We are pleased to announce the arrival of

Kase Kent Rutherford

January 27, 2009 at 5:02 PM
7 pounds, 7 ounces
19 1/2 inches long

Photos can be viewed on our flickr site.

I do not feel as I expected to feel. I am a person that gets really worked up about things as simple as dinner plans. I love to “go and do” and be a part of the action. This time, though, I feel like I am the action- and I am not so sure that I am enjoying this sensation. Nerves are getting the better of me and I feel myself going into shut-down mode. This is somewhere I have never been, and an experience I am no longer certain is for me. But, I know for sure that the gift that will be placed in my arms in just a few short hours will be worth every push, twinge and grimace- now and for the rest of his life. (more…)

So, today marks single digits until my due date. Honestly, after I went to the hospital three weeks ago, I never thought that I would make it this far into my pregnancy. Much of the frustration that everyone sees on me is that I am in a lot of pain from this child and the nurses at the hospital were so adamant that he was coming soon. I have had so many signs of labor already that it seems impossible that he has not made his way out yet. I also read the alarming rate at which babies gain weight at this point in pregnancy, and I honestly cannot imagine Kase getting any bigger. It feels like he is already taking up every available inch of space. (more…)

1.11.09 CBC John Redfearn CBC WS 10:49 AM

Ecclesiastes 3:1
3:1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

As we enter a new year, it is a good time to reflect and see where God has taken us, where we have been, and where we are going. It is a time to reflect and a time to look forward to the things that God has in store for us. (more…)

The news that I read today hurts me more than I could say. Though there are many friends that I no longer keep in touch with, Facebook has been a way that I can at least lurk on the lives of those that still mean so much to me. Two people who helped define my elementary and high school experiences are beginning a process of grieving that I hope I never have to understand. While I don’t want to post their story (that is for them to tell), I do want to say that God is already speaking through their hearts. Thinking about the loss that they have experienced, and knowing so very closely how going through that would destroy me has made me even more grateful for the time that I have with my son. I have already been inspired to know that the next couple of weeks of my life are to be cherished, rather than lamented. But, this latest news makes me understand and dedicate myself to this task even more so.

So, please, if you have a chance today and the next many many days, please lift up Lauren and Justin and their angel Andrew as they begin to dull an ache that I know will never completely heal.

From the many, many Facebook and face-to-face comments I have received, I am
coming to three realizations. First, preganancy will be over before I know
it; second, I need to start thinking positively or this child will think I
hate him; and third, Kaleb will never let me get pregnant again if I don’t
quit my whining! (more…)

So, in case I haven’t shared with you lately, there is an awesome little boy growing in my belly. Bearing this in mind, I am struggling mightily each day that he doesn’t come out. Every morning I wake up thinking “this could be the day!!!” (and yes, I think it with that many attached exclamation marks.) And every day, so far, I have been disappointed. (more…)