Gratitude

I fully intended this post to be done "in time for Thanksgiving"; however, it's ALWAYS a good time to express gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for, and there is truly no way I could ever get it all down in one blog or even a million, but here's a small summary....

1. The loving, saving Grace of Jesus Christ. It's in Him alone that I find satisfaction, security, love, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation. He enables me to live life to the fullest and is truly my Rock and Foundation.

2. The compassionate, patient, loving, gentle, strong, manly, hot husband the Lord has given me. He is such a tender, sweet daddy to our boys and such a strong, loving leader to all 3 of us. He spends time explaining things to Daniel Isaac in the detailed fashion that Daniel Isaac so desires; he plays with him and teaches him all types of things that are going to come in so handy for DI to know! He is so tender and loving with Noah David...he straps him in the baby back pack and does the dishes with him, rakes the leaves with him, and just carries him around for fun. The glimmer in Noah David's eyes for Daniel screams, "You're so cool, Daddy!" Daniel is a one-of-a-kind leader for me. He's so wise in the way he communicates with me, and he is so strong in his presence and provision for our family. I could brag about him all day, but he is truly one of the greatest gifts Jesus gave to me, and I'm so thankful for him. He models Christ's love for His Church to me in an indescribable, wonderful way.

3. Daniel Isaac...where do I even begin? This child keeps our jaws dropped...sometimes in amazement of his mental capacity....sometimes in complete dismay and confusion in how to respond to or answer one of his many questions. Daniel Isaac is full of energy and life, and loves for everyone to "be together". He is a leader...both at home with his brother and at school. He is hilarious and creative and imaginative. He very much wants to know what is correct and right, and even if he eliminates himself from following the rules at times, he will ensure that everyone around him is doing so. He is courageous and strong and coordinated. He is very loving and very freely displays his affection and "I love yous" to Daniel, Noah David and me. His beautiful blue, inquisitive eyes and deep dimples that are especially cute when he chuckles are just incredible. I am in constant awe of our Lord and constant gratitude to Him for letting me be Daniel Isaac's mommy. It's an amazing opportunity.

4. Noah David...where do I even begin again? Who knew that a 5 month old could bring so much joy? His butterball round cheeks and double chin are enough to make my heart melt, but then he beams his bright glittery-eyed smile at me all day, and I just can't help but squeeze and fill his face with kisses all day! He is so snuggly and loves to be "right there" with everyone. His feelings are deeply hurt if he wakes up and I'm not right there with him. I love how he sings/talks himself to sleep as I walk or bounce him....it's such a precious sound. He is alert and aware of all that goes on around him. He giggles freely and often. He adores Daniel Isaac and Daniel, and he shares his big toothless grin with anyone who will first share a smile with him. He is content and relaxed. I am so thankful to be nursing him...may sound weird, but the Lord has taught me so much about His goodness and provision for me through this experience and bond with Noah David. He is so chubby and long and survived RSV like a champ (HUGE THANKS) His fuzzy white-blonde hair is so soft and beautiful. I stare at him and think, "Thank you so much, Lord for giving me the chance to parent this angel." He is a blessing to say the least.

5. My family

Dad...well, he's as loving and generous as he is loud and crazy! He is amazing to constantly be getting the family together, cooking and facilitating family time...yet so flexible. He is such a steady, Christ-like leader with so much wisdom and patience. We admire and look up to him so much and are so thankful for his influence in our lives.

Mom...well, she not only lovingly monitors all of our well-being and sees that we're all taken care of but she keeps us all laughing! She is always thinking of wonderful, thoughtful things to do for us and make us feel special, and takes such good care of us! She endearingly spends every Wednesday with Daniel Isaac transforming into a 3 year old herself I imagine for at least part of the day, as she crawls, hides, plays t-ball, etc. with him. She's so warm and sweet....we're all thankful for Nana and her love and encouragement!!

John David..."Babo", as we all call him now...ever since DI couldn't say "Uncle Brother" and instead called him "Babo". Daniel Isaac can't get enough of Babo and the many useful life lessons he learns from his uncle....all about guns and other very boyish things that I don't even pretend to understand. He is super loving, fun and gentle with Noah David and Daniel Isaac and has the patience of Job when it comes to DI's persistent and eagerness to play with him. He's got "the touch" with Noah David, who already adores him. We're so thankful he and Jess are back in town and close enough for us to see all the time!

Jess...is the perfect fit for John David AND for the Andrus family...bless her and Daniel. :) She's so sweet and patient and loving with the boys...both of which adore her. I don't even like calling her my sister "in law" but I do to refrain from people being confused that she's married to my brother. She is a dear friend and is so loving and understanding. Jess is genuine and as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I admire so much about her and am extremely thankful to be a part of her and Babo's lives!

Hannah..."Hannah Ba-noonie" as Daniel Isaac calls her....no clue where that name came from. Hannah is hilarious. She brings so much life to every family gathering. She says the most hysterical things that I laugh about days after she's said them. She is fashionable, creative and has beautiful taste. I love her hand-me-downs. She is an extremely fun playmate for DI, and has a special touch with ND and bouncing him to sleep. She is a beautiful gift and a blessing who I love so much and am so thankful for.

6. Daniel's Family (also "My" family)

Papa...what's not to love? He's so loving and gentle and fun! He's always been so easy to spend time with, and his laid back personality is a wonderful, warm characteristic. He loves his grandbabies and it shows! He's always open and willing to listen and has provided great advice and wisdom to Daniel and I over the years. We don't leave Papa's sight without several "I love yous", and we're so thankful for him in our lives!!!

