Well, I have to say, I’m a little shocked to be saying those words! For the first several weeks of my pregnancy, I had literally no idea what I thought the baby was going to be, but almost everyone I talked to was confident that it was a girl. I don’t know if I began to get a feeling that it was a girl too or if I just started believing that it was a girl because I heard it over and over again, but I didn’t realize how much I really did think it was a girl until I heard the ultrasound tech say those three sweet little words today that blew my mind, “It’s a boy!” And just like that, our lives are changed forever.

Grayson and I are elated to say the very least! Having a boy first is wonderful for so many reasons, although having someone to take to Appalachian State football games and teach to play the drums are at the top of Grayson’s list. Although we (clearly) have no idea what the Lord has in store for our future, we would love to have a big family and I love the idea of any little girls the Lord gives us later having a big brother to protect them and to look up to.

We are so filled with wonder about what this little boy will be like. I hope he looks just like his daddy. I hope he has his daddy’s hearty laugh, passion for Jesus, and confidence in who he is. I hope he has my Paw’s quiet strength and humbleness. I hope he has Grayson’s daddy’s creativity and passion for making beautiful things. I could go on and on with hopes and dreams for this little boy for days, but what it really all comes down to is our prayer that he have an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus that begins at an early age and never wavers. I hope he constantly craves to be more like Jesus and chases after our Savior with boldness.

I can’t wait to see Grayson with our son. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps, because I know being a daddy is a job he was made for. I would be lying if I said that the thought of raising up a tiny little baby boy to be a bold, Godly man doesn’t scare me to death, but I know that Jesus has given us the greatest gift in this child and we are so excited to embrace this adventure that He has set before us.

We chose the name Landon Aldridge for our son after my Paw, Rondal Gordon Aldridge. My Paw was not only the most influential man in my life, but also my very best friend and loosing him to lung cancer in 2010 was the greatest hurt I’ve ever experienced. I think about him every day and would give anything to share the news of this little one with him. I can imagine his eyes lighting up and that sweet grin that I know would be on his face. My hope for naming our Landon after him is that we carry on the family name and above all, honor the legacy of the greatest man I’ve ever known.

My Momma always makes everything so special, and today was no different. When we got home from the ultrasound, she was waiting with a special gift for both a little boy or a little girl (we waited to tell her in person). I will never forget the look on her face when she turned around in my kitchen and saw me standing there with a cluster of light blue balloons. It was priceless. She was sure it was a girl, until the last few days. I can’t wait to see our little man in this pretty green sweater and matching cap!

The pink outfit I’m wearing here is hers and she wore it when she was expecting me almost 24 years ago. She saved it for me and it couldn’t be more perfect, even if it is pink. How special is it to be able to wear your Momma’s maternity outfit so many years later? She’s timeless. I can’t wait to see her with her grandson!

It’s hard to believe that in just about 21 more weeks, we’ll be welcoming this little love into our lives, into our homes, and into our hearts that he stole the moment we first heard his sweet little heartbeat. Let the adventure begin!

For this child I prayed.

1 Samuel 1:27