Beauty for Ashes, Strength for Fear

I don't know exactly why, but I have this Shane and Shane song stuck in my head. Not the whole song, just these two lines. Beauty for ashes, Strength for fear. Maybe because my mind is stuck on all things beautiful and scary. Hahahaha. This baby, moving and kicking and tickling, has my heart. She has my thoughts, my prayers, my fears, my excitement almost all to herself. And I have never been this afraid in my life. If we are being honest, that is. This will be the worst pain (hopefully) I have ever felt in my life. And once she is here, I am going to be a mom. Responsible for screwing her up in some way or another. Most parents raise their child the way they think is best, but that usually creates some issue later in life. We will just do as we see fit, hurt with her through the rough times, and hope she one day comes to see (as I did) that she had parents that loved the crap out of her and did everything they could to show her.

On an exciting note, the baby's room is painted. I couldn't be more happy with it. I tear up just going in there. My cousin Dave is a painter and did this all for us FOR FREE!!!! He did it free hand and if you need a painter (just for walls, or a mural) please call him. He works for himself so he is cheap and as you can see below...totally talented.

How amazing?? I will have more pics once the room is completely put together. I know she will love it.

So, in conclusion, I am an emotional mess with a husband that loves me even in this crazy state. We have parents that showed us a glimpse of the life and love we are about to take on. We have a family that has proved time and time again that we will be held up when we can't stand any longer on our own. And we have a God that gives us Beauty for ashes and Strength for fear.