Goodbye 2007!

2007 was such a great year for our family, and most of the reasons why are summed up in our Christmas letter that was posted a couple of weeks back. We're so thankful to see another year completed with God's blessing our family in many ways, and for the most recent blessing of our little Elijah.

The quick update on life with our family of 5: Isaac and Abigail have been such great helpers and are big fans of their little brother. It's neat to see how quickly they are adapting to his presence. So far, we are doing well with having another person to consider. It's been nice to have the holidays following his birth, because we're not feeling pressured to do "normal" stuff like school and work for James, and have been able to settle in for these past 2 weeks with all of us at home. James had these 2 weeks off, and has been an encouragement and support like never before, and he's always been a tremendously helpful husband. I've jokingly said he'll be glad to go back to work though, because he's been so busy here at home! He's done laundry, fixed meals, cleaned the house, cared for the kids, played with them, bought our Christmas gifts, put the kids to bed, held me together when I was exhausted and hurting from surgery and the bladder infection, and through it all, has never spoken a word of negativity. I don't think I take him for granted normally, but recently I am just overwhelmed at the partner and friend he is to me, and the way he's led our family with such godly love and patience. I'm grateful beyond words, and get teary just imagining how I'd be doing right now if it wasn't for him!

We've also been so grateful for the meals and visits from friends from church. We've enjoyed good cooking from many of them, and still have more meals coming. This ministry has been a wonderful help as we can mark off our "to do" list planning dinner every single night right now, and have some time to adjust more slowly to the changes in our family.

We did a couple family things at the end of this week, driving to see my parents on Friday, and then spending Saturday afternoon with the Vines' clan. I was still struggling a good bit, because on top of recovering from the c-section, I ended up having a bladder infection. It was much more painful and caused more trouble than the actual surgery did! And, then my incision decided to be difficult and separate, so I had to treat it for several days to get it to heal properly. The good news is at least 30 pounds of pregnancy weight dropped off in the first 10 days of Elijah's life. I just have another 20-30 to go...

Finally, I woke up yesterday feeling much improved, and we were able to go to church as a family. It was such a blessing to be there and worship, singing "How great is our God," and looking at each other, realizing His greatness has really been evident in our lives lately. Seeing friends and getting hugs from so many who prayed for us throughout this month really meant so much.

James headed back into work tonight, and I am a bit apprehensive about caring for Elijah with feedings in the night and Abigail's possible waking and wanting me at the same time (some of you know her sleep issues and how she just started sleeping through the night this spring!) but I'm not feeling too stressed right now. I figure we'll just juggle it and figure it out as we go. Elijah has been incredibly easy so far, only waking on average twice in the night to eat, and I've told him how he is years ahead of his sister in that department. :-) Even if it doesn't last, I've at least enjoyed the benefits of several hours of sleep in a row for a little while.

Here are a few photos of our sweet little one. It's hard to limit myself with photographing him, because I'm so fascinated trying to get to know him, and notice everything about him that I want to take a zillion pictures daily, and just sit and stare at him. I know how quickly these days will fly by and I just want to capture his cute little features before they change. Most people recognize he looks a great deal like James and it's sweet to see his daddy's features in a tiny version. Oh, and check out the cheeks and for those who keep asking, he DOES have dimples like his sister and daddy. :-)

We're looking forward to what 2008 will bring and rejoice at God's mercy and goodness that have been so evident in our lives. We pray you feel the same and know Him!