Fun Fun

Last night Gran kept the boys so Jason and I could go on a date. It was fabulous! We were only gone an hour and a half, but it was so nice to be alone and talk. Jason talked most of the time which I loved because it's normally me talking. Imagine that. :)

Thanks, Gran!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Matthew 12:34

Jump Zone

Zach is always on the go (if you can't tell). In the morning he usually says to me, "Where we going?" If we don't get out of the house at some point in the morning, he gets into lots of trouble, and it's a long day for everyone!

Yesterday we took him to Jump Zone, and he loved every second. When I was taking his shoes off, he said, "I like this place!" He was in bounce house heaven, and it was fun doing something special just for him.

Cheese!

Gran & Z

Colson had a great time, too. ; )

The Lord continues to show me the true meaning of grace through our children, especially with Z as he is adjusting to his little brother. What grace He must have for me countless times a day! I try to remember this when I'm a little hard on Zach.

Before we left JZ I saw a sign advertising a sale on their summer pass, so of course I bought one. I think we'll be going back very soon. ; )

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

Smile

Colson is giving us some smiles! I love it. I know some people say it's just gas, but I think they are little surprise gifts from GOD. ; )

It's so real to me now that Colson is here how I'm a mom to three children. Two in our home. One in Heaven. So many thoughts and emotions bumping around in my heart.

I have such joy over Colson. I love to hold him. Look at him. Taking in what Jason and I have waited so long for. I'm trying to be patient with Zach as he adjusts and encourage him throughout the day when he pushes my limits. He's going to be such a wonderful big brother. All the while my feelings for Reese are so close to the surface. How next month is her one year birthday and the day she went home to Jesus.

I want her 1st birthday to be special, and I hope the things I'm planning for her celebration honor her little (yet big!) life.

The new man in my life ; )

From the third night we brought him home, Colson has been sleeping so well. What a blessing! I prayed hard about this . ; ) When he is awake during the day he is content, too.

I'm treasuring the very few calm moments of our day when I'm alone with the boys. Yesterday I got them dressed, ready, out the door and into the car all by myself! We went to the bank and the post office (drive throughs), but it was a big accomplishment for me. ; )

My mom left Sunday, and Jason's mom came yesterday. Praise the Lord for a wonderful Mom and mil! They do laundry, iron, go grocery shopping, cook, play with Z, hold Colson, the list goes on. ; )

My chunky monkey

This morning Zach said, "I want to pet Colson." Cute! He's so gentle one minute and rough the next. We survived a nose bite this morning. Zach was being so sweet with Colson patting him on the head and giving him Eskimo kisses, then he leaned down to kiss him (or so I thought), looked up at me and said, "I bit him on the nose." Poor Colson.

One day at a time, right?

The Lord your GOD is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love...

Zephaniah 3:17

Car Wash

Jason and Zach drove through a car wash this week, and Z didn't quite know what to think.

He said, "We better get out of here, Daddy!" So cute.

I was terrified of car washes when I was a little girl, too. I would curl up in a ball on the floor of the car behind my mom's seat. Although he is not quite as scared as I used to be, I guess he gets it from me. ; )

Seek the LORD while He may be found;

call on Him while He is near.

Isaiah 55:6

Too Much Fun

Lisa took Colson's newborn pictures at our house yesterday. She was wonderful and patient as always! Hopefully we got some cute pics of the boys together. We incorporated Reese into the pictures in a few special ways, and I can't wait to share some of them.

A few of my fave pictures from Colson's birthday...I have lots!

We had sugar cookies made to give visitors. I love how they turned out. Delicious. ; )

Jason's dad helping him with the mask

Who could resist this face?! Too too cute.

Relief excited relief excited relief

Such perfect peace.

Colson lifts a sorrow from our home with his beautiful eyes, little squeaks, and baby smell.

Reese with us almost one year ago

A sweet woman who has been praying for us said when she saw a picture of Colson that he "looks like he knows he carries Reese with him." I love this! He does.

Reese, you are thought of and treasured in our hearts every day. I will always see you as I watch Zach and Colson play and grow up together. You are a part of our family who will always be missed. We love you we love you.

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your GOD...

I Chronicles 22:19

One Week Old

Colson is one week old! What a week. I can't even describe the joy and peace that fills our home. A few pics from our big week...

Zach loves to hold his baby brother and give him lots of kisses. And the occasional whack on the head. Brotherly love. ; )

Colson was not very happy about his first doctor's appointment although he did great when we were there.

Zach and Colson are getting plenty of TLC from Bunny. We are eating well, too!

Zach has been easily entertained with his slip and slide.

Precious boy

You're one week old Colson. We love you!

(He likes to be swaddled tight so he's not happy with me for taking this picture.)

That's much better.

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.

Revelation 15:3

Little Mr. Popular

I love having a baby in our home. ; )

I especially loved filling out this page in Colson's baby book.

Going Home!

Colson has met so many of our wonderful friends and family members in the hospital and ever since we've been home. Party at our house. ; )

One of my BU roommates Lauren was driving through on her way to a family reunion and stopped by to see us. Lauren and I became immediate friends on our sorority's pledge retreat, and my life has been changed for the better by this girl. A true gem!

Ash was also in town for a bit this weekend, and it was such a blessing to see her, too. Always always.

Such a treat to see Hil, too. ; ) Colson loves her so much! How can he not when she made him this precious onesie!?

He'll be the envy of all the church nursery little guys. Ha!

Thank you, Hil!

A funny for your day...

You know how everyone seems to have those precious pictures in the hospital of their new little family after a baby is born?

Well...here are a few of ours.

Let's try bribing Zach with a M & M.

Maybe hanging him upside down will work.

Oh, well...we tried. We are one big happy family. ; )

This is the best we have...at least Zach knows he's loved!

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May Your glory shine over all the earth.

Psalm 108:5

Home

I could have danced out of those hospital doors yesterday. ; ) We are home and made it through our first night! I've never been so happy to lose sleep in all my life.

There are so many little details I would love to share about Colson's birth. I hope to write them all down as I remember over the next few days and weeks.

Our family looks a lot different than it did eleven months ago. We will always have what other people may not see - our little girl in Heaven. Reese is always with us and close to our hearts. She is our precious baby girl, and Colson is a sweet reminder of her presence in our home.

I am captured by your words. Although I may not be able to respond to each comment, I'm so thankful for your support and love.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 1:37

Because

Because of Reese's short life

Because of her light

Because of her perfection

Because Jesus loves

Because Jesus hears

Because Jesus redeems

Because Jesus restores

Because GOD is faithful to His own

Because GOD is working

Because of GOD's mercy

Because GOD answers

Because He is in the details

Because of your prayers

Because of your hope for us

Because of your burden

Because of your tears

Because GOD makes everything beautiful in His time

We are celebrating. Heaven is stirring.

Colson, your cry was one of the sweetest sounds we've ever heard. We love you. You are ours. You are GOD's. You have been and will be carried by countless prayers.

You're healthy. You're beautiful. Let's go home...maybe tomorrow since I can't even walk yet. ; )

Thank you, Lisa, for wanting to be a part of this exciting day. These pictures you took of Colson are wonderful, and I loved seeing your sweet face. We now have special memories with you and two of our babies.

My soul finds rest in God alone...

Psalm 62:1

Colson Allen

He's here. ; )

Colson was born at 2:12 pm, weighs 7 pounds 15 ounces, and is 21 inches long.

Happy Birthday, sweet little man!

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy..."

1 Peter 1:8