Eli's photo shoot

We had the privilege of having Bekah Maka come to our home and shoot some photo's of us.  We couldn't have been happier with the results, and so I had a hard time narrowing it down to just a few!

Eli's Arrival

It felt this day would never come.  Our long awaited baby came on February 16th, his grandfather's birthday.  The Lord worked things in our favor.  I was becoming more fearful and anxious as our due date was approaching.  After having a miscarriage, I was more aware of all the things that could potentially go wrong throughout the pregnancy and delivery.  I was having a lot of painless contractions for weeks before, and I was hopping on the treadmill daily to try to get him to come.  Then we got hit with a huge snowstorm followed by stomach bugs, and I laid off the treadmill and literally sat on the couch all day praying Eli wouldn't come.  The plan was to be induced on a Monday.  But the day before Danny and I felt I should go in and get checked.  I felt like if I were to wait one more day, I would wake up in the middle of the night ready to deliver as I did with Chloe, and the baby would come in the car (Fear #3). Sure enough I was reassured that when I arrived there at 6cm, we made the right decision.  Our favorite doctor was on call that day and everything went quickly and smoothly (minus a malfunctioning epidural that took 3+ attempts).  No complications and a healthy baby.  Our friend Ana was with us and made the whole experience much easier and enjoyable.  And here we are enjoying the fleeting moments...

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, 

and all that is within me, 

bless his holy name! 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, 

and forget not all his benefits, 

who forgives all your iniquity, 

who heals all your diseases, 

who redeems your life from the pit, 

who crowns you with steadfast love 

and mercy,
 who satisfies you with good..."

- Psalm 103:1-5

funny Noah saying

We've been talking about Eli for so long.  It really has been a long time of waiting especially for Danny and I.  We were hoping he would come early, but right now I am praying he doesn't come tonight as we are in the midst of a snow storm.  Anyways, the plan is for me to be induced this coming Monday and so tonight Danny was putting Noah to bed...

Danny: Ok Noah in a few days you are going to meet Eli.
Noah (with a distraught face & voice):  Daddy I don't want to meet Eli.  I don't want to go in mommy's belly.

I'm convinced the kids don't believe that he is ever coming out.

night time with Chloe

Chloe, 

Last night I put you in bed and you clearly were not tired.  You were jumping up and down laughing. Every 10 seconds you asked for something so I wouldn't leave.  I was laughing too.  Finally I told you it was night time and I had to leave.  Once I got to the door, there was one more "mom!" I looked at you and softly you said, "I love you."  You made me smile big.  I think that was your first time initiating those words. :) 

my sweet children

Chloe,

The other day daddy stubbed his toe, and lets say he made it clear that he was hurt.  You quickly jumped off the kitchen table bench and kneeled down to kiss his foot! 

You are picking up words and sayings so quickly without being taught.  You made Tayta laugh when she sneezed the other day.  You were so quick to say, "God Bess you Tayta."  And you say it all the time now after every sneeze in the house :)

Noah, 

I took you to Trader Joe's the other day to do our grocery shopping.  When we got to the register, you noticed the flowers by the door, and you shouted, "mom, we forgot to buy you flowers!" Daddy has taught you well.

Last week you were sick with pneumonia.  Daddy was away and it was so hard and heart breaking caring for you.  You were laying in my arms on the couch trying not to cough and I was feeling so weak and overwhelmed.   Out of no where you looked up at me and said, "mom, you're the best and I love you." How grateful you made me feel to be your mommy.

These are just a couple of the many moments I wish to remember and continue to be grateful for.  We love you guys so much and we are so blessed to be your parents.

Missing you.

1 year today...

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." - Job 1:21

December 2013

They shall call his name"Immanuel" which means, God with us.  Matthew 1:23

Another year comes to a close.  In some ways I am happy to be saying goodbye to this year, but also grateful for the Lord's continuos work in my heart.  This Christmas season, I tried so much to distract myself from the sadness that laid heavy in my heart.  I think I overdid it, hence me being sick the past week (but giving me time to catch up on the blog). Last Christmas I was anticipating our third child being a part of our celebration and joining the other two under the tree.  But the Lord had different plans for us, good plans.  Although I found myself tearful at times, it was easy to recount the Lord's faithfulness to our family. He has been with us.

We did the advent/countdown to Christmas and the kids enjoyed the fun activities.  Danny and I had a lot of fun with it, especially now that they can enjoy more things.  One thing we initiated was reading through the Jesus Story Book Bible through the month of December.  It's so exciting to see that Noah is starting to understand the Christmas story and the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  On Christmas Eve, when he saw the presents under the tree, he asked, "are all those presents for Jesus?" We had multiple opportunities to talk about Jesus and why he came.  It was so helpful for my soul to speak of these things.  It really put things into perspective and convicted me of what I was truly celebrating in my own heart.  I am so grateful for the joy that we have because of the birth of Jesus and for a Savior that not only came for us but is still with us today.

Forgot this last month, but our thankful tree came to a close

 gingerbread house

 picnic dinner by the tree, this was so fun for the kids

 Snow!

 our friends

 I told Noah to throw a snowball at me, good aim!

 she prefers eating it

 backyard view

 birthday party for Jesus

 baking with mommy

 learning to make paper snowflakes

Christmas cookies at the mom-mom & grandpas

 Christmas morning

A fun surprise for dad

Noah turns 4

Noah,

Today you turned 4 and this past year has been a year of much growth. Now that Chloe is older, you are learning what being a big brother really means. You started school. You played soccer, your your first sport.  And the most thing we've enjoyed is seeing how your heart has grown to be more loving and compassionate.  You love helping others and care for others without being told to.  You love to comfort kids younger than you (& make them laugh).  If I cough or sneeze, you ask me if I want water or need a tissue and bring it to me.  When Chloe cries, you hug her and tell her it's going to be okay. Last time we went out, Tayta told me you held her hand for 20 minutes trying to comfort her because she was crying when we left.  And when she was crying in the car the other day, you reached over and held her hand.  You spontaneously tell Daddy and I that you love us all the time, which we never tire of hearing.  You love initiating hugs and kisses with us, which Chloe has learned to do from watching you.  You always talk about all the the things you want to teach Eli to do.  You also have learned to encourage us all.  I love hearing, "Thanks for dinner mom," "Thanks for coming to my Christmas party," "Good job Chloe," or "Good, job dad!" You simply melt our hearts with your love and kindness.  What a sweet little boy you continue to be! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you this next year. We love you so much!

Love,  mom & dad

 Birthday Brunch

Donut Skewers made by Daddy

 They were a hit!

 craft time

final product-reindeer ornament

 Noah's new favorite treat in cake form :)

 the anticipation

nap time :)

                                     

soccer jacks for everyone

and a small glimpse of your heart :)

sweet big sister

I asked Chloe where Eli was while she was eating.  She walked over to my belly with a french fry and kept trying to feed him saying, "E-i, some?"

Noah's soccer buddies

Nathan

Joseph

Makenna

1st Trophy!