Christmas Tradition

Yesterday marked the end to our planned Christmas celebrations as we celebrated with Jason's parents and siblings.  This Christmas was a little "different" for all of us.  We celebrated two weeks early with my family instead of our tradtional Christmas Eve get-together.  So, Jason and the boys went to Christmas Eve service and then to Jason's grandparents house.  And, after a morning of fun and tradition at our house on Christmas Day the guys headed over to Jason's parent's house. 

During these times, Lydia and I hung out at home.  And, while my heart was missing our traditional festivities, I was also moved many times gazing at Lydia ... I am in awe of God's mercy and grace ... I am in awe that He would choose us to raise this little peanut.  And, my thoughts often turned to that stable and manger as I wonder how Mary must have felt as she gazed into that precious little face of Jesus.  We know that she "treasured up all of these things in her heart" ~ what a wonderful thing and also what I am trying to do as I adjust to things being "different" this year. 

And, although yesterday we had our last planned Christmas celebration, how blessed are we to know in our hearts that our celebration of Jesus' birth and all that He has given us is to be celebrated year-round.  May you also celebrate the Gift of Christmas in your hearts year-round.

Merry Christmas, year-round, from our family to yours.

Introducing ...

We are blessed (and a little bit shocked) to announce the arrival of Lydia Collett:

Born December 18th, 2009 at 12:37 p.m.

7 Pounds, 0 Ounces
21 Inches
And, absolutely perfect!

Our love,

Jason, Heather, Jack, Samuel & Lydia

"From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another."  John 1:16

The Final Countdown

Nearly nine months ago we couldn't even imagine getting to this point where "it could be any day now."  Nearly nine months ago we were filled with apprehension, and we still are, the fear of leaving the hospital empty, on so many fronts, is still real.  But, as I've said before, we have a renewed sense of hope and peace.  As we are now less than one week from our due date, so many emotions are flooding us ~ nervous excitement, some anxiety, disbelief that it's already time, sweet anticipation ... we are beside ourselves knowing that any day now this little one could enter this world and we will be able to hold him / her in our arms.

This past Sunday we were at the cemetery.  It was harder than we imagined it to be, wondering if this would be our last visit to the cemetery before baby is born.  We wonder how we will feel entering the hospital ... we wonder how we will feel being in the labor and delivery unit ... we pray that we will leave the hospital with this baby in our arms ... as so many things have been these past two years, we are sure that the coming days will be bittersweet as we welcome this little one.  We are sure that there will be tears of joy and also tears of grief as we still long to have Owen here with us.   

As I mentioned in a previous post, we know our God is sovereign and through Him we have hope.  It is with sweet anticipation that we await the arrival of this little one. 

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."  Psalms 130:5

Five

Five.  How did that happen? 

It seems like just yesterday that we were enjoying this little blondie. 

Now we are trying to keep up with this guy.

Samuel has changed and has grown up so much in this past year and especially in the last three months.  His independence has increased, a bit bittersweet to see that this little guy doesn't need us like he used to.  Like his big brother, Samuel is quite entertaining and says so many things that make us laugh and make our hearts smile.  Case in point, a conversation with the boys a couple of weeks ago:

Jack:  "Does Santa know if the baby is a boy or girl?"

Me:  "No, only God knows for sure."

Pause ...

Samuel:  "It's another boy."

Jack and I:  "How do you know?"

Samuel:  "God told me in my mind."

Oh, how we love this boy!

Samuel has a fondness for elephants and armadillos (odd, we know) and for his blankie.  He has a loving demeanor, he's goofy.  He is affectionate towards others, he has a passion for school.  And, his smile, oh his smile, it's contagious.  We thank God every day for these precious boys he's entrusted us with.

Happy Birthday, Samuel.  We love you!

  "The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17 

Toothless Grin

Check out this precious, toothless grin!!!!  Another first - Samuel's first lost tooth (and only days before his 5th birthday!).  Oh, this little boy is growing up too fast!