4 Years and Counting

Tuesday marked 4 years of marriage bliss for my husband and I. 4 years later we have moved to a new town, had 2 incredible adorable kids, lost freedom of getting to be alone whenever we want, yet treasure our alone moments more, grown with God together, and have taken greater risks together. I never would have thought we would have met the way we did or that I would have moved to west Texas but God had it all in His plan. I've never been more fulfilled in my life than being married to this wonderful man, ministering with him and supporting his vision and raising our children. God knew the desires of my heart and truly blessed me. I know that we will be ok no matter what we go through as long as we do it together. So here's to 4 years and many more to come! I love you Lennon! (you've grown in sexiness too!)

Mommy Time

Things are looking better. Ethan is sleeping better at night and even slept 6 straight hours the night before last! (thank you "Babywise") We are getting better sleep and a better day to day schedule. Though its not easy, we are becoming more sane. I also attribute my sanity to my husband letting me get out of the house for a bit to clear my mind and refresh. The other night I spent some time at our local Starbucks. I sat and read a fashion mag and some advice on getting back to normal again (even though I know that will take a while). Had some refreshment and as I was driving home I couldn't wait to get back to my babies. Its so wonderful to get to raise these little ones. Let's just say I am so glad to be a mom.



Sweet Clementine Izzy and some fine cheeses!

Not Hiding

Please read this blog from InCourage (a favorite of mine)
The Finding from InCourage Media
I am learning how to be more vunerable. With all the changes going on in our lives I've had to learn to reach out even more and allow others in. I'm not a shut off kinda person but I know I need to let others in even more and reach out as well. I have a great life. I really can't complain. But like everyone I have my hard times and weak times. I doubt myself and wonder if I can handle things. Like raising two kids now and moving to a new place with no family and hardly knowing anyone. The adventure part of me is looking forward to a new place and a God-given dream. But with new adventures come new fears. This is where I am realying on God. One thing I am realizing is that I was made me to be a mom, wife and lover of Jesus and I'm not alone. I think just knowing that makes all the difference. So be encouraged knowing that you are not alone and that we all need each other.

4 weeks today...

Ethan is 4 weeks old today and I wanted to celebrate that milestone by posting one of the videos we took right after he was born. This one is of Addie holding him for the first time. She's such a natural. At one point you can hear her shushing and patting him. She was so sweet holding him. My favorite part is when she starts giggling with excitement. I think she was realizing that this baby really did come out like mommy and daddy have been telling her. Hopefully they will have more of these sweet moments in life rather than fighting. Here's hoping...

Ethan Scott

Ok here's my official blog announcement that is long overdue. Blame it on the late nights and messy house and now two kids. Ethan Scott Noland is now 3 weeks old (my how time flies!) I LOVE LOVE LOVE him so much! Its so cool how God fills your love tank for one child and then gives you a whole other love tank for another one. That's the best way I know to describe it. I'm realizing more about God's love and how He can love all of His children the same. Ethan is my little cuddle bug. He seems to always want to snuggle right against my neck laying on my chest. He looks like his daddy. Since we have been married I've told Lennon I want a son that looks like his daddy and that's what I got! If you have read Mamo's blog you have read her account of the worship music in the background playing "overshadow me". I remember hearing that song between pushes and feeling God's presence in the room. It's funny cause I made a whole ipod mix to play for his birth. I was very selective on what songs I wanted played during what time. But my mom brought in her cd player and had the cd from our women's retreat in it. We just listened to it during labor. During the final pushing stages the Doctor told me to stop for the next contraction and everyone in the room was calm and quiet. You could hear the words of that song playing and it brought my thoughts to Mary and Jesus and how the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she was pregnant with the son of God. I felt like the Lord was saying "I am with you, this is my child" Not in the virgin birth immaculate conception way but that Ethan is His and I can trust that my son will be taken care of. I feel like our family is more complete now (not saying weather or not we are done but that we feel like a much fuller family). So welcome Ethan to the world! You are love beyond measure.

He was born at 1:36pm at Medical Center Arlington weighing 8lbs 7oz and 19 1/2 inches

Addie meeting her "little brudder" (this is how she says it)


Here we are about to leave the hospital. We were so ready to get him home with his big sister.

Going home.

A Proud Father: Lennon was surprised how much he loves having a son!

At home having fun and catching smiles.

My Belly....

My Belly is HUGE, my belly is still growing (hence more stretch marks), my belly is full of life! This may be a silly way to start a post but its been my primary focus.

A couple of nights ago I was so sure I was going into labor, having contractions 10 to 15 minutes apart for about 2 hours but...they dissipated. So the next day I was moping around thinking my body is playing tricks on me, getting me all excited and then never mind! Labor is so much more than the portrayal of a pregnant woman in a movie. It's really a process. I know everyone has different experiences with labor. They do not all happen the same. Yet it's never easy and it takes patience, pain, and pressing on. It's how my whole life has been lately. But something wonderful will come out of all the soreness and indigestion. I think God teaches us through pregnancy how to trust Him and wait on Him and for us to be reminded that He is with us .

I don't know for sure what day he will come, middle of the day or in the middle of the night but I know that when its time, its time! Ethan Scott Noland, you are already loved and we are all waiting to hold your little hand and kiss your soft face :) As your sister Addie puts it "Baby brudder, I'm ready to see you soon!"

Changes

Today we officially handed over the keys to our first home. It was truly sad yet we had a knowing in our hearts that we are on the right path. We have enjoyed our time in San Angelo, TX. Tonight our home is at David and DeLana's house and then on to DFW. I keep thinking about how we will be bringing the new baby to the rent place (that we are trying to make more like home for the time being) and how different it will be. I remember how we set up the place, painted the kitchen, brought Addie home from the hospital and go into her cute green and pink room in the middle of the night to check on her. And watching her as she learned to crawl in the living room floor. This is not just about the house but about how we started our lives and our family out together in San Angelo. We will miss everything and everyone. We will miss our family, friends, church, and Chi Alpha family so much. Things feel a little weird with all the changes but we know we are in God's hands. We have seen His faithfulness over and over so far through this process.

This was then...


This is now...