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Takes Getting Used To

It's all a bit of a blur at this point with moments of highlighted happiness.  This morning we took Mac to the doctor and he's doing great.  As I sit here looking through pictures of the last few days I found myself in disbelief.

A little over thirteen years ago I remember feeling miserable and lonely.  I had finally finished High school (graduating in summer school), my church had split, my "friendships" seemed to be dwindling, and my romantic life was a pipe dream.  

My how things have changed. The story I wrote in second grade about my dad, my son and myself seems to be coming to life right in front of me.  I'm a dad... I'm a dad.... I'm a dad of three children!  I love my job, I have the most incredible friends, my church is chasing after God, my children are amazing, my wife loves me in spite of the many reasons I give her not to.  I'm living the dream.

For anyone who may be reading this blog and happens to be walking through a valley please remember that you too could turn around and realize that you're in the most incredible season of blessing in your life.  God's time table doesn't always match up with ours but it's always better.  

It Just Never Gets Old

 Today I had the humbling privilege of welcoming my son Mac into this world.  I don't know why God has blessed us with such healthy pregnancies and children but I do recognize that we have no control over these circumstances. We find ourselves completely in the Grace of God.

 As a father of two daughters, brother of one sister and husband to a wife with two sisters I can say that having a little boy around is a much appreciated and intimidating situation.  We're looking forward to every household item breaking, frog chasing, muddy shoe, torn jeans, black eye, seat left up moment in store for us.

Steven Phillip McCart III or Mac as we will call him, came to us at 11:01am Wednesday, November 11, 2009.  He weighed in at 9 lbs. 9 oz (same weight as my birth) and 21.5" long.  Both he and Momma are doing incredible!

Thank you to everyone for praying and seeking God on our behalf.  This is a great day and we serve a Great God!!!

Today I Meet My Son

Anita and I are at the hospital right now! Mac, I can't wait to meet you buddy.  I love you!!!

Prayer Please

Here's the deal folks.  Anita is at 38 weeks in her pregnancy. Mac is measuring approximately 9 lbs. 6 oz.  The plan was to induce labor next Tuesday at 39 weeks.  Given Mac's size we are now having to make some decisions about a new plan.  All this to say that we would appreciate your prayers.  Here is what we're asking for:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

In light of Matthew 7:7 we are asking God to allow Anita to go into labor naturally in the next week.  This of course isn't a demand and neither of them are in any danger.  Quite the opposite.  Anita is healthy and Mac is very healthy.  We are so unbelievably blessed.  But please ask God to grant this request.  We have a great doctor and trust her advice.  This is simply what is on our heart right now. 

Also ask God to give Anita supernatural peace and joy as we draw closer to Mac's arrival.  Thank you everyone. 

One Month Off; Two Weeks Until

 For the first time since starting this blog I took over a month off.  I'm not going to lie to you; it felt good.  However, I have a feeling there is about to be a whole lot of blog content coming very soon.  Anita and I went to the doctor today and we're officially on the two week countdown.  Anytime inside the next two weeks the doctor is okay with Anita going into labor on her own.  If we reach November 10 though, we'll be inducing.  

Mac seems to be doing well and everyone here in Charleston (along with our NC, GA, MT & FL family) is getting quite excited about a little boy being around.  As for me...I'm getting a bit intimidated.  The prospect of raising a little man is a tad overwhelming.  I'm still trying to figure out how to grow up myself.  At any rate, I'm so thankful for this incredible privilege.  I'm looking forward to the years to come with my son.

Please pray for us as we finish the final prep for this little guy.  Pray specifically for Anita and that she will be given the strength and endurance for these difficult and tiring final days.

Frustration

We all face frustration.  However, we have many different ways of dealing with it.  I have been faced with a repetitively frustrating situation and I've responded several different ways.  Here's how I've seen my reactions play out:

• Humor - laughing it off as something not worth my time.
• Anger - beginning to take it personally and wanting to lash out. 
• Depression - taking it totally personally and allowing it to steal my attention. 
• Confusion - disbelief usually leading to many conversations with people who can do nothing about it. 

 While none of those options are healthy or helpful, I would guess you can see yourself in at least one if not all of them.  Of course you and I both know the correct response (and "Churchy" answer) is to take these situations to God, but how often do you actually respond that way first?  I know this is a challenge for me.  So I put the question to you.  How are you responding to continually frustrating situations or people?

A Growing Little Family

So Anita wanted to get another round of family pictures made before Mac arrives this November along with capturing some pictures while she's still pregnant.  Enter the young and talented Alexa Villavicencio.  Alexa is a student at the University of South Carolina and a faithful NSM volunteer when home from school.  

She graciously offered to take some pictures of us and holy smokes did she deliver.  You can view the pictures in the photo album to the right named "Family Pictures Summer 2009" or by clicking here.  Enjoy and should you need a photographer, I highly recommend you contact Alexa.

Oh, and don't be jealous.  Not everyone can have a drop dead gorgeous family. 

That Didn't Last Long

Well, I'm back.  All I needed was a little inspiration from the creative guru Brad Ruggles to bring me back to the blogsphere.  So why am I back you ask?  Because silly, it's time for another installment of ....

"Phillip's Not Creative."

That's right.  After a long absence, we're back with another reminder that I don't have a creative bone in my body.  For anyone who would argue (MOM) just watch the video and you'll understand.  And to answer the question, No.  I have no idea what the song is saying.  It doesn't matter though; the video transcends language.  Enjoy! 

It's Not You, It's Me

Listen blog.  We really need to talk.  Now, I'm not saying it's over.  All I'm saying is that we've been together for over two years now and I'm just not the same person I was when we got together.  Now before you get all emotional and upset I just want you to listen.  

This is a healthy thing.  If we could just take some time apart I think we'd both be better off for it.  I know I've been avoiding and neglecting you lately and I feel really bad about that.  It's not that we don't have a lot to talk about and share these days it's just that I have to focus on some other things right now.  Seriously, I'm having another kid soon (a boy).  That's a big deal!

Remember how we told everyone that Anita and I were going to have another baby?  And then how we told the world it was a boy?  Those were really special moments for me and I know there will be plenty more to come.  I just need some time.  I hope you're not mad.  It's not you, it's me.

VELOCITY Quickie

VELOCITY was absolutely amazing but I can't possibly do it justice by blogging this quickly afterward.  So I'm going to give you a taste of the creative awesomeness that made it what it was.  Enjoy!

Download 01 I'm On a Blob