mumbles, "Your cousin....siejrmwoieu msdf234 ^@!#%..." I was like, "what about my cousin?" All I could make out was, "We need to send your cousin something aoiweruk,oweir)(#@$#@..."

I asked her one more time, and then she proceeded to roll over in my direction and goose me. Yes, I got sleep-goosed by my wife. I thought she was awake because right after she goosed me, she started to giggle, then 'snore, snore, snore'.

I feel so violated...

Whale watching...

So this morning, we're lying on top of the bed going over the upcoming day's events when we see Baboy moving. It's crazy seeing the baby moving inside Sarah's belly. It's like watching a version of the movie Tremors but without the man-eating worms breaking out of the ground. Sarah's belly gets all distorted on one side or we see one part of her belly lunge out.

As we were looking for baboy to move, Sarah remarks that it's like whale watching, watching the surface of her belly for the baby to 'surface'. Everytime he kicks, it's like him spouting water out of his blowhole. Whale-watching for baboy...hmm...I like that. Not only is the baby a golden piglet, he's got some whale in him as well...

Thar he blows!!!

Mitchel

Pregnancy makes you do funny things...or does it?

So last night, I'm laying in bed around 1:00 am finishing some exciting reading on the Ancient Near Eastern conception of legislative documents.... Just thinking about it makes me sleepy...

Anyhoo, here's the word for word transcription of a conversation that took place.

Sarah: Pink and brown...

ML: What? Did you say something? What did you say?

S: Yeah...pink and brown.

ML: What's pink and brown?

S: That's my favorite colors.

M: Really? Colors for what?

S: silence

M: Are you there? What colors?

S: snore...snore...

Yes, folks...Sarah and I had our first ever sleep talking conversation only she was the one sleeping. I suppose that's pretty normal?



Anyways, just remember pink and brown...

Strength to Go On...and lessons I've learned from pregnancy

Well, I almost gave up on this blog. Not receiving any comments can be a discouraging thing! Except for my faithful Kyunghwa...thanks you guys!!!

Still, a good friend (you know who you are) encouraged me to continue writing despite all those 'lurkers' out there who just read the blog and don't comment! To make it easier, I've enabled "ANYONE CAN COMMENT" so you don't need to join in order to leave a comment. You do need to enter the word verification thing, just so I don't get any comments that say, "SINGLE TONIGHT!? CALL @#(*&(*&@#$ for a hot date." I hate those wormy ads that make their way into your blog comments. What will they think of next? If one's blog comments aren't off-limits, is there anything sacred left?

Anyhoo, seeing as we just passed our halfway mark in the pregnancy, I thought I would sum up what I have learned thus far in the form of a list. And here it is...in no particular order.

1. More research goes into a baby registry than a masters-level exegesis paper on the role of women in 1 Timothy 2:9-15 according to early rabinnic traditions. Seriously, I've compared...

2. On that note, "Honey, can we stop by Babies 'R Us for a MOMENT?" never really means A moment, maybe MANY moments strung together, but that would be too many to count. Or maybe the statement's misleading because she never really defines what a moment is...

3. There are a host of gadgets out there that I have no idea of what they actually do.

4. After discovering what a breast pump does, I realize that I really don't want to know what that host of gadgets out there really do.

5. "I'm pregnant" is woman talk for "No, you do it."

6. You can get away with anything when you're pregnant. Sarah was coming down the stairs, and I was already in the car, and asked her to grab my phone (she was only half the distance), but she looked at me and yelled "I'm pregnant!" (refer to #5 - that means "No!". I imagine a judge granting a sentence to a pregnant woman who happens to be a murderer.

Judge: "Ma'am, what you did was awful. You killed all of these people, and it's been proven. What's your defense?"

Pregnant Woman: "Guilty, and I'm pregnant."

Judge: "What?! Then by all means, you're free to go."

7. Men have nothing that even remotely compares with the pregnancy excuse. Would "I'm passing a kidney stone" work?

8. The size of your bed diminishes when the woman is pregnant. Not only must you accommodate for the belly, but the body pillow and the fetal position associated with the body pillow. That calculates to roughly 2/3 of your bed space being occupied by pregnancy. Young men, who are on the verge of marriage, and want to have children, purchase your future bed size accordingly.

9. Nothing makes you pray more than the thought of your baby growing inside the womb of the woman you love. You really realize God's total control over everything because He truly is the One who knits us together...

10. Nothing makes your wife lovelier than as she grows and carries the child in her womb. There truly is a glow about her!!!

Well, that's what I've learned so far. I suppose there's a lot more, but it fits really nicely when you can get it in 10 things...

NOW GET TO COMMENTING!!! =p