OHIO Here We Come!

Most of my blog readers are fully aware of our up and coming move to Ohio. But I thought I'd post it for those few that I haven't had a chance to tell yet. It's all happened so fast. Brian has been offered a youth pastor position at a church in his hometown and we have accepted. Although, it's very difficult to leave the life that we have built here, we are pumped about the new one we are about to begin. Our family, church and friends here have been really supportive in this and are excited for us regardless of how it is affecting them. This opportunity is definitely a God thing and we are excited to follow him.

We are moving into a two bedroom apartment until our home here sells. Once it sells, we'll decide on a more permanent home. God has truly blessed us in this. It's definitely been a desire of mine to be closer to my brother's family and Brian's family. I'm so excited that Joel is going to have lots of boys to play with, as all of his cousins will be nearby and several of Brian's buddies have boys his age.

We are going to make the official move the 1st or 2nd of January. It will be bittersweet for sure...the goodbyes will be heartbreaking. But praise God it's only a couple hours away.

Please say a prayer for me...life with a newborn is a little crazy and to add all of this is a bit overwhelming. But thankfully I have several family members and youth that have volunteered to help, which I'm definitely taking them up on it. The 'For Sale' sign is up and the packing has begun!

Luke...4 Weeks Today

How time flies! Things have been very busy around here and I'm finally getting around to posting a new pic of Luke. He's doing really well. For the most part, still a really easy baby. Wow, it's a lot of work with two! But starting to get the hang of it. He looks a lot like Joel did as a baby. He also looks even more like my baby pictures than Joel...almost identical.

Trick Or Treat

Brian's brother's family came to visit Luke on Saturday and stayed for Trick-or-Treating. It was a great day! The youngest caught the hang of it very quickly. Our nephew Graham was Darth Vader, Isaiah was Batman and we had a Pumpkin and Yoda...

Luke's Arrival

Wow! Tomorrow it has been a week since Luke's birth. It has gone so quickly. Although, c-section is not what I had envisioned, it could not have gone better. We went to the hospital at 6am and he was born at 8:19am. 9lbs, 6oz and 21 inches. What a BIG Boy!!! He looks very much like Joel did as a newborn.

My recovery is better than I could ever have imagined. Thank you Lord! I've already decreased my pain meds and I am getting around really well. Luke is such a good baby. He is so easy in comparison to Joel. Joel ate every hour and a half-two hours when he was first born. Luke is eating on an average of every 4 hours. He sleeps like a champ with not a lot of effort on my part. It honestly does not feel like I could possibly have a newborn and a toddler. I am feeling great!

Although, we do have lots of help right now, which makes all the difference. We've had lots of visitors and Mom Stiver has been here for the week along with Dad Stiver for the weekend. My stepmom will be staying for a few days this coming week and my mom will be coming next Saturday for a week. Thanks all for your help! Here are a few pics of my little blessing...