Our New Life

Its been just a little over two weeks ago that we were introduced to our new baby girl. Life has not been the same since. Her beauty struck me when I first saw her. Such big brown eyes and dark skin. So different than my other babies yet so lovely. She has a raspy voice and long feet. Elizabeth Hope, we like to call her Lizzy or Lizzybell. There have been new challenges we have faced that we have not before. Bonding came natural before and now it takes work. She sleeps and eats well and coos and smiles at us all the time. We were told that she doesn't sleep at night and has colic before we got her. But since she's been here she sleeps great at night in her crib and is happy during the day. No colic. I would like to say we are just experienced parents or something like that, but I KNOW its the presence of our God. Our hope and prayer is that we bond more and more with Lizzy and that we continue to have the energy we need with two babies and a 3 year old on the house. We have been making great efforts spending quality time with all three. My love language is quality time and my biggest fear has been that the kids would feel unloved somehow if we don't spend enough time with them. We are now fully funded and we will be starting ministry on campus in August! So much is happening. My greatest sadness in all this is not being able to visit friends and family to meet our new girl. Hopefully it won't be too long.






Addie and Ethan are amazed by her. Ethan just stares and laughs at her and tries to wrestle. Addie keeps telling me she's so glad she has a sister now so they can play Barbies one day.


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Interview

Monday! This is the interview we've been waiting for for several weeks now. Once it happens it could only be a matter of a couple of weeks when they fly her here to her new home! I'm having to tell myself that it is all in Gods hands and He is the one that can make it all happen. It's crazy thinking I have a child that I haven't met yet but who is filling my heart and consuming my mind with longing. I wonder what she looks like and if her hair will be dark. What color are her eyes and will she feel how much she is loved when she is first held by us. I can't wait to call her by her name. She is 7 weeks old now. Too long to not be with us. I have collected a few things in a basket for her and washed all of Addie's baby clothes ready for her to wear.
Pray that all will go smoothly on Monday and that she will be with us soon.

Love,
The Nolands


Basket of goodies for Elizabeth

Update on Baby

Many of you have been asking the status of getting Elizabeth so I just wanted to do a quick update. We heard yesterday from our state CPS that they have our paperwork and will be setting up an interview in the next 2 weeks. After that is completed we will be able to get her! So please be praying that the interview will happen soon. She has been in foster care for over a month now and we are ready to get her home! Thank you for all your love and encouragement during this time! We love you!

The Nolands

Wishpot

If you've never heard of www.wishpot.com you need to check it out. You can create wish lists and registry lists all in one place! We've created a Baby Registry for Elizabeth since we need things for her in a short time. Since we will have 2 babies in diapers at the same time (oh my!) we are going to cloth diapering. There are so many choices now made to work with a busy mom. They have cute patterns for their buns, its green, and most of all for us, saves a butt-load of money. Literally. So check it out.

New Life and Redemption

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to blog again! So much transition has taken place since the last blog. We moved from our home in San Angelo to a few months of fundraising in Dallas and in Durham, NC for 6 weeks now. Addie will be 3 in less than 2 months and Ethan is trying to crawl. Our house on Duke street is coming together slowly but surely. I love walking at the Freshman campus seeing students and faculty walking the grounds. Still can't get over the beauty of this place with is grand stone buildings, towering trees and budding flowers at every corner. We love it here. All that's missing is all our loved ones being close by.

While there is plenty to talk about with being in a new place we also have a BIG new announcement. But first let me tell you a little bit about how it all came about. Two months ago I finally started reading a book that's been on my Kindle for months now. It's called "Choosing to SEE" by Mary Beth Chapman about the love and loss in a tragic accident of their 5 year old daughter they adopted from China. She tells the story of how they adopted 3 girls from China and beauty of it all. My heart was stirred for those who didn't have a home and needed love, not only our love but the love of Jesus. I really believe it was the Holy Spirit prompting me to read this book at this time. Little did I know it was preparing my heart for our own adoption. I've not really been one to claim that I was going to adopt one day. I always thought if God dropped that in our laps and I knew He wanted us to then I would. That's pretty much what happened. A few weeks ago we got word that one of Lennon's family members had had a baby girl and was in a bad situation and had left the baby without a home. As Lennon and I talked this over, we really couldn't get away from the feeling that this is a chance to do something very close to the heart of God. And regardless of all that is going on in our lives right now, we can't think of anything as important as giving this little girl a life and introducing her to a saviour one day.

Though it is a sad situation we are very excited to be adding this new joy to our lives. We are naming her Elizabeth Hope. Elizabeth means "God is my promise or oath" and Hope for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Our request is that you all will pray for the process, court proceedings, finances, etc. that are necessary for this type of thing. Pray for the baby's health, and that God's hand would guide the situation. I will be able to pick her up in Texas in 3 weeks or so. I will be updating my blog about our journey. Thank you for all your love and support. God Bless, The Nolands.

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!