FAQs - Frequently Asked Baby Questions

After posting one little picture in our last entry,
questions have been coming to us on many fronts;
via Skype, cell phone, email, Facebook, comments on the blog, and in person.

This post is dedicated to attempt to answer
all those frequently asked questions:

#1 - When is Kristi due? Around the first week of March, 2009.

#2 - How far along is Kristi? 16 weeks

#3 - Why did you wait so long to share this secret? It's a long and frustrating story...but here is the Cliff Note's version. We found out in early July, several weeks before driving back down here to Texas. After arriving back at language school, we attempted to find a clinic/OBGYN that was in the area that worked with our provider. After four weeks of phone conversations with our provider and local doctors, Kristi finally was able to have her first check up and ultra-sound.

Then came the dilemma of who do we tell and when. It was a little easier to keep it a secret since we are living in South Texas...far, far away from family and friends . It came time to spill the beans with those here on campus, since Kristi was starting to "show" (yeah...whatever!). Several family members were either traveling or moving during a stretch of several weeks, so we waited until all of that dust settled. Sorry we couldn't personally call every one of you...but rest assured that each of you all have a special place in our hearts.

#4 - Was this a surprise to you both? Yes & No...we will leave it at that.

#5 - Are you guys done? (Still can't believe people ask this question...but oh, well) Only God knows...but probably, YES!!!!!!

#6 - Do you want to know the gender? Yes. It would help greatly in the weeding out process of baby clothing we currently own.

#7 - Did the nurse tell you what the gender (most likely) was? Yes
#8 - What were Jordan, Ben, & Kaylee's reaction to the news? Very, very excited. They all have offered their future "help" with the baby and around the house. We will see if that really pans out.

#9 - How has Kristi been feeling? She has been doing quite well. No major sickness issues. Occasional bad days. Mostly just gets run down easily and more frequent trips to the baño.

#10 - How will this new addition affect your departure goal of Jan. 2009 for Chile? The short answer is...we don't know exactly, but we are stepping out in faith for the Lord to provide the remaining funds so that our family can leave in mid. Jan.

The longer answer is...we are still are 79% support and will continue to pray and seek the Lord in waiting for churches and individuals to partner with our ministry this Fall. We are waiting until mid to late Oct to make a better informed decision about the reality of departing in Jan. 09. If our support comes in, we are totally comfortable (esp. Kristi) in having the baby in Chile. Chile has excellent clinics, doctors, and delivery care. Continue to pray for our family as we Set Our Hope in God during this time of change, uncertainty, and bends in the road.

#11 - When can we hold the new baby? There is an open invitation to anyone of our family, friends, or supporters to come to Chile and do just that ;)

#12 - Is there anything that you need for this new baby? Yeah....wisdom, patience, and a mess of diapers (pun intended). No, really, nothing at this point in Texas (except maybe for toilet paper), since we will be flying home. Once back in Minnesota this Dec., we will be buying several baby items to pack in our shipping container for Chile.

Continue to check back on the blog for more
updates, stories, and prayer items for our family.