2021

And a Baby Makes Three…

~ katdryden ~ Leave a comment

Ready or not, baby Dryden is on the way!

In typical first-time-parent-fashion, Creighton and I are equal parts thrilled and terrified about welcoming a child into the world.

It’s a funny thing, becoming a parent…it’s the most grown up I’ve ever felt while also the most out of control I’ve ever felt. But I’m (re)learning the most valuable lesson: that God is sovereign over timing, that He sustains and produces life, and that no fear should overcome us because He is in control.

To share a little more, I’ve decided to format this blog post in the form of an interview….yes, I will be answering questions that no one asked (ha), but that I as a reader would be curious to know. So here we go!

How did you find out you were pregnant?

Creighton and I had been open to the idea of pregnancy, but not super hopeful that it would come quickly for us. I have an on-going health issue that reared it’s ugly head at the beginning of 2021 and my doctors had warned that it might be a long road to conception. We had only been married a year and weren’t in any hurry…plus, we truly believed that God would give us the family we needed in the way and timing that was best. We loved the life we currently led with just the two of us, so we just lived our normal lives for a few months, knowing that we could get pregnant, while also knowing that it could never happen for us.

One really rainy Monday, I took a pregnancy test for reasons that you might expect, but strange as it sounds, I really thought it would be negative. In fact, I would’ve bet money on it. You see, that pesky ongoing health issue was not exactly under control…and, if I’m being totally honest, I also have this other pesky condition that is more of an emotional problem: I truly believe good things won’t come to me because I’m not worthy of them. I know, that’s deep and dark and not at all true, but I constantly struggle to believe God will give me good gifts. I just assumed pregnancy wouldn’t go my way.

But wouldn’t you know, I picked up that pregnancy test after the allotted three minutes and there were two pink lines.

It’s sappy, but my first response was tears of joy and gratitude. I just kept saying “thank you” out loud, knowing that God had given us a gift—one I knew I didn’t deserve (re: my ongoing feeling that God withholds me good things due to my sin), and yet, He gives and gives and gives. I truly couldn’t believe it.

Also, one cool thing about when we found out: the 22nd has become “our lucky day,” due to the following:

  • Our first date was on June 22, 2018
  • We were married on February 22, 2020
  • We found out we were expecting on March 22, 2021

Hooray for the 22nd and the reminder of God’s kindness to us that it continually brings!

How did you tell Creighton?

Well, weird as it may sound, Creighton was NOT the first person I told. I knew he had a busy work day, so I instead immediately texted my best friend Bailey (I think I needed another human being to verify that my eyes did not deceive me in that moment.). Bailey is such a celebrator of people and also had some recent experience with pregnancy, so I definitely picked the right mama to call. One of her texts really stuck with me…she said, “Kat, you have a little soul in you right now.” Isn’t that cool? She also encouraged me to tell Creighton in a fun, creative way, so here’s what I did…

I already had on the docket that day to buy some baby books for a friend’s shower, so I went to Barnes and Nobels and grabbed some, along with an additional book called, “Becoming a First Time Dad for Dummies.” My plan was to have the books on the counter when Creighton got home from work and tell him to check out the things I bought for our pal, Michelle. I knew he’d question why I got the Dads for Dummies book and that’s when I’d whip out the positive pregnancy tests (yes, “tests.” I took no less than THREE just to make sure they all had the same answer, HA.). But when Creighton got home, he sweetly came over, gave me a hug, and jokingly said, “You’re so pretty, I could marry you.” I seized the opportunity and said, “Am I so pretty you could have a baby with me?” He didn’t get it and just said “of course,” but when I showed him the positive tests conveniently hanging out in my back pocket, he immediately understood and a giant grin filled his face. I later gave him the Dads for Dummies book even though it didn’t become part of the actual baby reveal…and I immediately regretted that gift because he’s used the first line against me so many times. It says: “Don’t let your partner tell you differently: Pregnancy is hard on dads too.” EYE ROLL, AM I RIGHT?

Right after I told Creighton…celebratory Chinese food in the background, naturally.

Do you know the gender?

Boy

When are you due?

We will have a little Thanksgiving baby—due November 24th. Hence his nickname: Turkey.

Have y’all picked a name?

I think so, but we haven’t 100% committed. I have had a list of much-loved baby names on my phone since I was in college, but turns out actually naming a baby is harder than one would think.

Weird food aversions?

Only during first trimester: I couldn’t stand the taste/smell of peanut butter, turkey, or mints.

Food cravings?

I don’t think I’ve had any. I eat about the same as always (just much, much more).

Strangest part of pregnancy?

