Norah

Our sweet girl, Norah Elizabeth, is finally here and is celebrating one month of life today!

 

After all my preparations and our waiting, she made her appearance on December 30th just after midnight, after a 5 hour labor, weighing in at 7lbs 14oz, and measuring 19 in long.

I was expecting her early, and was pretty bummed she came after Christmas so some of the family didn't get to meet her! But in those anxious last days before her birth, the Lord encouraged me with this verse:

...all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16 

A good way to summarize that verse, is something my mom kept saying-- 

 One thing is for sure-She'll be born on her birthday!

So she came when she was supposed to, as a healthy and adorable baby! We are loving the new dynamic of our family, and can't wait for all the memories that will be made this year! Titus is just in love with his sister and acts like she's always been here! I am absolutely looking forward to watching their relationship develop! Adjusting to two has had its moments, but I feel like I'm starting catch my stride.

I also want to mention how utterly blessed I am! It's so easy to lose perspective when I'm sleep deprived and dealing with a rebellious two-year-old along with a crying baby. But the Lord has been SO gracious to me! Here are just a few blessings:

-I've had hardly any kind of recovery time (compared with last pregnancy)- so huge when you have a toddler too!

-In the one month since Norah's birth, we have had such a flood of meals that were totally unexpected! -Titus hasn't dealt with jealousy which I was really concerned about!

-Norah sleeps at night! She wakes up to eat and then goes back to sleep! No days and nights mixed up here! 

-My husband has been SO supportive and loving- such a servant! I can't imagine him being any more amazing than he's been the past month!

-The Lord gives me the strength I need for everyday!

Happy One Month, Sweet Girl! 

I love you

 

Monday Morning Inspiration- My Baby Girl!

So I'm less than 4 weeks away from my due date, and getting closer each day to meeting my baby girl! The road so far hasn't been easy. Once the third trimester hit, I've been dealing with a lot of hip and pelvic pain (so thankful for my chiropractor) which has led to me not being able to move around some days (not a good thing when you have a very active toddler!). I even spent a night in the hospital because of the stomach flu, dehydration, and contractions! I had so many high hopes and big plans for all the things I was going to get done and all the crafty things I was going to make before she came. My Pinterest board was full of ideas and inspiration, but I was getting more and more discouraged as time was going on because I felt time was slipping away along with my energy, motivation, and ability to do anything creative.

After a weekend away with my husband, I was starting to feel more prepared to meet this little girl and I also determined to get my projects done! 

I realized that I needed to 

stop looking for inspiration 

and start actually doing the things I was inspired by!

That was the motivation I needed and I got to work.

You can read more about it, and see pictures over at Two Peas in a Pod Designs. I'm guest blogging over there today about what currently inspires me! Plus you can link up your inspirations! A big thanks to Trish for the honor of having me on her blog!