sneak-peak ...

we had the opportunity for a final family of 3 photo shoot.

this was a sneak-peak shot sent to us by our dear friend megan. I cannot wait to see the rest of the images:)

hard to believe our family will grow in 4 weeks!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Xavier, Volume 1

Finally, put together Xavier's first year ... what a lovebug!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own custom photo books at Shutterfly.com.

GRACE AND PEACE!

JuneBug Update, 30 weeks!

We have hit 30 weeks with our JuneBug.

Today we had an ultra sound, he is growing well and right on track for a June 13th due date.

He was not in a great position for pictures today ... but it is always reassuring to see his little legs, arms, spine & heart beat!

We are asking for prayers, the placenta is low, in 10 weeks it has moved "some. We will check again in in 6 weeks , if it has not moved, we will schedule a c-section. We would certainly like to avoid a c-section .... so we are praying for the placenta to move and this pregnancy to continue to be uneventful!

a shot of how the JuneBug is growing, from the outside!

GRACE AND PEACE!

1 year!

Xavier Moses Shelby is no longer 0 ... we celebrated his 1st year yesterday, March 30th. The celebration continues, today we celebrate the day we officially gained custody pending his final adoption. Tomorrow we will celebrate bringing him home from the hospital. What an amazing year, God has truly poured his blessing and favor on our home.

GLORY!

first family pix, hours after Xavier was born .... 3.30.2011, 6lb7oz, 19.5"

heading home ... 4.1.2011

and yesterday @ the dr office heading in for his 12mo well check ... when the nurse called his name, he walked right in :) ... 23lbs8oz, 31"

Our JuneBug continues to grow and our appointments remain uneventful. WE do have an ultra sound April 10 & will have pictures to follow!

GRACE AND PEACE!

a good word, at the right time

three years ago ... i could never have imagined what God had in store for me, for aaron, for our family. this is a fantastic devotion - at just the perfect time.

He Has another Seed for You

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...For God has appointed another seed for me...”

(Genesis 4:25, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In Genesis, Eve went through a great disappointment. Her son Cain killed her son Able, the first murder in the Bible. I’m sure Eve, like any mother, was devastated and heartbroken at the passing of her son. But I love what Eve said in Genesis 4:25, “God has appointed another seed for me.” In essence, she was saying, “I don’t understand it. It doesn’t make sense, but I trust God. This is not the end. He has appointed another seed.” Friend, when you go through things that you don’t understand, it is not the end. Nothing is lost in the kingdom. God is going to appoint another seed, and that seed represents the future. It indicates what is coming. If you will let go of what didn’t work out, let go of the hurts and pains, then for everything you’ve lost, God will appoint another seed. You’ll give birth to more in the future than you lost in the past. Keep praying, keep believing, keep hoping because God is for you. Trust Him and embrace the good things He has in store for your future!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, You are the giver of all life! You give life to my dreams, life to my relationships, and life to my mortal body. Today I choose to release the past and embrace the gift of life You have in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen GRACE AND PEACE!

uneventful & thankful

today we had our 20 week scan, we now know that Xavier will have a brother:)

The scan showed his growth is right on track with a June 13 due date, his heart looked great, along with his internal organs & 5 fingers on each hand and 5 toes on each foot.

When aaron and i left the office, we realized we had both been holding our breath (just a little bit) but then were so thankful for such an uneventful visit.

That due date will put the boys about 14 1/2 months apart ... depending on the arrival of #2, they could be closer. We are all decked out for a second boy, one thing we will begin to look for/research double strollers! I am sure there will be other things our expanding family will need, but for now we are enjoying the uneventfulness!

PRAISE GOD, from whom ALL blessings flow.

GRACE AND PEACE!

3 years.

We celebrated Jeremy yesterday January 4th.

Forever a special day for our family. (and friends)
Hard to believe it has been 3 years.

His memory is so vivid, the time with him recorded in my heart.
But this year has been different.

Not as sad and certainly not as bitter. Xavier has made it easier to embrace the blessing, truly & fully embrace the blessing of Jeremy in our family.

While I would certainly prefer to have Jeremy with us now - I am comforted he is enjoying heaven, Jesus & like Jack said jumping on the bed with Grandma Diehl:)

GRACE AND PEACE!