Living Intentionally Personal Growth

6 things I learned from the birth of our 2nd child

June 6, 2014
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Evelina Pearl Good

This past Monday morning, Claudia and I welcomed our new baby daughter into this world, Evelina Pearl Good. A 9 lb 2 oz bundle of pure joy!

The birth of a baby is an exciting time. Sure, it’s a bit of an adjustment having a newborn to take care of and going from a family of 3 to 4, but we couldn’t be more thrilled!

There are lots of things to learn from the birth of a child, but today I wanted to share six with you that stood out to me. Here they are:

1. Our humanity is beautiful –  Sometimes life feels a bit objective, like it’s something I’m somehow detached from.

But then I experience something like the incredible miracle of childbirth, and it gives me a deeper understanding of my humanity. It makes me feel more grounded, more connected to life and those around me.

2. The benefit of  picturing things in your mind ahead of time – For a few weeks leading up to Claudia’s due date, I’d run through in my head what the day she goes into labor would look like.

I pictured myself doing everything from remaining calm while getting everything loaded into the car, to exactly what we would do once we arrived at the birth center.

Doing this allowed me to have repeated “test runs” before the big day. And it really helped. A lot of what we did that day was familiar because I had been doing it for a couple of weeks already.

3. Having more than one child gives you a broader perspective – Claudia and I also have a two year old, Jude. And it was funny, the day we brought Evelina home, instantly, my perspective as a parent changed.

With one child, it’s easy to get hyper focused on that child and over analyze everything, to the point where it gets to be too much. Having additional children takes care of that.

4. The value of my morning routine – Having a newborn in the house will throw just about every routine off. And I’m OK with that.

But because of that, I realized how much clarity and energy I draw from my morning routine. I get up at 5 AM to sit and be still, pray, and read something inspirational.

5. The Lord is always good – In light of the healthy arrival of our daughter, I’m reminded of this promise in scripture:

For the Lord is always good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. – Psalm 100:5

6. Life is a gift – I’ve made it a habit a while back to say a simple prayer when I wake up each morning. “Father, I want to thank you for this day. Thank you that I’m alive and healthy.” Now, this prayer means even more to me.

The birth of a baby is an exciting time with lots of changes and lots to learn. My hope is that you can apply some of the things I’ve learned from the birth of our daughter, whether you have a baby on the way or not.

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  • Bruce R. Cross June 6, 2014 at 5:42 am

    Totally, TOTALLY.. awesome!! Congratulations to you and Claudia….God is GOOD to the GOOD’S!! The moments will fly by…savor them!

    • Michael Good June 6, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Thanks, Bruce! I really appreciate it.

  • Lori Sue Luster June 6, 2014 at 6:14 am

    Congratulatons on the safe arrival of EVELINA PEARL GOOD! So happy for you four! Loved the post, as always ! May God continue to bless you as you are blessing SO MANY with your time and treasure!!

    • Michael Good June 6, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Thank you, Lori, for the well wishes and the kind words!

  • Ann Musico June 6, 2014 at 6:51 am

    Michael I couldn’t be happier or more excited for all of you. Evelina Pearl (what a beautiful name!) is gorgeous! I love and relate to all of the points you shared but #s 3 and 4 especially stand out. I remember just before giving birth to my 2nd son thinking – how will I be able to take care of them both and will I love this second one as much as my Christopher? Well it sounds silly now, but I adore all 3 of them and because we are made in God’s image we have unlimited love. And because my Matthew was the best baby – ever – it was not nearly as difficult taking care of an infant and a toddler. Ah yes the morning routine – having children was what started me rising at 4 am to have that all important quiet time with the Lord and even though there are no small children clamoring for my attention now, I have kept that routine in place. Give my love to Claudia!

    • Michael Good June 6, 2014 at 8:23 am

      Thanks for the note, Ann! I love thinking of our love as parents as being unlimited. What great imagery! I wondered too how it would be to love two children. But now that it’s here, it doesn’t seem difficult (at least not yet!).

  • Donna Yates June 6, 2014 at 7:40 am

    How exciting. Congrats to you and Claudia and little Jude. She is so beautiful. I know you are so excited.

    • Michael Good June 6, 2014 at 8:23 am

      Thanks, Donna. Yes, we are!