Heightened senses all around. It’s very bizarre. I was deep in my first trimester during the peak of spring, and I swear there was a day in early April when I walked outside and it smelled like I was walking past a bakery. The air smelled so sweet that it was overwhelming, but Creighton promised me it smelled normal…I think I could just strongly smell the blooming flowers. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Another time, I was on a walk and passed a pizza delivery man. I don’t know what possessed me to say this, but I asked him, “Is that a BBQ Chicken pizza.” The guy laughed and said, “good nose.” The heightened smell has pretty much subsided, but I do feel like I’m still more sensitive to smells, taste, noise, and touch even today at 25 weeks pregnant.

Did you have a feeling it would be a boy?

No! I 100% thought the baby would be a girl. I have no idea why…maybe because I grew up with all sisters and that’s all I’ve ever known? BUT, here’s a funny/weird thing. During my first trimester, I had probably 3-5 dreams about the baby and in the dreams the baby was always a boy…and always named Charlie. Weird, right? Now, I don’t think Charlie will be our boy name (though, it was a contender!), but I can’t help but wonder if the subconscious self can determine gender before it’s even proved. Who knows, probably not. Though, two of my girlfriends with multiple kids have confirmed that they’ve always had dreams that aligned with the gender of their children before actually knowing the baby’s sex. Pretty interesting, huh?

Best moment in pregnancy?

  • Finding out
  • Telling Creighton
  • Seeing the baby’s sonograms…especially the most recent one! See below!

Scariest moment in pregnancy?

We almost miscarried at 9 weeks. It all ended up being ok, but we definitely had a rocky few weeks.

Second trimester symptoms?

Second tri is SO much easier than first trimester (see ya never, nausea). But about week 21 I started to feel a little more “pregnant.” Here’s what I mean…

  • Heartburn (coconut water helps so much)
  • Back pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constant urination
  • Fatigue is coming back (which for a go-getter like me, is just plain annoying)

Movement?

Yes! About week 21-22 I started to feel daily kicks.

Weight gain?

I would normally NOT talk about my weight gain on this blog, but I figured if I were the reader/had never had a baby before, I’d want to know! So, Yes to weight gain…so far about 15 lbs (I’m 25 weeks for reference). I feel pretty good about it, but my outfit choices are starting to be limited.

Prayer for the baby?

Creighton and I pray for the baby every night. My main prayer is that he would grow into a kind, humble man who loves Jesus and others well.

………………………………………..

Phew! That was a long one. Thanks for caring enough to read.

KAT
Currently listening to “Strawberries” by CAAMP

All In For His Kingdom.

~ katdryden ~ Leave a comment

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-1 Peter 4:7-11

The following is a devo that I wrote for my church a few weeks ago on 1 Peter 4…Enjoy!

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As someone who has worked on PCPC youth staff for quite a few years, I’ve had the privilege of helping hire many two-year residents to work on our middle school and high school teams. In a recent interview with a hopeful new employee, the interviewee asked me what I thought made a strong resident. My answer was easy: an abiding relationship with God and a desire to be “all-in.” Rightfully so, the interviewee asked me to expound on what I meant by being “all-in,” to which I told him we needed people who had a passion for youth ministry, who were devoted to prayer, and who would sacrifice their time and efforts to serve the congregation to the best of their ability because, after all, it’s only a two-year program and time is of the essence.

The interviewee accepted this answer and moved on, but I did not. I started to feel convicted, wondering if I was as “all-in” as I could be in my current role. Truth be told, I quickly reconciled the feeling with the fact that I, as a permanent staff member, was not on a two-year time crunch; I even reassured myself by thinking, “coasting is normal and healthy in long-term ministry.” But, I’m here to tell you that I was wrong to have had that mindset, not only as someone who works in full-time vocational ministry, but also as a Christian who believes Jesus is coming back soon.

1 Peter 4 reminds us that we are people with a mission, a purpose, and a deadline. We are to rest along the way and lean wholly on Jesus, but we are never told to “coast” through Christianity. In fact, I would argue that believers should be the most “all-in” humans alive.

However, let me be honest with you: often when I read 1 Peter 4 I feel unable or even unworthy to live such a faithful, servant-hearted, and fervent life. Why? Well, because I’m deeply aware of my own weaknesses and failures. I long to live an “all-in” life for Jesus, and yet, I fail Him oh-so-often. Is my effort even worth it, I wonder?

In these moments of insecurity, I’m reminded of the very man who penned the Scripture we are studying: Simon Peter. You probably remember that Peter was not only one of Jesus’ disciples during His earthly ministry, but he was also one of Jesus’ best friends. We know that Peter left all that he had to follow Christ—very much a prime example of being “all-in”—but we also know that Peter did not always faithfully serve the Lord. Yet how amazing that even after Peter’s denial, the risen Christ comes to him, asking “Peter, do you love me?” and allowing Peter another chance to be “all-in.” Russ Ramsey of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville said, “That Jesus would love a man like Simon Peter bodes well us, for you and for me. …It is not our record of righteousness that matters; it is Jesus’.”

