Waiting

Our induction for today was cancelled - TWICE!! We got up at 4:30am and just as we were about to leave we were called and told to call at 9am and hopefully they'd have a spot for us. Went back to bed and called at 9am and were told to come in, but to take our time because they probably wouldn't jump on us for a while. We arrive around 10:15am only to find out that everything has gone crazy and no spot is available. My midwife was there and suggested we hang out in town, grab some lunch, and possibly they'd get us in before 1pm. Just as we were about to grab lunch they called us and informed us that no induction would be happening today. So we are scheduled for tomorrow at 6am. We were told that I was the only appointment tomorrow so there is little likelyhood that I would be cancelled or postponed again. So we are waiting and looking forward to Naomi joining our family tomorrow. However, I am also welcoming labor to onset on its own anytime before then. Hopefully the next post will be a picture of our beautiful daughter!! P.S. To anyone who saw the crazy 9 month pregnant lady on the elliptical at Wal-Mart today...I'm sorry. I just wanted to go into labor. I know I looked crazy and perhaps I was.

Update

Naomi's due date is January 1. She is doing great and should be here any minute. I am having a few contractions, but nothing consistent. I am scheduled to be induced on Thursday morning at 6:30am. There is a possibility that if the hospital is full they may cancel the induction :(. I really would prefer to go into labor on my own, but that isn't happening. Right now my prayer is that labor begins before the induction, and that if that doesn't happen that the induction doesn't get cancelled. We are very anxious to meet our daughter and are excited about the next few days. Please keep us in your prayers that the labor and delivery will be smooth, quick, and easy. As soon as she's here we'll let you all know.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas was wonderful this year! We celebrated with Aaron's family on Christmas Eve and with my family on Christmas evening. This year was really awesome because Levi really got the idea of Christmas. We have worked really hard to make Christmas about Christ, love, and giving. It was amazing to see his excitement about everything he got and even giving presents to others. We hope the you all had a fabulous Christmas celebrating our Savior's birth. May the magic of the season stay with you all year long. Merry Christmas!!!

We want to wish all our family and friends a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! We pray that the love of Christ fills your home this Christmas as you celebrate the gift of His amazing birth and remember the sacrifice of His life that He offered up for us. May this be a blessed Christmas for you all!

Celebrating

Our goal this year was to celebrate Christmas with as much magic as possible. We have tried to do as many things to celebrate this season as possible, especially since Naomi's arrival is pending at any moment. We really wanted Levi to know that Christmas is a special time of joy, celebration, and love in remembering the birth of our Savior and the sacrifice made with His life. We've watched the Christmas TV movies, sang songs, played with our VeggieTale manger scene, put up the tree and decorated it. Levi has really enjoyed the whole season and I've enjoyed watching him light up with excitement at the lights and sounds of the holiday. I've included some pictures of some of our special things we've done starting with the Christmas parade in Covington. Enjoy and I hope you all have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! At the Winter Wonderland at my parent's church. Showing off his masterpieces. He made a wreath and candy cane ornament.

Painting his bell ornament at the birthday celebration for Jesus.

At the birthday party for Jesus with the cupcake he decorated for the party. I love this picture. You can see that Levi is definitely the spitting image of Aaron!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Shoog

As Naomi's arrival gets closer and closer I feel the need to put my little guy in the spotlight. Why? Because he is amazing. I know I'm his mother, but he really is. He is so intelligent that everyday he blows me away by the way his mind works. He is constantly developing new skills and learning new things, most of which he discovers on his own. He also has a huge sense of humor. He loves to joke around and be silly. He has the best smile of anyone I know, and everytime I see it I fall in love with him all over again. I never knew that motherhood would be so amazing and change my life so much. He has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I'm so honored to be his mother, and I can't wait to see him meet his sister and be the best big brother that I know he will be. Thanks for making life more adventurous and wonderful each day. Here are a few things about Levi. (Mostly for my benefit, but feel free to read on.)

• He is so obedient and polite. Seriously, and the closer to Naomi's arrival the better he gets and the less we have to remind him.
• He enjoys watching movies/tv. Of his favorites are Dinosaur Train, The Cat in the Hat, VeggieTales, Curious George, and Cars. The Narnia movies are a new fascination.
• He is really enjoying Christmas this year and loving all teh decorations -especially the lights!
• He is obsessed with all things automotive. Cars, trucks, trains, tractors, motorcycles, big macks (18 wheelers), bikes, airplanes, etc.
• He is all boy. He loves to run, jump, and play in the dirt.
• He loves our dog, Dodger, and unfortunately torments him day and night.
• He sleeps in a big boy bed.
• He is completely potty trained.
• He loves to eat. Among his favorites are chicken nuggets, cheese, fruit, dried mangos, raisins, fruit snacks, fruit bars, chicken, and pasta.
• He growls at everything (because he loves dinosaurs).
• He wears 3T clothes.
• He loves music and dancing, and playing (beating on) the paino.
• He enjoys going to Bible Study (BSF) every week.
• He loves his grandparents and ask for them on a daily basis.
• He enjoys reading.
• He loves football, and will watch it with us all afternoon. Go Dawgs!
• He loves animals.
• He can count to 10.
• He can sing the ABC's (with help from mommy).
• He adores his Poppy. Aaron is his hero.
• He knows my name and his poppy's name as well as his full name.
• Whenever he gets a boo boo he wants his mommy to kiss it. I love it.

Thankful for...

...my Savior, Christ Jesus. The lessons I'm learning are only drawing me closer to you.

...my husband - the one who loves me unconditionally and completely.

...my son who brings joy and laughter into everyday.

...the expected arrival of my daughter. I can't wait to meet you.

...my parents - for teaching me the value of family and God. I find myself tapping into your lessons on a regular basis.

...my Moo - I love you!

...my in-laws - your acceptance and love have made me feel welcome and given me a second family.

...my church family and their friendships.

...my friends who are more precious than gold and I hope you know how much I love each of you.

...my family - close and extended - when times are tough we are always there for one another and I am truly grateful.

...my home - safe and warm.

...wisdom - though I have very little I am extremely thankful for bite size pieces God is giving me.

...love - without it I would be incomplete.

...my bank account. Although no one would be impressed with the size of it I am thankful that I'm able to pay my bills, take care of my family, and enjoy a meal out every once in a while.

...my hearing - I love to hear the laughter, music, and stories that are shared this time of year.

...my eyesight - to appreciate all the beauty God has created.

...electronics - cell phones, computers, etc. Sometimes they get in the way, but I like being able to stay connected.

...food. All the goodness of sweets, starches, and carbs. Oh, and the healthy stuff too.

...running water - I would hate to have to use an outhouse...especially being 9 months pregnant.

...my health and the health of my family. May I not take it for granted.

There are so many things to be thankful for, and the above list is just a few of the things I'm so thankful for this year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with a big slice of pumpkin pie!