{12:22 on 12-22}

I just cuddled and rocked my lil Noe. I went through our nightly routine, praying with him and tucking him snugly into his crib. I put a one year old to bed and tomorrow will lift a two year old out of that crib.

Of course my thoughts go to the holiday season of 2006. A Chtristmas I will never forget. A Christmas that held more joyful anticipation than any other year. A Christmas when this was the gift I was waiting for.

On December 21st, 2006 I went Christmas shopping for Dave. I was 38 weeks pregnant. I had been in to see my Dr. earlier that day and had found out that I was 4 cm dilated. I had been having inconsistent and mild contractions on and off for several weeks. Active labor had not started. I was very ready to meet my little boy!

That evening I walked around a well known home improvement store carrying a not-so-light cordless drill. I walked up the aisles and down the aisles. My shopping was done, but I would not leave that store until my contractions were more consistent. I smiled at the nervous looks from the men clad in the blue vests who seemed just a tad uncomfortable with the largely pregnant lady walking aimlessly in their store. When I began to pause every 4 minutes and scrawl something on a small notepad, the looks cast in my direction changed from nervous to panicky and disapproving.

I was feeling fine.
Very excited.
Ready.

I didn't want to cause undue anxiety to the uneasy guys in the store though, so I finally made my purchase and began the 20 minute trip home. I called Dave on the way home and told him it would probably be a good idea to call his mom and ask her to come watch K and Jay, as we would be heading to the hospital. I had been sent home from the hospital once, a week prior, and I was a little bit anxious that the the mild nature of the contractions would send me home once again. The joy I felt at the announcement of "you are 6 centimetres" knew no bounds!
 
"I will meet you soon little one!"

Around 9:30 pm I got an epidural. I was still able to laugh and talk through my contractions at that point. Side note to all of you insane amazing women who are steadfast natural childbirth believers. You rock. I don't like pain. My previous two deliveries had been virtually drug free and this time I was not taking chances. At 10:00 my Dr. broke my water. I slept until about 11:45. It was a peaceful and sweet sleep. Dave was resting next to me and I woke him up when I awoke. "Dave! Something is wrong! All of the sudden I am feeling every pain and it is a bit intense!" We called the nurse in and she smiled when I reported what was obviously amiss. She checked me and said,"Just as I thought! You are complete. Every thing is just fine!" Twenty minutes later, after pushing his head out, I reached down and gently delivered my sweet baby son.

I cried.

Time just stood still for that moment. It was 12:22 am on 12-22-06. Just a special little detail signifying a special addition to our lives. He cried a sweet little cry which was a wonderful indication of his healthiness. Other than the slight cries, he immediately appeared calm - almost like he knew us already and was as excited to enter our world as we were to finally meet him!

My first thought was that he looked so much like Jay had when he was born. His hair was darker, and he was a little bit smaller, but they had alot of similarities. I also smiled at the fun detail that he was born on his cousin Jesse's birthday.

Suddenly we were a family of 5, and it felt so right. Once again - I was in love. We had waited and dreamed - and there he was. Our gift to nurture and love.
The day Noe and I were released from the hospital we went straight to our family Christmas at Dave's parents house. What sweet memroies!

(Note the blanket in this new born picture - you may just see it a time or two more)

The past two years have been busy! Noe has grown up so much. He is alot like his daddy and that endears him to my heart even more. There have been a few times Dave has accused me of "baby-ing" our Noe. I just smile. How does one explain such a connection? How could I even begin to put into words the comforting love we share? Our lives were so full since adding K and Jay, but now it is so hard for me to imagine life with out this piece of sunshine. He seems to instinctively know when I am sad, or just need a hug. It is a quality that has contradicted his young age ever since he was a wee one. Sometimes a certain look in his eye seems unexpectedly perceptive.  

So what are you loving at age 2 my cuddle bug?
 
Giggles  

Elmo  

Cookies  

Brothers  

Blanky (LOVE your blanky!!)  

Crib

Outside  

Hugs  

 Kisses (yes, I am enjoying it while it lasts...)  

Books
 
Dancing  

Green bean casserole  

Rocking
 
'Donalds french fries  

Picking up toys (yeah, same thing here...)  

Praying the sweetest little prayers before bed  

We love you so much! What you have brought to our lives is priceless and heartwarming. Your daddy and I pray daily that we will teach you about the most important things in life and train you up in the love of Jesus. Happy second birthday Noe. Check out these amazing "crumble-the-resolve-of-the-hardest-of hearts" eyes. :)