10 months

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord." Psalm 127:3

I can't believe how big our sweet potato is. He went from baby to boy so quickly! He's at 23 pounds and 31 inches :) We're measuring 97th percentile in height, so the basketball scholarship is still looking good :) This past Sunday, we dedicated Noah to the Lord. Our pastor soberly reminded us of our calling as parents. He encouraged us and prayed for us. We understand it is not the church's responsibility to save our child, but we are so grateful for God's design in it. Already in this early and short season, we have been served so effectively by our pastor (Erik and his wife Jerusha), our caregroup, and many other friends.

Noah,
It was our joy to dedicate you to the Lord. What a delightful gift that God has entrusted in our hands. You bring so many smiles and laughs into our home. God has been so good to us! We pray for you daily, asking God to transform you heart that you might come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. With God's help, we will be faithful to teach you what he has taught us. We love you so much, and I can't wait for you to understand that!

October fun

I just love the fall. What' s better than perfect weather, changing leaves, pumpkin picking, and a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup? We started this month with our semi-annual camping trip with the Sutton family at Cunningham falls. I never thought I would really enjoy camping, but at the times we go there are NO bugs! Just a fun family, wood-chopping, yummy food off the grill, long hikes to the waterfalls, cozy nights by the campfire, and of course the smore's :)

half of the fam

The happy campers after their first night in the camper :)

featuring the Chadid's

We came home and unpacked the fall clothes and repacked our summer clothes for Hawaii! So much for the Fall! The time period following Noah's delivery was a trialing time for us in so many ways. It was during that season we became so aware of God's provision for us, and his love and care for us through the gift of our parents. To express our gratitude, Danny and I took them to Oahu. Here were some of our favorite highlights...

16 hours of travel, and here's our angel baby

Waiting for dinner (half of entree's & sushi!).
I think I had the best meals ever that week.

Surf lessons at Waikiki Beach

mommy-lovin time

First train ride

Joyfully receiving fresh limes at the Dole pineapple plantation .
(I'm sure my mom was sad she couldn't bring some home).

Being happily married & showing off the lei I made :)

Our parent's watched Noah, while Danny and I went to
dinner. This was our view from our table.

Pearl Harbor

Enduring another long day

Sunset dinner cruise

sick

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:25-26

I've been sick quite a bit since Noah was born, and even prior to that. Again, I sit tempted to self pity and wondering why my immune system lacks the ability to fight off anything. I can list several things I can be doing rather than coughing up a lung and blowing my nose off. However, I'm learning more and more how weak I am and yet, how self sufficient I am. It is in these times the Lord faithfully reminds me that apart from Him I can do nothing, and all that I need is more of Him. I don't need perfect health, and I don't need to conquer my to-do list. I need truth. I need to remind myself of who I am in Christ and submit to the will of Him who has met my greatest need. He was good and perfect in wisdom when he saved me from eternal wrath, and He is good and perfect in wisdom when I am sick. It is because of the cross I can rest assured that my health is in the care of a sovereign and loving Father. I can look back at each time I was sick and see God's faithfulness in caring for me. He has been faithful to provide grace and strength in these moments.

goodbye pool

I love our community pool. Noah had so much fun this summer playing with friends and family...

Love the smile!

with Joshua and Audrey

Uncle Brian, Aunt Valerie and Cole


pretty eyes

Maybe next year Alexa!

mama and dada

peek-a-boo

Yesterday I put Noah down for a nap. About 30 minutes later I though he was sleeping, but I kept hearing some rustling noises. I went upstairs to peep on him, and I wish I caught a picture. He had pulled off his diaper and placed it over his face. As soon as he heard me, he pulled it off and greeted me with a big smile followed by a giggle. I just love him! Needless to say his crib sheets needed to be changed :)

Williamsburg

Danny surprised me with a trip to Williamsburg this past weekend for our anniversary. Danny's mom came to watch Noah while we were away for 2 nights. I must say, it was great sleeping in past 7 am :) We enjoyed the quaint town very much and the undistracted time to recount God's grace and goodness to us in our marriage. I am so happy being married to my best friend. Thank you for a wonderful time cookie!

Smiles after a delicious breakfast at the Williamsburg Inn

Being our silly selves. Sometimes I wonder what our kiddos will be like...

A romantic dinner at Shield's Tavern. Did I mention the soloist who sang to us for our anniversary? "You're love is like a red, red, rose..." yeah, that's all we remember.

Noah's first beach trip

We went to the beach this month with the grandparents and Aunt Susan. I did a poor job taking pictures, but I did get a few of Noah :) Still no Sutton yet that doesn't love the beach...

2 years ...

since I married the man beyond my dreams! That day went by so fast, but I do remember that I couldn't stop cheesing and how shiny Danny's head looked under the auditorium lights :)

Love, I am so happy being married to you! Waking up to you every morning is a fresh reminder of God's grace in my life. You remind me daily of Christ's sacrificial love for me. Thank you for the way you love me faithfully and joyfully, especially in my times of sickness. I love how God has used our marriage to grow our trust in him and to draw our hearts closer to His word. There couldn't have been a more suitable leader for me. I love you.

a pretty sight

I looked out our family room window after the rain the other day and this is what I saw...
My camera along with my nonexistent photography skills don't do it enough justice. It was the clearest rainbow I had ever seen. It looked like the one I use to draw as a little girl minus the 2 clouds at the end.

7 months

Its hard to believe Noah is already 7 months! All 19 lbs and 7 ounces of him :) I was so sad putting more little clothes away and washing all the 12 month outfits. I'm really enjoying this stage. He's sitting up, rolling (if he really has to), eating everything I puree (giving me more confidence in the kitchen), babbling/squealing, and teething as tooth #4 is almost here! The first 2 things people point out about him is how joyful and content he is. I love how easy it is to get him to smile and laugh. He has brought so much joy to our lives! Here's a few favorite moments:

sleeping swaddle free

learning to use the remote

more importantly, learning to read

working on the basketball scholarship

first dip in the pool

just being cute

first peas (which he loves)

contagious smiles

more smiles