Baby Max

Ok, so first...a little background info. When I was a freshman in college in August of 1998, one of the very first people I met was a guy named Brien Duke. We met during orientation week at Brewton-Parker College and instantly became friends. Years later after college we both ended up living in Macon and ran into each other a few times. Fast forward.....Just weeks before David and I were to move to Conyers to be a part of a launch team to plant a church, I ran into Brien again. He was leading worship at a college Bible study and asked me to come see him play. I was so impressed and could tell Brien was a great worship leader. And in ways that only God orchestrates, Brien's company had decided to relocate him to Atlanta...just minutes from Conyers. David loved the idea of having someone co-lead worship with him on Sundays and we knew Brien would be a great addition to Discover Point Church.

On September 3, 2006 a girl named Esther Miltenberger walked through the doors of our church (or...uh...movie theater as it was at the time). She had moved to Conyers all the way from West Virginia to teach at a local college. I had an instant connection with her...or maybe it was just that I had a big brother who was single and looking. Again in ways that only God orchestrates, my big brother and Esther began dating. Later Esther would have her twin sister, Hannah fly down to visit. Brien soon fell head over heels for Hannah. In March of last year Brien and Hannah were married and just 2 weeks later, Jason (my brother) and Esther were married. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that this guy I met nearly 12 years ago would end up being one of my husband's best friends and my brother's brother-in-law!

Brien and Hannah have become family to us. I give you all that detail so you'll understand why I'm so excited about Baby Max!!! Max was born to Brien & Hannah last night at 7:49pm weighing in at 8lbs, 14oz and 20". Labor was long (nearly 24 hours) and difficult and ended with a c-section, but Max is here safe and sound and just so stinkin' cute!!!!

And just so you know, Max's mommy is exhausted, a little swollen after her c-section and you know how much Mommies just LOVE having their photos taken right after going through hours and hours of labor...sooooo.... you won't see any pics of Hannah in here

Brien, the proud Daddy

Max checking out his Uncle Jason

Aunt Es and Uncle J

One thing is for sure...

this sweet little boy...

will be loved...

I sure think he's pretty special...