Who He's NOT

I know, I know. It's been just under a month since I've posted. I wish I could say that my duty in the Army, or an absence of Internet access is the cause for this lapse in time, but it's not. Frankly, I just haven't had much motivation. Granted, I've had a child and have a lot going on in my life, but I guess publishing my life hasn't been much of a priority for me as of late. Furthermore, I can't really even explain why I'm posting about this guy at this time. However, it might be because I've finally come to grips with the events surrounding the coaching change at my beloved academic institution.
Derek Dooley is a name that I was only made aware of after reading the ticker at the bottom of the television while watching ESPN. I had no clue who he was or what credentials he had to take over (what I believe to be) one of the biggest coaching jobs in college football. After the announcement was made and I tuned in to his press conference on the Deuce, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of morbid state of depression I might fall into over the next two or three college football seasons.
Having finally done a little homework on him, I've deduced the following:
- He's not a well known name, only his last name. His father, famed UGA head coach Vince Dooley, holds the accolades in the family.
- He's not the head coach of reputable program. In fact, LA Tech was his first head coaching position.
- He's not a former SEC player...only an assistant coach, albeit a Sabanite (at LSU and Miami).
- He wasn't even among Hamilton's top candidates, as 4 other prospects were approached prior to getting the interview.
Despite his shortcomings, this is not intended to be an assault on the new coach. Instead, it's only a list of facts that everyone has been made aware of over the past couple of weeks. What is most important about his list of negatives is this: HE'S NOT LANE KIFFIN!
Look, I'm not jumping on the bandwagon of people who hate Kiffin for leaving UT. Frankly, I wasn't too enthused that he was hired. He never seemed like a great fit with the culture and heritage of the school, town and conference. The only shining light I saw that his father, Monte, was coming to K-town. Sure, he had others like Orgeron coming as well, but Monte is arguably the greatest defensive mind in professional football. I was excited about what our defense was going to look like in the years to come.
To those who say that Kiffin abandoned the Big Orange, I say good riddance. I'd rather have a less than notable coach with character and integrity than what we got out of the 14 months Kiffin "graced us with his presence." Dooley's likely to get a pass this first season since he came in a probably he worst time ever! Moreover, he's got enough experience and motivation (not to mention a southern accent) to garner an even winning record next year, which is only one win less than Kiffin got. I'll take that any day over more sleepless nights worrying about NCAA violations!
Take care and go Dooley!

Always Second

Although there are several things I could talk about in the first blog of the new year, I can't help but discuss college football's Bowl Season. This is partly due to the fact that I've been watching EVERY SINGLE GAME thus far, since Les and I are couped up in the house adjusting to parenthood. It's also because I've been recently made aware of some prominent players who happen to share similar beliefs to me; yet, you probably wouldn't know it because the media doesn't promote it.
Ask anyone who knows of Tim Tebow and they'll tell you he's arguably one of the greatest, most influential players in the history of college football. He's a phenomenal leader and a devout Christian, as evidenced by the scripture on his eye black each week. However, there are some others on the field who may not be as influential as him on the national stage, but are just as influential with their faith. One in particular is Colt McCoy, quarterback for the Texas Longhorns and two time Heisman finalist. Sure, he's playing in the National Championship on Thursday, but he's not playing for the favored team, nor is going to garner the spotlight with Heisman winner Mark Ingram on the other side of the field.
Last year, McCoy wasn't even the best quarterback in the Big 12 Conference, as Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford bested him head to head on the field, as well as in the Heisman voting. Yet, both of these men take a back seat to Tebow's prowess with his faith. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for what this guy has done to college football and in preaching the Gospel, but both McCoy and Bradford are fellow believers who have spent four years in his shadow.
Today I saw a short advertisement for the website iamsecond.com, an organization that promotes putting Jesus Christ above yourself, regardless of what you've done in your life. McCoy and Bradford, along with countless others, both famous and regular people, talk about their earthly failures and how God's love and mercy have healed them. Names like Darrell Waltrip, Tony Dungy, Jason Witten, Brian Welch (former guitarist for the band Korn) and many others publicly profess their love and affection for Christ on this website and open up their lives for us to see. I view all of these as acts of courage for which all Christians should strive.
I strongly encourage you to visit this website, and possibly even join a group if you feel led. But most importantly, I hope that you will acknowledge the efforts of McCoy and Bradford in winning hearts for Christ, even if it's unbeknownst to the public eye.
Happy New Year and God Bless!

She's Here!!!

Well, despite my last post's inference that our daughter would be born on the 17th, it wasn't until 12:56am this morning that Ellie came into this world. It was a long, draining day, but the results were out of this world!
Les and I showed up at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital around 7:45am; however, it wasn't until about 8:15-8:20am that we were escorted to the labor and delivery room. Our naivete set in around that time, thinking we'd get this ball rolling in a matter of moments. What ensued was countless hours of waiting...and more waiting!
Since she was getting induced, Leslie's providers decided to give her the liquid drug pitocin. She first received this around 11:00am; yet it takes upwards of two hours to begin working. Around 2:00pm, Leslie started feeling more intense contractions, and this lasted for almost 2 1/2 hours before she asked for an epidural. I'm sure she could've endured the pain for longer, but her contractions were only about 90 seconds a part. I don't know about you, but if someone told me I could either go to the plate with a wooden bat or an aluminum bat, I'm swinging some metal! (Note: At this time, apply the analogy above to the situation of going through labor natural, or with an epidural.)
After getting the epidural, Leslie had to wait another 6 hours before getting to push, as she wasn't fully dilated and needed more time for her body to prepare. Around 11:30pm, she got the go ahead to start pushing and a little less than 90 minutes later, we had our baby girl!
In short, it was such a surreal experience, and I'm so thankful for being given this gift; yet at the same time, it was a very gross process and I saw more things that I ever wanted. My beautiful bride is such a trooper and I'm so honored to be her soul mate, but I never thought I'd see her in "all her glory".
My daughter is healthy, as well as her mommy, and for that I am so grateful. But this experience has further solidified one thing in my life... THANK GOD I'M A DUDE!!!

