Isn't he handsome!

This morning while the nurse was changing Noah's "gear", I was able to snap a quick picture of his handsome face with no breathing equipment . . . doesn't he look wonderful?!

He's my handsome youngest son!

The Slingshot Heard Round the World!

Recently, Lael and Jaden participated in their very first church musical - entitled "The Slingshot Heard Round the World" . . . otherwise known as the story of David and Goliath. They worked so very hard to prepare for this musical, including many weeks of practices. And they did a GREAT job! (Spoken as a proud mommy!)

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend in person - because of being in the hospital on bedrest - but Daddy got some pictures, and friends from church videotaped it so I could see it right away. (The official video won't be ready for a few weeks.)

So, here they are in their stage debut . . .

Jaden had a speaking part - as Eliab, David's older brother!

Lael had some speaking parts AND a solo!

They both love to worship with flags! Great job, Lael and Jaden!!!

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you for using your gifts to serve Jesus!

Family pictures!

Here's our first family picture - as a family of five!

Lael and Jaden were so excited to meet baby Noah!

Lael was fascinated with the tiny diapers, while Jaden was curious about all the tubes and wires that were attached to his little brother.

Both of them are so proud to be the "big" kids of the family!

Mommy was just thankful to have all three of my children together in the same room!

I soaked up lots of hugs from Lael and Jaden.

Aunt Cherie came up for the day to spend time with Lael and Jaden -

and then she met Noah too!

Lael and Jaden enjoyed playing with Aunt Cherie and cousin Carrie! They also had fun shopping for gifts for their brother. And they were so surprised to find out that Noah had gifts for them too! How did he know how much Jaden loves legos . . . or that his big sister needed a new bike helmet? He's going to be a great little brother!

Introducing our newest addition!

In case you haven't heard, we are now a family of 5! Noah Matthew was born on Wednesday -- weighing in at 2 pounds, 2 ounces and measuring 14 inches long! He is absolutely perfect, but still tiny.

Here are some of his first photos:

Thanks so much to all who have been praying for us during this time of bedrest and the birth of our son! Continued prayers would be appreciated - for health and strength for Noah, for healing for Lisa from surgery, and that we will soon be able to all be under the same roof - all 5 of us!

Things I'm pondering . . .

"The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time our life is given back to us from such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much it is worth, and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others, and fits us to help and sympathize with them."

A. B. Simpson

We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it . . . . But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselved and learned how to rely only on God, who raises the dead.

(2 Corinthians 1:8-9)