Grandmama...is one special lady. She is a gentle, loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She helps with the boys so much, and I don't know what we'd do without her! She is a blessing and encouragement. She has taught Daniel Isaac so many wonderful things and is so patient with him...she, too, I imagine transforms into a 3 year old some days, crawling around on the floor with Daniel Isaac. We love Grandmama and are SO thankful for her!

James..."Uncle James" is a wonderful brother, brother-in-law and uncle that we love a ton. We're so glad he and Hilary are back within easy driving distance. His pursuit in the knowledge of the Lord is awesome, and he's an over-grown playmate/jungle gym for Daniel Isaac. We love Uncle James and are thankful for him!!

Hilary...Aunt Hilary is such an encourager and complement to James. She is a wonderful homemaker and takes such good care of her boys (and girl on the way). We're so thankful she's back close by and for the precious angel growing in her womb! I strive to be more organized like her and am hoping it'll rub off! :) We are so thankful for Hilary and the blessing she is to the whole family.

Elijah...His sweet big brown eyes make the ladies melt, even if that's not his intention. His precious "new walker" walk is too fun to watch, and it's even better to watch him proudly carry around an item (just about any item...the larger the better). His love for shoes is especially marvelous, and his little life is a tremendous blessing to all of us.

7. My friends....I am convinced I have the best, most wonderful friends in the world. Whether I've been friends for 15 years or 2 years, I have been given the best friends that I can be real with, talk openly with, be encouraged by...they love me in spite of me! It's really wonderful blessing to have friends I can depend on for prayer, unconditional love, encouragement and LAUGHTER. I'm SOOO thankful for my friends.

8. Our home...while it's not the best-kept or most organized, it's warm and safe and comfortable. I love it. I love raising a family in it and coming home to it. Such a blessing.

9. Work...while I don't work much at all these days, I am tremendously thankful for the work I do get to do with Lifeline. It is such an incredible, humbling opportunity to work with families pursuing adoption and with birth mother who are considering adoption. I have the most incredible, Christ-like boss and co-workers (yes, including my hot husband), and it's such a wonderful opportunity to play a role in bringing orphans to their forever families. God is good, and I'm SO thankful to Him for giving me this "job" that's so much more than that!

10. Communication...this sounds crazy, but I'm so thankful for e-mail, phone calls, text messaging, g-chatting, etc. It's an amazing way to stay connected to friends, fellow moms, family...I need community, and I'm thankful to have so many means of communication at my fingertips.

I really could go on and on, but I'll stop for now and go work on folding the pile of clean clothes that awaits me. God is so good, and He has supplied me with WAAAAY more than I could ask or imagine. To Him I give all my thanks and affection; He is my everything. Thank you, Father! Happy Thanksgiving, and may everyday be filled with gratitude for the abundance of HIS blessings!

Growing!

ND and Daddy...one of their favorite ways to hang out!

Noah David snug as a bug in the "pouch".

Matching Spiderman p.j.s...doesn't get much cuter!

Noah David had a GREAT 4 month check up. His feelings were very hurt by the shots he received once again, but he settled down after nursing and took a great nap, waking up happy as ever. He weighed 18 pounds and 4 ounces and was 26 inches long. He's in the 90th percentile for height and OVER the 95th percentile for weight! He is still exclusively breast fed, but we will probably start trying cereal, bananas and a few other soon since he's showing some interest and has great head and trunk control. What a sweet chunk of love he is!

He continues to be laid back in his personality. He smiles constantly and giggles a ton, which has got to be one of the BEST sounds our Lord ever created! He adores his big brother and grins with an extra twinkle in his eye whenever he hears his voice. He sleeps really well...snuggled right up to Mama, which I adore. Daniel Isaac has been joining us in the wee hours in our bed, too, which has been a special treat to have all 3 of my boys right there with me. Daniel is just as much of a "snuggler" as DI and ND, so it's HEAVEN for me!!!

Daniel Isaac continues to be the epitome of a wonderful big brother. He covers Noah David in kisses and hugs. He immediately runs to his "rescue" when he whimpers or cries exclaiming, "He wants me!" or "He needs some milk, Mommy!" He sweetly rubs his head when Noah David is asleep and is so gentle and loving. He even asks when Noah David is asleep, "Mommy, pleeeease can we wake him up? I miss him!" The Lord has put it in the heart of Daniel Isaac to be a big brother and a leader, and it's a blessing and joy to be their mama!

Children of the Covenant

September 20, we had the amazing blessing of having Daniel Isaac and Noah David baptized. It was a wonderful day filled with family and friends surrounding us. One thing that stood out to me was that Grandmother (my Dad's mom who is 92 this month), Dad, myself, and then Daniel Isaac and Noah David were all present. Three generations of Believers and baptizing the boys with the Faith that they, too, will one day follow after our precious Savior. Daniel and I, along with our church family and family, seeing the symbol of baptism as the promise of the New Testament Covenant for the boys was a gift.

I am forever grateful for how my parents loved and taught me the Scriptures and about the Lord and His Truth. They provided every possible opportunity for me to grow in Him all throughout my childhood. I became a Believer at a very young age and was nurtured in my relationship with Him over the years. It is mine and Daniel's earnest prayer and desire that our boys walk with the Lord and do not know a day of rebellion...that their lives would be surrendered to Him and lived for Him and His Names' sake....that we would be Christ-like in our actions and parenting, and that our home would be full of His love and grace and an aroma of Him to everyone around us. By His grace!

I wish I had pictures to share, but we took them on a different camera and don't have them on our computer... : (