Tomorrow

In the season finale of the West Wing, (arguably one of the greatest TV shows ever and a personal favorite of ours), outgoing President Bartlett was asked by his wife what he was thinking as they took off on Air Force One for the last time. His reply was simply, "Tomorrow." Although this was the last word spoken for the entire show, it represented a new chapter in the former President's life; much like tomorrow will be the first day of the next chapter in my life.
Tomorrow morning, Leslie will be going in for an induction and (good Lord willing) we'll only be hours away from becoming parents. It's been a long road with lots of growing pains (pun intended); but the time has finally come for our daughter to enter this world. It's honestly one of the most surreal moments of my life so far. To think that God has given us the privilege of creating and caring for another human being is such an honor. Despite the uncertainties that lie in front of us (for who knows how long), we are eagerly awaiting this experience. Leslie, in her best effort, is trying hard not to be overwhelmed with the birthing process, so I ask for your prayers during this tumultuous time. We're thankful for all your prayers and support up to this point and thank you in advance for your efforts in the near future.
I'll do my best to update everyone as soon as possible, but please don't feel slighted if things are a little delayed. We're not too sure what opportunities we'll have to communicate with the outside world, but rest assured that you're love and support will be felt and appreciated.
Take care and hold fast.

The Countdown

I'm sure many of you think the countdown to fatherhood began many moons ago, and to a point I agree with you. However, with the recent news from Leslie's doctor, it has now become a very, very real countdown.
"I'm not going to let you go past next Friday," Maj. Gerber announced to Leslie at her appointment last Wednesday. "Either you'll go on your own before then, or we'll induce; but, it will need to be before the 19th." When she said that, it began to sink in that I was only days away from being a father. Shock? Anxiety? Excitement? What exactly was it that I was feeling? Honestly, it was a multitude of emotions; yet, none of them made me the slightest bit uncertain about this awesome new stage of life I'm about to enter.
Now that Leslie has finished her last day of work at Austin Peay (this past Friday), it's going to give her some down time to soak in her final days without a child. I think these days of rest and relaxation will be all her body needs to trigger the start of the birthing process and catapult us into the organized chaos that is parenthood. We are both very excited and ever mindful of the beauty and love that our Father has shown us.
With regard to informing our friends and family, we will both do our best to let everyone know what is going on and when. Lord willing, everything will work out and we'll have our newest addition home by the end of next week! Thanks to all for your prayers and support over the past several months and we can't wait to share our great news with you in the days to come.
Take care and Happy Holidays!

Obstetric Cholestasis

Also known as Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), this is a potentially serious pregnancy-related disorder of the liver. It is estimated that 7 out of every 100 pregnant women are affected in the United States each year. In short, this condition affects the flow of bile (a liver-produced substance that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats) to a woman’s body. It results in a build-up of bile acids in the blood, which in turn can lead to severe itching, and in more rare cases, jaundice. More importantly, if left untreated, this disorder could lead to pre-mature birth, hemorrhaging, fetal distress, or even still birth.
I am writing all of this because Leslie was recently diagnosed with this disorder. Although it was caught early, and has been closely monitored for the past several days, it is yet another layer of uncertainty in the whole pregnancy process. The past two fetal monitor tests have given us comfort because little Ellie seems fine; but if things start to go south, they will have to induce labor and get her out. Thankfully, today marks Leslie's 36th week of pregnancy, a crucial milestone since 44% of all cases with ICP don't make it past 36 weeks before they have to induce.
Other than having very itchy hands and feet (a common, yet annoying symptom), as well as bouts of fatigue, she's in good spirits.
The immediate future holds a couple of scenarios, but the likelihood of her carrying to term is slim to none. Although we've been hoping to have our baby girl in this world before Christmas, our main concern is good health for both mom and daughter. Our biggest prayer is that the good Lord continues to guide and protect us all in the days and weeks to come, in the hope that we will meet our newest addition on His time and no one else's.
We will continue to keep you all posted on this process, but please don't get upset if I can't post again before anything happens!
Take care.

Thoughts On Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe that I've already been home for a year now. I remember seeing my family for the first time on Thanksgiving Day for the first time since I went on the deployment and the joy in my heart as we embraced. Although I was only gone for about half the year, it felt like such a long time since we'd seen each other.
I can't help but think that this memory will always come to mind every Thanksgiving from here on out. Frankly, it's EXACTLY what I'm supposed to remember because it's what this holiday is all about. As everyone says, it's about giving thanks for all that you've been given in this life. For me, I can't help but thank God for the new life he's about to give me in my first child, Ellen.
It is my sincere hope that each one of you will give humble thanks to our Creator for what He has given you, whether good or bad. I know it's been a tough year for a lot of you, and there are so many reasons why shouldn't give thanks. However, in spite of all that, I pray that we can given Him thanks for letting His will be done on earth. I don't think I've ever heard someone say that we never learned anything through the tough times, and I seriously doubt that trying times don't contain any important lessons.
So, give thanks to all that He has done and all that He will do in the days, weeks, months and years to come simply because He is the giver of ALL things. I thank Him for the memories of last year and those I will cherish in the years to come. I hope the same for all of you as well....except for a deployment to Iraq!
Take care and Happy Thanksgiving!