It's... it's... it's...

First off, I know: it's been far too long. Nic and I have been so busy, but it's no excuse.

Now, for the main event. While this isn't a movie review site, I'll warn you anyway.

SPOILER ALERT!!! IF YOU KEEP READING, YOU WILL KNOW THE SEX OF OUR CHILD. READ ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW!!!

It's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... gosh this is suspenseful, isn't it... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... it's... a girl!

If it's a surprise to you, let me tell you: it was a major surprise to us, too. We truly thought it was going to be a boy, in which case the name would have been Kyle James. But seeing as we're having a girl and we don't want to start her off with a propensity towards any future gender-identity complex, we'll be naming her Riley Grace. Everyone seems to like the name, so far, so we're sticking with it.

Like I said, it was a major surprise to us. When the doctor told us, she said, "Looks like daddy was wrong. I'm not a boy!" God knew, though. Nic and I are excited and we're blessed that she is looking healthy and growing right along schedule.

What does this mean? It means much more money will be spent on cutesy-this and adorable-that. It means that she'll have daddy wrapped around her little finger, both as my eldest and my daughter. It means that we're not painting the nursery blue afterall. It means that Nicole and I better start saving for her wedding immediately. It means that there will be much more pink in my life than I would have expected at this stage (though Nicole and I do prefer purple over pink). It means... a lot of things. My whole "two boys, then a girl" theory is out the window, that's for sure. But like I said, God knows what's best for us... and Riley.

Last night, after we found out, Nicole and I went out and bought the cutest little dresses you could imagine. You should see Nicole when she passes the little dresses and hats and ruffled-butt-diaper-cover-thingies. I already know Riley's going to be the most beautiful little girl I've ever laid eyes on (afterall, she is the daughter of my gorgeous wife). The first fatherly thing I said after we found out: "She's not dating until she's 21." Ahhh yes, the joys of fatherhood begin.

We have lots more to write about over the coming months. But, in the meantime, when you think about us, please pray for our daughter. For her growth. For her protection. For the Holy Spirit upon her even now. That God would be preparing Nicole and me to raise His precious child according to His will and plan. For the beautiful daughter with whom we have yet to meet but already thank God for abundantly. For Riley Grace.