Picture update

Life's been busy, but we're having fun in this new season...

lots of naps (for Chloe)
quick check up
Gravely Point with the Devries
play dates
Chloe meets her cousins-Sophia, Rachael, & Tyler
photo shoot with Tali (more to come)
1st new family pic at Abby's bday pty

learning time with gido
Noah and his cousins at Butler's Orchard

Noah in mommy's apron

The Devries

Over a year ago, we have had the PRIVELEGE of having the Devries move into our home. From renters to family, we can't imagine life without them. We joke about locking them into a 10 year lease, but at heart we are serious :) Danny and Dave have formed a fast friendship around competitive games including acquire, blokus, ping pong, and car racing to church. I would say Danny has seen what it means to work heartily for the Lord by watching Dave. Whether at home, work, or the LINK table, he's giving it 110%. They also both have short term memory loss which grieves their wives from time to time, yet they find it amusing. For me, I've learned much from Hannah. Armed with much grace, she is a constant reminder of where our source for strength comes from. I admire how she serves her family joyfully in all circumstances without complaining. By the way, you will never be able to tell by her appearance or attitude if she hasn't slept. The effects of a sleepless night is found on our level :) And speaking for Noah, he loves playing and laughing with Makenna. She's taught him the joys of friendship and being social, how to climb the coffee table, and how to fall and get up again. The two of them together help thier mommies get through the day regardless of how messy the house can get. Chloe and Kaelynn... they just eat and sleep for now, but we plan on them being buddies too. I could say more, but we love them and are so grateful for them sums it all up.

She's here!

"Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations."
Psalm 100:3-5

Chloe arrived 2 weeks early on September 28, 2011. She was 7 lbs and 19 1/4 inches. We believe she was actually a little longer since she measured 20 inches at the dr's 3 days later :) The plan was to induce me on October 3rd, and although I was having many contractions, I didn't think I was going to go into labor on my own. I woke up at around 4:15 am with strong contaractions and she arrived at the hospital (thankfully) at 7:52 am. I think with the next kid I might just hang out at Shady Grove hospital once I hit 8 months. After delivering a 9 1/2 lb baby naturally, my biggest fear was not having an epidural. We got the hospital and I was 8cm dilated. The anesthesiologist was in the middle of a C-section, and my doctor was still driving in. I was so fearful as the nurse was telling me to prepare for a natural delivery. Danny and I prayed. I was trying to remind myself of God's faithfulness through Noah's delivery. His grace was so sufficient then and would not fail me this time. As I was trying to relax through contractions, my heart was at peace. Shortly after that, both the doctor and the anesthesiologist were in my room, and in no time was that epidural in. (Thank the Lord for modern day medicine! What a relief!) The rest of the delivery and recovery went so smooth with zero complications and we were able to go home the next day. We are so grateful to God for his kindness. He has been so near to us through it all. I was so aware of my dependence on the Lord after everything I went through with Noah, and I am so aware that I need him today just as much as I did then. Aside from sleepless nights, we are so in love with our baby girl. Noah gives her so many kisses and loves to help care for her.
Chloe, we are so happy you're part of our family! We talked about having a little Chloe when we were engaged, and I can't believe you're here. Our hearts are filled with love for you and we are delighted to be your parents. We look forward to you waking up for more than 10 minutes and watching you grow over the coming months and years. We love you!