You’ve followed Step 1 from an earlier post and now your little eaglet is on the way. Things are going well in your marriage. In times of stress, you know to put the oxygen mask on yourself first. You are learning to take responsibility for your happiness and you’re committed to being a helpmate to your spouse.

#Marriage is teaching you to overlook some things—like the toilet seat being left up, the makeup all over the place, and those PMS days. Both of you realize and accept that you’re two imperfect people committed to loving and making the other person the best that they can be.

Your focus is now centered on what is best for the baby. What type of nest have you prepared for your baby? Have you chosen a neighborhood where your child will be safe? Here are some things that you can do if you haven’t done them already:

1. Check with the police department on crime statistics. Are your neighbors gainfully employed? Is there a sense of community? Is there a neighborhood watch? Is the neighborhood plagued by illegal or prescription drugs? Do children roam the streets?
2. Check with local and private schools on student test scores. How do they line up with national statistics? Look for test scores in the 80-100 percentile nationwide and a strong Parent & Teacher Association. Personally visit the schools. Talk to the principals and teachers. If you feel welcomed, more than likely your child will feel the same.
3. Are the demographics in the community such that your child will have a positive and healthy esteem for all of God’s children? Make sure your child won’t be stigmatized.
4. What morals are being taught to neighborhood children? Your child’s peers should have a strong sense of what’s right and wrong and believe in God.

Your child will fly away from the nest soon enough. You are responsible for your child’s body, mind, and soul until they become accountable. Along with prayers, which is vital, closely consider the suggestions I’ve made above. A house is more than a building with granite countertops, hardwood floors, a jacuzzi tub, and lots of space. It would be better for a child to live in a tiny apartment where that child learns values, self-esteem, and love for self and others that will last a lifetime, than in a mansion where a child feels unwanted, unloved, is selfish and has no regard for their fellow man.

You are loved, capable, intelligent, beautiful, and fearfully and wonderfully made! #God’s will is that you have an abundant, healthy and fulfilled life. Please show your support of this post by liking, commenting, following me, and brightening someone’s day by sharing it with them.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3 NKJV