Dentist and Random Things

Karis and I went to the dentist on Monday. I went to get my teeth cleaned, and Karis went for the first time to let the dentist count and clean her teeth. For a few weeks before going to the dentist, we read "The Bernstein Bears Go to the Dentist." She was very excited about it, but I think she was more excited about getting a balloon afterwards. She was very interested in watching the dental hygienist clean my teeth. It was funny to watch her watching and asking what the tools were. She was then a Big girl and sat on me in the big chair so the dentist could look at her teeth. I was very proud of her. Justin got her a balloon for being so good, and she is still playing with it. Who knew balloons would be such a hit!
Noah is going for his 2 month check up on Friday. He will get his first set of shots! We are still figuring out his napping schedule but trusting the Lord through it all. Noah is really doing great at night time.
Just some random thoughts:
I am reading Deuteronomy in my quiet times right now. I am really learning a lot about God's provision for His people to stay pure of heart, mind, soul, and body. God is a very jealous God, and He desires His people to only worship Him, which He should. I have really been trying to purge my own heart and see what things I am allowing to get God's worship. Praise the Lord for His Word that continues to show me my sin and teach me about His forgiveness and love.
God is using my son to teach me to be more dependent on Him.
God is using Karis to show me my sin which is very humbling. Thank goodness that I am able to use my sins to show Karis the gospel by asking her forgiveness when I sin against her. Praise the Lord for Jesus, and His amazing gift of salvation.

Life

Not too much has been going on. We are settling into our new routine with Noah and trying to figure out why he only likes to take short cat naps during the day, only about 45 minutes to and hour between each feeding up until his 5:00 feeding and he will usually sleep from 6:30 until his 8:00 feeding. He is getting better about his afternoon nap, the one that he and Karis take together, kind of. It is hard to get them on the same napping schedule since usually Noah only sleeps about an hour, and Karis will sleep for two to three depending on how tired she is. I am really having to learn how to lean on Christ and allow Him to teach me through my children. Karis is so good with Noah, and I am so thankful for that. I pray things are going well for all of you. I will post some more pictures of Noah soon!

Valentine's Day Outfits

Karis and Noah received some special Valentine outfits from Aunt Courtney. She really does a great job being creative with her gifts! We had a nice dinner at home and then took Karis to get ice cream (yes, Noah went to, but he is a little small for ice cream). I am starting to feel like a bad mom sometimes because I always say, "Karis and I are going here or there," meaning that Noah is going too, I just forget to say his name. Old habits die hard I guess.
Justin bought me some very pretty pearl earrings from James Avery for Valentines day, and he got some very romantic glasses!! I love you Justin.

Noah smiling in his new outfit from Aunt Courtney!

Karis didn't want to take a picture, as you can tell by her expression. She is into the no picture faze right now, I don't know what I am going to do in a few weeks when I get her three year picture taken and a picture of both of them.

Here are both my sweet babies in their new outfits. Thanks Aunt Courtney, you did a great job. We love you!

Serving and Ruth

This last week God has been really good to us. Noah is now sleeping through the night. He gets his last bottle at 11:00 and usually wakes up sometime between 7 and 8 in the morning. My wonderful husband usually goes to bed about an hour before I do, so in the mornings he feeds Noah for me, except on Sundays of course. I am so blessed to have such a serving husband. He know that just a few more minutes of sleep help me. Thank you Justin for serving me in this way. I love you.
Justin just completed his sermon series on Ruth yesterday. I didn't get to hear the sermon yesterday because I was serving in the nursery, but the book of Ruth has really been eye opening for me. Despite all the odds, Ruth stayed loyal to Naomi and God. Naomi got to see Romans 8:28 played out in her own life. His sermons are on our church website www.christbc.com, and I highly recommend that you listen to them. They will change your thought process when life gets hard and remind you that God "does work all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose." We just have to remember that His good is not always our good.

Sweet Noah!

Noah is 8 weeks old today, on Sunday he will be exactly two months. I wonder where the time has gone, but I am so thankful to have him start to interact a little with me. He smiles when he hears me talk and his expressions are so cute. He is doing good sleeping at night, and Karis and I are having fun with him. He is staying awake a lot more during the day and starting to coo and "talk." What a fun time this is with our sweet Noah!

Noah smiling at Mommy!

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!

Fun with Aunt Courtney!

We were so blessed to have Justin's sister, Courtney, come and take care of Karis for us when we went to the hospital to have Noah. Karis was so excited to see her and had a great time hanging out with her "Aunt Courtney." Here is are some pictures that tell of all their fun!

