Professional surfer and new mother Bethany Hamilton has revealed that while parenting holds "a lot of unknown challenges," she continues to find peace and comfort in God's promises.
Hamilton and her youth pastor husband, Adam Dirks, welcomed their first child into the world on June 1st. The boy's name, which was taken from his great grandfather Tobias, means "the goodness of God."
"We prepped a lot for Tobias to come," the 25-year-old shark attack survivor revealed in a recent update. "Adam set up his bed, stroller and other Baby stuff. One night our whole house had baby clothes spread all over it and we categorized his cloth[e]s into different ages. It was CRAzy and lots of fun going through the lil guys adorable outfits!!"
Hamilton explained that prior to the birth of her son, she and her husband participated in a total of ten birthing classes that brought "unity and confidence" between them for the birthing journey and gave them a greater understanding of the process.
She added that while that Tobias' birth was "the most intense thing I've ever done," she is thankful that her son came out "healthy and strong."
"As we have entered into parenthood, excited as we are, we also know there are a lot of unknown challenges ahead. Some we are already facing. The first month was amazing, but really really challenging. We fall in love with Tobias just looking at him! He also brings other emotions when his crying is off the charts!!" she wrote.
The "Soul Surfer" star continued, "Whether in parenting or not, life's unknowns can be very intimidating. I find we can dwell on and develop fear of what we don't know is ahead of us. In all my unknowns, I place my trust in God's promises, which remain known and will be there always for my security in Him. His lasting love and his forgiveness are always there for you and me."
In an earlier interview, Hamilton, who lost her left arm in October 31, 2003 when she was only 13 from a 14-foot tiger shark along Tunnels Beach, Kauai, admitted that caring for a baby with just one arm could be a challenge.
"I often forget that I have one arm, but when I think about it, and a squirming baby and changing a diaper, that could be challenging," she said. "But I think that how I live life now, just adjusting and adapting to things that normally take two arms with one arm...I'll just find my own way to take care of the baby."
"Of course I'll have Adam to help," she continued, "But if he's out and about busy, I'll just to have to adjust to little things and figure it out and be creative."
While the energetic surfer has taken some time off from traveling due to the birth of her son, she is planning on hitting the road again in October for several book signings and speaking engagements.
