What My Parents Need to Know

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13 NIV)

Hey guys. I'm Baby Huneycutt.

Mommy and Daddy are excited about finally meeting me in February, but I don't know what the big deal is. Haven't they seen a baby before? Don't we all look alike?

Besides, I see my daddy's face all the time, scrunched up and goofy-eyed when he leans down to whisper "I love you." He pats my head or sometimes tickles my feet. My mommy constantly rubs my body. I can't see her, but I know her. I'm part of her, for always.

Mommy's friend, Trish, asked friends to share their advice for my arrival. I figured who better to offer advice than me, the kid? Here goes...

To my Mommy and Daddy... 

Things are gonna get a bit noisy. I can't talk yet, at least, not in a way you understand. The only way to get your attention is to cry...for now. As I get older, I'll employ a multitude of weapons to accomplish that. Don't let the noise bother you. It will only last for a couple decades.

Things are gonna get messy. Don't buy many new or expensive clothes my first few years. Enough said about that.  

We'll all be learning parenthood together. Don't beat yourself up over your mistakes. I won't hold them against you. Stock up on a huge supply of grace, forgiveness, and hugs. I'll never outgrow them.

Stand united with each other. Otherwise, I'll play Mommy against Daddy, and that game really isn't what it's cracked up to be.
 

Until I can do things for myself, I'll need lots of your time. Delete the word "me" from your vocabulary. It's all about "us" now.

Speaking of us, I love feeling your arms slip around Mommy's waist, Daddy. You tickle Mommy's neck with your lips, and her whole body sighs in satisfaction. That helps me relax and feel secure in your love. I'll let you in on a little secret, Daddy. After a few sleepless nights and long days at the library, Mommy might need you to wrap her in your arms, whisper "I love you" in her ear, and ask what you can do to help her. That's a perfect way to keep your romance burning.

But most important, God created me in His image and entrusted me to you, my sweet parents. He designed parents to love Him above all, and then each other. Keep your eyes and heart focused on Him, and everything else will fall into place. 

I love you, Mommy and Daddy! It won't be long until February!

Has Baby Huneycutt covered everything? 

Any advice you'd like to add?

Book 'Em NC

Book 'Em NC is almost here! 

Saturday, February 25, from 9:30 - 4:00. 

If you live anywhere near the Lumberton, NC, area, stop by and check out books from more than 75 authors, including two New York Times bestselling authors, Carla Neggers and Michael Palmer, and more than 24 award-winning authors. And best of all, attendance is free!

From 3-3:45, make sure you step over to the Red Room for a panel discussion on Affairs of the Heart: Romance in Books with romance authors Lynette Hall Hampton, Karen McCullough, Ted Randler, and ME!

The Book 'Em NC event will be held at Robeson Community College in Lumberton, North Carolina, located at the crossroads of Interstates 95 and 74.

What is Book 'Em NC?

Book ‘Em North Carolina
Writers Conference and Book Fair

ABOUT BOOK ‘EM NORTH CAROLINA

The Inaugural Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2012.

It is hosted by Robeson Community College, The Book ‘Em Foundation, Friends of the Robeson County Library, Robeson County Arts Council, Lumberton Visitors Bureau, the City of Lumberton and Communities In Schools.

An annual event is planned for the last Saturday each February. These events are open to the public and free for attendees, presenters and participating authors.

Book ‘Em North Carolina brings together authors under one roof to speak on a variety of subjects. Headliners are Carla Neggers, a suspense author who has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list more than 24 times; and Michael Palmer, author of medical thrillers, who has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list more than 9 times. They join more than 24 award-winning authors and more than 75 authors, total.

A series of talks will occur from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm:

• Writers Conference Talks – for aspiring or published authors of all ages; 
• Children’s Corner – readings for younger children as well as talks through young adult level; 
• The Fictional World – for readers of various fiction genres, including mystery/suspense, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and others; 
• Historically Speaking – for readers of non-fiction, including historical work, biographical or autobiographical, true crime and events.

Authors will also sell and sign their books throughout the day. Publishers and authors pledge a portion of the proceeds raised from sales (a minimum of 40%) for Robeson County and Lumberton, North Carolina for the express purpose of increasing literacy and reducing crime. For additional information, visit www.bookemnc.org.

February Events

Tuesday, 2/7/2012
6:00 -7:00 pm
A Night of Romance
Kannapolis Library
Let's talk inspirational romance. Join Myra Johnson, Jennifer Hudson Taylor and me for "A Night of Romance" at the Kannapolis Library, 850 Mountain St, Kannapolis, NC. Books will be on sale after the program.
Saturday, 2/25/2012
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Book 'Em North Carolina 
Writers Conference and Book Fair
Robeson Community College, 5160 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC

It's FREE and open to the public! Best-selling authors Carla Neggers and Michael Palmer will be there, along with  more than 30 award-winning authors, more than 75 authors of various genres, and more than 6 publishers. Book 'Em's goal is to increase literacy and reduce crime. What a great cause! Stop by if you're in the area, won't you?