Karis was still all about the leaves when Aunt Courtney came, so they played in the leaves some more on Saturday.

Karis went to wake up Aunt Courtney after her nap.

Courtney and Karis are putting together a foam train for Christmas. Karis really enjoyed this project and has been playing with it ever since.

While we were in the hospital, Courtney did a lot of fun things with Karis, like have her paint a cross that you put in the window. She did a good job!

They made reindeer cookies and brought us some at the hospital.

Karis liked playing make up with Courtney! She likes to pretend that she is putting it on!

When Courtney and Karis came to the hospital to visit, Karis wore her BIG SISTER shirt that was way too big. They had a play ground at the hospital and Justin and Courtney took her to play for awhile after she visited me.

Karis got to watch her own zoo come to life in foam animals in the water. She is still playing with those animals now.

Courtney, thank you for coming and taking care of our precious Karis. I know that she had a wonderful time with you. You spoiled her and made her feel very special during this huge change in her life, not being the only child. You were a very big help around the house and cooking dinner. The chicken fried steak was so yummy! We are blessed to have you in our lives. We love you!

Catching Up!

I can't believe that Noah is now 10 days old. It has been a roller coaster for me, trying to nurse and not getting much rest. I am so thankful that my parents are here. I don't know how I would manage without them. My mom and dad have both been wonderful and very supportive of me in my decision to stop nursing and bottle feed. I had issues with Karis at four months and was always wondering if she was getting enough milk. Those issues have not been far from my mind during this attempt at nursing and it was literally consuming my thoughts. After much prayer and other difficulties nursing, I decided that bottle feeding was going to be the best thing for our family. Thank you Justin for being supportive and allowing God to teach me through this. You are such a blessing, and I don't deserve you. Thank you Mom and Dad for always giving me your unconditional love and support and your opinions on things. You are all a treasure to me.
We still have almost five more days with my parents before they leave. It continues to be a wonderful visit and a time of joy with them celebrating the birth of Noah and playing with Karis non-stop, thanks Dad, as Karis always says, "Papa John, come play with me!"

Noah John

Noah John Childers was born today at 1:30pm. He weighed 8lbs 11oz. I'm recovering great and am thankful for God's grace to us. Thanks for your prayers.

The Big Day & Leaves!

Well, tomorrow is the big day! We will meet our son, Noah John tomorrow sometime after 11:30. My c-section is scheduled for 11:30 am. I honestly cannot believe it is already time for us to meet him. Tomorrow seems too soon, but I am very excited. Karis is already enjoying her time with Aunt Courtney, who flew in yesterday. She cannot get enough of her. I am so thankful to have her here to take good care of Karis while we are at the hospital. I am also thankful that Justin will be able to stay with me at the hospital. This will be my last post for awhile, Justin or Courtney will post pictures after Noah is born sometime tomorrow or Tuesday. Thank you for all your prayers.
Here are a few pictures of Karis and Justin's play day in the leaves. They had a great time yesterday, as you will be able to tell.

Picking up leaves is fun!

I love this picture! Throwing leaves is more fun!

Karis helped Justin rake up the leaves with her sandbox rake! It was funny to watch her.

Then, she and Justin wheeled the leaves to street to be picked up. She thought she was flying high, riding in the wheelbarrow! What fun leaves are for little ones and big ones!

Baby Update: Only 5 days left!!!

Monday, Justin and I went to the doctor for my last visit until my c-section on Monday, Dec. 10. I cannot believe I only have about 5 more days until I get to hold Noah! (that is unless he comes earlier). Everything is still very good, except that I had lost almost 5 pounds because of the stomach bug Justin and I had the week before. It was not fun, but at least that is more weight I don't have to lose later! This week, Karis and I are doing some fun, memorable things since it is our last official week by ourselves before baby brother comes. I am so excited about meeting him and God adding to our family. Please continue to pray for me as Monday approaches, I am getting a little anxious because of the c-section. Thankfully, I know that God is sovereign, and no matter what "He holds all authority over my doctors, Noah being born, my recovery, etc."(Matt. 28:18).

Baby Update: 37 weeks

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 37 week check up. Everything is still good, and we have finally decided on a name for our son: Noah John Childers.

My husband wrote a wonderful prayer for our son. You can read it if you click on the link. Thanks for all your prayers and please continue to pray for me as I will be having a c-section.