Karis' 3rd Birthday!

This was the first year that Karis was really excited about her birthday. We made a big deal about it, and she loved every minute of it. Birthdays in my family were always very special, and I desire that for my children. In Justin's family, they had what is called a "you are special" plate that they ate off of on their birthday or any other special day. We have made that a tradition in our family and this was the first year Karis was old enough to eat on the very old, breakable plate.

Justin got up and made pancakes and bacon, Karis' request. She ate off the "special plate." We then opened her gifts from Justin's family and played with new things until lunch time. At lunch, we took Karis to Pizza Inn, she likes to eat there because they have a train that runs along a track there while you eat. We had no objections because we can always eat pizza, plus Karis eats for free! After lunch she got to watch a movie in her room on the portable DVD player. That was a very special treat. We were going to take her and her friend Hannah to see "The Pirates who don't do anything" a veggie tale movie, but it wasn't playing at our theater anymore. So the next day, Hannah came over and the girls watched "Lady and the Tramp." Karis picked out the movie at the movie store. They ate popcorn and gummy bears and drank lemonade in big girl cups with silly straws! It was a lot of fun. We had a small get together with a few of our friends on Saturday. I made her a McDuff, or Calvin cake. Calvin is our dog.

Karis' Calvin cake.

She was very proud of her cake as you can see!

It took her a few tries to blow out her candles. The cake was good. I used a different icing, and it tasted much better.

Karis got a bicycle for her birthday, but she won't ride it right now because she doesn't want to wear her helmet. She picked out a red one, red seems to be her favorite color now!

Happy 3rd Birthday Karis Ann!

I cannot believe that you are 3 years old today. Where does the time go? I can still remember holding you for the first time in the hospital wondering if I could ever love you anymore than I did right then. The answer is yes, as every day goes by I love you more! You are such a miracle and blessing to us from our Gracious and loving God! I cannot imagine life without your sweet smile, helping hand, never-ending chatter, messy table eating, and hugs. You give me great joy everyday as I watch you grow and get to teach you of our precious Savior! I love you Karis Ann and cannot wait to see what God has in store for my precious, sweet daughter. Look at how much you have changed in just three years!

Can you tell the difference?

Here is a little comparison between Karis and Noah. I think they look a lot alike. What do you think? Of course you can tell which one is which because of the colors they are wearing, but I still think they look very much the same. Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law, the fish aquarium swing has been a hit with both of our children! It is always funny how babies lean their heads to one side. Karis and Noah are opposites in this respect.

New Normal

Noah is 6 weeks old today. Time really has flown by, and life is getting back to our new "normal." I am not really sure what normal is anymore, but I am able to function on a few more hours of sleep as Noah is getting into a routine. He has been sleeping between 5-6 hours at night now and then waking up in the morning around 7:30. God is good, and I am so thankful that He has kept me well during this time. I am also thankful for the "Baby Wise" book that was recommended to me. It has really helped me with Noah, and he is thriving. I am enjoying being a mother of two.
Karis' three year birthday is Thursday, Jan. 24. Where does the time go? By her request, I am going to make her a "Calvin" cake, that is a cake that has our dog on it. (He is a Westie). We will see how this turns out.
God continues to bring visitors to our church. Justin and the other elders are holding a new members class on Sat. There are supposed to be about 12 people there. This is really exciting for our church. Every week, I am challenged by the preaching and opening of God's Word. What a blessing to be in a church where God's Word is proclaimed and lived out by its leaders and members.
We just bought a web cam and so did my parents. I can't wait to talk to them and be able to see their faces. I know that Karis will really enjoy seeing them too. When I tried to explain to her that we would be able to see my parents when we talk to them on the computer, she said, "I will just wait til they come visit me." Only a child would be so self-centered. Actually, I think at times we are all that way, we just don't voice it. (I know I am, leave it to our children to help point out our sin). She thinks that my parents only come to see her! How funny!
I know this was some random thoughts, but I just wanted to let you all know what has been going on.

Random Pictures

I have had requests for more pictures of Noah, so I thought that I would just post some random pictures from the last few weeks. Noah is doing pretty well for a 5 week old. We are slowly working out a feeding, eating, and napping schedule. He is doing better at night time, and God continues to give me strength each day! I hope you enjoy these random pictures!

Noah and Karis watching BOZ!

Courtney made Noah a beautiful frog wreath to hang on the door when he was born. We hung it on his door at home for awhile.

My dad holding Noah when they visited. He was such a good help to my mom when she got up to feed Noah. My dad really enjoyed holding his grandson, his first and only one so far!

My mom, Noah, and me on Christmas eve.

Noah sitting in his bouncy seat staring off into space.

Noah sleeping, isn't he sweet!

Karis is telling Noah, "It is okay, brother." When he cries in his bed, she always wants to go comfort him, what a sweet sister! She probably just wants him to be quiet!

Christmas 2007

This year, Christmas was very different. We didn't go to Texas to visit our families, but my parents came to visit us. (This probably had something to do with Noah only being 2 weeks old at Christmas!) We had a wonderful time starting our family traditions and being with my family. We opened up all our presents from Justin's family and my family on Christmas Eve so that we could make Christmas day all about Jesus! Here are some pictures of Christmas Eve!

My mom, dad, and Noah.

Karis, Justin, me, and Noah, now a family of four!

Karis had a great time opening all her gifts this year, and she had a lot to open. She got very excited about each one. Here she is opening a coloring book, stickers, and a stamp set from Aunt Courtney! She really likes Curious George!

Karis is opening one of her many presents from Mamou and Papou, Justin's grandparents.

This was probably Karis' favorite present, at least for a few days. She cut and cut the food over and over. Thank you Mamou and Papou!

Noah and Karis in their matching Christmas pajamas! Noah isn't so sure about this!

Justin holding his two children, matching very nicely in his red shirt!!

We were very blessed this year on Christmas. Karis has really enjoyed playing with all her toys, especially cutting the food, playing with her play cell phone from PopPop and Grammie, playing with her scarf, and all her other wonderful presents. Thank you all for your gifts and love. We are sorry that we didn't get to come and see you, but we will see you soon!