Levi James. What a difference a year makes!

One year ago, today...I had forgotten how little they were.

Or, how in love I would be...all over again.

One year ago, today...we had no idea just how much our hearts could love another child.

One year ago today...we had 3 "three" and under, and 2 in diapers.

One year ago, today...Dolan became father to another son.

One year ago, today...I had no idea how hard it would be to keep up with it all!!

One year ago, today...Savannah and Noah gained another playmate!

One year ago, today...Levi James joined our nest.

And look at him today.

What a difference a year makes!


We couldn't be happier.


Happy Birthday, Levi James.


Another precious gift.


1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Something Fun for Baby

Baby Levi is sitting so well now.  From rolling, to scooting on his back, to now scooting on his belly...he's figuring it all out! Being the baby of 3, he often is placed on the floor to play solo while I tend to the other 2, who demand mommy's attention...pretty much all day! 

A few days ago, I changed things up a bit and let Levi play in the kitchen with me watching and preparing breakfast, while Savannah and Noah played together in the living room.  There was a bowl of rice along with some little toys left out on the floor from the day before when I had given it to Savannah and Noah as an activity.  Levi found it quickly and I happened to think it was a fabulous idea! 

 Meanwhile....

 I love how they both are holding on to their "build-a-bear" animals...oh and yes, the cushions from the couch are on the floor. It's much more fun this way! 

I'm ok with this...really, I am. =)


Blessings,
~k.

A is for Appreciation and Acorns

I had to post about this special gift we received from a sweet mom in my "MOPS" group.  She hardly knows us...yet she showed up at our door with a delicious meal and this precious diaper cake which she made!  Might I add she also has 3 young girls!  Lisa, thank you so much.  You brightened our day and I pray God's blessings on you and your sweet family. 

Oh yes, and she brought these fun glow necklaces for Savannah and Noah!  They were beyond thrilled...especially when daddy says, "Let's go in the bathroom where it's dark and watch them glow!!!" So here we ALL go into our teeny bathroom.  So fun!  

Here's a little spontaneity...
Savannah has been  talking a lot about letters and beginning sounds.  It's so cute to hear her say, "puh - puh - puh - puh - PUMPKIN" after we have talked about the sound the letter "P" makes.  Sometimes, she "tries out" other words... For example, she might say, "puh - puh - puh - puh - fork!"  =)  Big mommy smile!  This then takes us to another teachable moment about the sound the "f" makes!  There is something about this foundational knowledge combined with the innocence of a child that excites me!  The joy of watching a child as they learn something new never gets old! 


So, on this particular day last week, Savannah was playing with an acorn.  "Mommy, acorn starts with 'A'! she yelled with such delight.  We had not been outside all day, so she and I headed out  on an "acorn hunt."  She was still in her pj's (had been all day) and was happy to carry a little cup from her play kitchen to collect her acorns.  After collecting, we headed inside and created this....

Quick little craft, but she enjoyed it (anything with glue is ALWAYS a hit with Savannah) and maybe the letter "A" means something more now.  


***We still have the remaining acorns in a little container reserved especially for creative play. =)  

GREAT things come in red and white packages...

Tonight, when Dolan got home from a late meeting, his hands were filled with the very special packages you see below. I lit up like a candle when he walked in....yes because I love it when he gets home...but also because his coworkers had blessed us with so many diapers! They gave him a "diaper shower" today at work.  A special thank you to all of you at PSI.  Your kindness means so very much (especially since we will soon have 2 in diapers!)  We truly feel blessed by your giving.   

Baby Watch...

38 weeks and 2 days today...


Doctor's report this morning:  


2 cm and could be any time!  (But you know how that goes...)


Contractions have been coming but very irregular and mostly at night.  We're so excited to meet baby ________!  (bet you thought I was going to tell you his name...)


Time has gone by quickly and now we are preparing for his arrival into this world.  Please pray for our family as we become a family of 5 that we may continue to shepherd their hearts and raise them in a way that is pleasing to the Father. 