We, too, are “Peters.” We fail Jesus, but we love Him and we continually try to follow Him, even in our weaknesses. Let us be a people who are quick to look to Christ’s righteousness, not our own, and strive to be imperfect, but faithful servants of Jesus each and every day.

KAT
Currently listening to “My Worth Is Not In What I Own” by the Getty’s (this is a current favorite)

The Joy of Abiding

~ katdryden ~ Leave a comment

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. … These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” -John 15

I’m in the stage of life where all of my friends are having babies. As an “outsider looking in” on this stage, I’m constantly struck by how helpless infants truly are. They are glued to their parents, dependent on them for their every need. In addition to their dependence, babies, as we all know, aren’t the best communicators. They cannot tell you what they need or why they are uncomfortable; they simply cry out, hopeful that their adoring parents come to the rescue. And yet, slowly and subtly, you witness babies grow. They learn from their parents’ example and gradually pick up some tricks that help them become better communicators and more productive tiny humans. Babies lean wholly on their parents and glean from their examples, which in turn helps them become the people that God intended them to be.

Babies actually show us a beautiful picture of an abiding relationship with Christ. As little ones in the world constantly lean on their parents’ sturdy care, we too must be so dependent on God. We should look to Him in all we do; we should learn and grow from Jesus’ example in the Word; we should be quick to cry out to Him in moments of desperation. Like young infants, we must face the truth that apart from God, we can do nothing. 

We know we need a dependent relationship with the Lord, but often we rebel against that idea, choosing self-sufficiency over reliance. Practically, this may look like: feeling too busy to spend time in prayer or God’s Word; going to God as a last resort when troubles arise; not stopping to talk to God about big life decisions. There are a myriad of ways we choose self-sufficiency in our daily lives, but as believers, we must acknowledge the pride and foolishness in going that route. In the end, self-sufficiency will always fail us. But an even greater consequence, I would argue, is what we would miss out on by forsaking an abiding, dependent relationship with Christ: full joy.

Rankin Wilbourne wrote in his book “Union With Christ”: “It is a beautiful dance: our highest joy is found in God’s glory, and God is most glorified in us when we find our highest joy in him.”

When we abide with our Heavenly Father, we are reminded of His supreme glory, which is necessary to see Him, those around us, and ourselves as we ought. As we lean on His power and grow from Jesus’ example, we will find ultimate joy in His glory, and in turn, glorify Him through that joy.

Abiding is one of the greatest gifts we have as believers. Don’t let self-reliance keep you from the abundant joy that is promised through a thriving relationship with Him. 

KAT
Currently listening to “Yes and Amen” by Housefires

He Said/She Said (January 2021)

~ katdryden ~ Leave a comment

I’m pulling this series from the 2016 vault and reintroducing one of my very favorite things…

The book review.

I got out of the habit of reading the past few years (blaming Creighton for that one—he came into my life and suddenly doing anything with him was more fun than reading), but thanks to 2020 I had a lot of extra downtime and went back to my bookwormy ways.

So without further ado, my January reads…

“Yesterday I knew I had no future, and that it was impossible for me to accept my life as it is now. And yet today, that same messy life seems full of hope. Potential. The impossible, I suppose, happens via living.”

-“The Midnight Library”

“The Midnight Library” was the number one fiction book on Goodreads last year, so naturally I had to give it a shot. I’d label this book a mix of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, and I did love the heart behind the primary message of the novel. That being said, it was pretty obvious what was going to happen about 50 pages in. Though I did enjoy it, I wish there had been more depth to the protagonist’s story…or even a few final chapters that showed progression after her trip to the library. All in all, though, a nice story.

“You mistake love. You think it has to have a future in order to matter, but it doesn’t. It’s the only thing that does not need to become at all. It matters only insofar as it exists. Here. Now. Love doesn’t require a future.” 

-“IN five years”

I read somewhere that this book “tried really hard to be better than it was,” and I agree with that sentiment. The first half of “In Five Years” felt nearly identical to “One Day in December” by Josie Silver, but then it takes a deep dive into grief that leaves the reader confused and frankly, just plain ol’ sad. In the end, I didn’t like any of the characters and was angry at how the plot unfolded…but I did also cry at one point, so there’s that.

“Why was I crying so much? Because I think it finally dawned on me that I have a child who will never know her grandmother, the person who was the closest to me in the world. And I was about to start this journey with my daughter by myself without the help of my mother. …Then, I realized the one thing that would bridge all three of our lives was our faith, this intangible thing that had been passed on to me and that I would now pass on to my daughter. Somehow, through this ritual, I had transcended the impossible distance between me and my mom.”

-“Nothing like I imagined”

I am a huge fan of Mindy Kaling’s writing. It is her best professional talent, in my opinion, so I was thrilled when she released this series of essays. And though I did enjoy her other books better, these were still as charming as ever. The essay, “Help Is On The Way” where she described her on-going friendship with her daughter’s nurse was definitely my favorite!

KAT
Currently listening to “Sunday best” by Surfaces