Since I have had lots of the same questions, the easiest would be to answer them here.  I attempted to answer them three times from my phone unsuccessfullly.  However, I tricked the computer to turn on for a few minutes, so here goes...

Question #1: Do you have an address where I can send you something?

Answer #1:  Yes

Unasked Question #1:  Could you share this address?

Unasked Question Answer #1:  Sure.  Okay, I'll quite being difficult... It's 822 5th Ave, Apt 1R, Brooklyn NY 11232.  This is only the address for sending things and not for creepy stalkers.  But, if you are a creepy stalker, don't try to break in.  Just let me know a few minutes ahead of time, and I will leave the door unlocked for you.

Question #2: Is there anything you still need?

Answer #2:  Of course!  It's just that, well, apparently I haven't figured out yet exactly what things a baby really needs. However, yesterday I had a big revelation that I somehow failed to pick up a diaper bag.  I realized this in packing up things for the hospital.  On the list "What should I put in the diaper bag for the trip home?" I realized that they should have listed "diaper bag" as well as what should go inside.  That would've helped me to not overlook things.  Right? 

So, I suppose the best answer would be: anything other than bibs (as I have mentioned to several people, he actually has 21 of them already), receiving blankets (equally covered), and bottles (as he will be nursed and already has more than enough with those plans in mind) are pretty much fair game.  Apart from these slight overkills, he has ample clothes to make it to the end of the week without washing more than once (at least for the first several months), bath and bathing essentials, a place to sleep, a place to ride in the car, a Boppy pillow, and a humidifier... all either here or on their way.  As I said, I am kind of bad at the whole "knowing what the little guy needs" thing, so if you see things I am obviously missing, I would be more than grateful for the help.

Question #3: How are the parents handling things?

Answer #3: Way better than I thought possible.  It appears that the biggest disappointment has been in me not feeling like I could share this part of my life with them.  But really, considering the past, I figured it to be a "tell and die" situation... or perhaps a "tell and raise a baby with a dead daddy" situation.  Either way, I feel a million times better now that everything is out.

More questions?  I will try to answer them the next time I trick the computer into letting me use it.  For now, I'm stuck with facebook on my phone, as my computer seems to be fading again.

Seriously, thank you all so much for your love and kindness and congratulations... they have been needed much more than I can even express.

Sometimes I am shocked sometimes to see how amazing God can be, even when we fail to see his awesomeness...  You know, those times when we look back a few days or weeks or months or even years, and realize, in the moment of the memory, that He has worked what can only be considered a miracle in our lives.  That even in our weaknesses and through our mistakes, God can work to fulfill His plans, seems to me to be one of the most miraculous occurances of all.  That He can use us despite our humanness and that He can fulfill His plans despite our avoidance, simply amazes me.

I haven't thanked God enough lately for the miraculous character He encompasses.  I think sometimes that we focus way too much on what it is that He wants from us, without remembering that we will never be able to give Him not even a single ounce of worship without also remembering that it is all about who He is and not a single bit about what we do or have done.  Today, as I was sitting here at the computer, relaxing on my day off, and thinking about all that has happened in my life in the past five or six years--and most especially in the past six months or so--I was reminded of this simple idea.

It is not at all about me.  And I found comfort, even here in the shadows.

Yup, that's right.  After nearly two years of living in New York, I have finally become an official New Yorker.  As well, I have also become an official NY DMV hater.  Seriously, I spent over three hours waiting in the various stages at the DMV and approximately five minutes in the active stages of transferring my drivers license to NY.  Fortunately, it was a pretty clear cut process.

Stand in line here.  Wait forty-five minutes. Tell the lady why you're here.

Go stand in the other line.  Wait half an hour. Get your picture taken.  Stick your proofs of ID in a plastic bag. Take a number.

Go sit over there. Wait for an hour to see your number on the board.

Go to the correct window. Give the gentleman your plastic bag and application. Wait for him to enter your information. Pay the fee. Sign the papers. Take home your interim license.

Go home.  Wait two weeks. Check the mail. Receive NY license.

Clear cut process.  Too much waiting.  Seriously.  Here in Brooklyn there are only two DMV offices.  INSANE, right? For one of the most populated bouroughs in the most populated city in the country, you would think there would be more offices,or at least more employees, but guess again.

Don't get me wrong, I was actually quite impressed with the process, considering the circumstances, however, I am now officially a New Yorker and officially tired.  But you can imagine at how thrilled I am to be heading back in a few weeks to transfer my title and registration as well.  Woohoo! for big cities, eh?