Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Keep Santa in Christmas

You don't have to look far for a church sign or billboard reminding you to "Keep Christ in Christmas." Obviously I'm in favor of keeping Jesus in Christmas since the whole thing started as a celebration of his birth. Kind of silly to have a birthday party and leave out the birthday boy.

But I'd like to make a case for keeping Santa Claus in Christmas, too. I know some Christians who choose not to do the Santa thing with their kids, and that's fine. I know others who include Santa in their Christmas traditions, and that's ok too. (My family falls in the second camp, for whatever that's worth.)

Whether you choose to participate in the modern day version of Santa Claus or not, there is a lot of value for remembering the actual historical man called St. Nicholas. Legends about this man abound. It's difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes St. Nicholas, but this much is widely accepted to be true. He was a bishop in what is now modern-day Turkey. He was very wealthy but also quite generous. His primary concern was for the poor, so his wealth and generosity were directed toward those in need.

It was St. Nicholas' extravagant giving to the poor that made him legendary…not bringing presents to those who are already over-stuffed in every way.

Again, I really couldn't care less whether your family includes Santa in their Christmas tradition or not. But I do care very much about the legacy of St. Nicholas.

Who do you know that is need? Who is lonely? Who could use a little extra dose of Christmas cheer? And what can your family do to help them?

I hope you have a little St. Nick in your holiday this year.

Family Update

My absence from the blogosphere was unplanned but quite necessary. I've been very sick since Sunday. I think my antibiotic is starting to work, though. I'm pretty convinced that I'm going to survive now. If you had asked me on Monday, you might have gotten a different response.

It's been a very bad time for me to get sick. I can only hold Brock for short periods of time while I'm wearing a mask. Not exactly how I planned it. Thankfully Nicki, Ryan, and Brock are all still well. If someone has to be sick, I'm very glad it's me.

Anyway, here are a couple more pics. If you're getting tired of looking at baby pictures…um…deal with it. :o)

The Mall Santa

Ever wonder what guidelines the mall's management gives to Santa in our PC culture? Peter Chianca gives us an inside glimpse.

Check it out here.

Home Sweet Home

Glad to be home now.

Thanks for all the comments and emails containing prayers and well-wishes. Every one of them was very much appreciated.

Hospital Reflections

My mind is swimming with varied thoughts as I sit here in our hospital room waiting to go home. Nicki and Brock are both sleeping, so this is a good chance to process some of what I'm thinking.

-Our experience at Mercy Anderson Hospital has been top notch. Everyone, from the doctors to the kitchen staff, has been super. The care we've received has been stellar.

-Nurses blow my mind. Seriously, these ladies have to do it all. I watched our nurses perform careful examinations of my son and my wife. I also saw them change bed linens. Every nurse that cared for my family was outstanding.

-I'm watching a serious snowstorm outside our window right now. The thought of driving our new son home in this weather doesn't thrill me. It's gonna take a while to get home. Slow and steady wins the race.

-I loved watching Ryan as he took it all in. He seems to be adjusting pretty well to his new baby brother. We'll see what happens when we're all at home and the novelty of the new brother wears off.

-My wife is tough. Her pain tolerance is very high, and yet she's taking lots of pain meds. That tells me that she has been in serious pain…and yet she keeps going. God showcased his wisdom when he created women to be the ones to bear children. Nicki has to take it easy for 6 weeks to recover from the C-section. If it were me, it would probably take 6 months.

-Brock is something special. I know every parent feels that way when their new baby arrives, but that's by the Lord's design. There is a sense of awe that sweeps over me when I hold Brock.

-I appreciate the love and the prayers of all our friends. I also appreciate how everyone gave us some space during our hospital stay. It's been quite a tiring experience as any parent knows.

-I'm ready to eat something other than food from the hospital cafeteria. Although they do brew Starbucks coffee in the cafeteria, so that gets a gold star.

-My wife and sons are precious gifts. I take my family for granted FAR too often.

-We have been crazy blessed. God has been so good to us. I'm forever grateful.

Heading Home

Just found out that we get to go home today. Previously we were told that we wouldn't go home until Sunday, but Nicki and Brock are both doing so well that the doctor said we could be discharged today.

Good stuff.

Brock Pics 2

A few pics from day two…

Brock Pics 1

Brock Allen Edmisten arrived at 1:24 pm today. It was a smooth, textbook delivery. Mom and baby are both healthy and happy. Dad is very thankful.

Brock's stats: 8 lbs 3 oz. 21.25" long.

Here's the first round of pics.

Wi-Fi

Just found out that we should have wi-fi access in our room at the hospital, so I should be able to post some pictures here on my blog while we're there. Very cool.

Tomorrow is B-Day

The "Brock Clock" is picking up speed. His arrival is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 pm. I covet your prayers for my family.

Also, we'd like to keep the number of visitors light during our stay in the hospital. This will be an exhausting few days. I hope you understand.

I'll be posting pics here on my blog as soon as I can. Hopefully I can snag an internet connection at the hospital.

I'll talk with you again post-birth.

Daddy out.