Stay tuned as "Baby Watch" continues... 

Baby 3 Update

33.2 weeks today!  Only a few more to go...
At the doctor's visit this morning, I learned that he has a strong heartbeat and that he will probably not be as big as his brother.  The doctor did another ultrasound to check my fluids and he estimated his weight to be 6 to 6.5 pounds (much different from his almost 8 pound brother)!  We'll see if the doc is right in just a few weeks.  


As for the name...so many are asking.  We've decided to keep it our little secret.  You'll find out on his birthday!  


He's very active and enjoys spending time with me at night!!!! I guess all the running around all day with his sister and brother just rocks him to sleep....so come 9:00, he is ready to play! =)


More sleep would be nice....but I am oh so thankful for every kick, flutter, hiccup, PUNCH, etc.  Just reminds me how amazingly incredible his Creator is.  


Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory...Ephesians 3:20

Baby 3 in 3D!

This morning, all four five of us headed to Smithfield to take a peek at the wee one in the womb.  This is how we found him for the majority of the "photo session." 

After pushing on him and shaking him up a bit, the technician managed to get this sweet little photo. The dark circle on his head is where he is pressed up against me. You may also be able to see that he has some hair!  Now, what color?  Brown?...another RED? =)

Dolan and I are so thankful for our 3rd little miracle and cannot wait to hold him and share him with our friends and family.  

10 weeks and counting 'til we meet again little one...

A year has passed

Tomorrow, our little Noah turns one...

What a precious blessing he is to all who meet him.  A year has passed and I pause today to share some memories dating back to July 10, 2009...the special day Noah entered this world.  

He arrived at 12:50 p.m. at Johnston Memorial Hospital weighing 7lbs and 14 oz!  

Look at that red hair!!! I prayed for that! =)

Big sister, Savannah meets him for the first time! I love this picture.

Snugglin' with mama.  

At home...safe and sound in his bassinet.

..love those newborn feet!

Snugglin' with daddy!

All dressed up for his first Sunday at church!

Sleeping sweetly...

Head up!

For Halloween (Hallelujah night at church) he was a farmer, complete with a mustache paci! 

Sister was a cow.

Morning devotions at Myrtle Beach....helping daddy hold the Bible. 

Posing for Christmas Cards!! Such a happy baby...

A visit with Santa!

Christmas Morning!

Bright eyes!

Sitting up!!! 6 months old.

Baby food!!

This became one of his favorite places to play!  It was always so funny to lift the flap of the couch and see his HUGE smile!  His little way of playing hide and seek! 

Playtime!

Big sister shows him how to ride the "4-leeler."

And this is the reaction after a little fall...

CUTE!!

Dedication Day! (8 months old)

He loves to play the piano and especially when Savannah joins him!

Easter bunny!!! Wasn't scared a bit!

All dressed up for Easter with his handsome daddy!

Standing in his crib! 

Love the bumbo seat!  Enjoying a snack outside on the deck!

Hmmmmmm.........

"Yes, Mom? I'm not doing anything....."

"It was her!!!"

And here they are again....getting into mischief in mommy and daddy's room!

White Lake (May '10)

He has found that he can climb onto Savannah's bed with relative ease and does so often!!  On this day, I walked in to the sound of Savannah "reading" him a Bible story. =)

Lovin' the outdoors...

The dining room table was covered with sewing "stuff" this particular morning in June, so we had a nice breakfast, complete with the company of Elmo, in the sunroom!  FUN!

Enjoying the outdoors at Uncle Fred's and Aunt Denise's on Father's Day weekend.

And loving his sink bath with Nana.

And today, well, those little feet are a little bigger and a little stronger.  

A year has passed, and what a big boy he is now!  His personality develops more and more each day and we're all pretty fond of it.  He is a snuggly baby, so patient and loving.  Always smiling! 

Noah, we love you so much.  

Happy Birthday!  

Our prayer is that you become all God wants you to be and that your heart is always open for Him.  You are a special blessing and today, we celebrate you!