Elijah's First Week

I really like before and after pictures, so here's a few fun ones. This is us with Doc before, as you can see by the baby belly.
Here we are after Elijah was born! How fun to see the baby inside and then outside. Amazing!
Here we are in the front yard in front of the tree. It was just budding on the day we went to the hospital, and you can see the baby belly.
It was so symbolic to come home from the hospital and the tree had blossomed, just like our family! Ahhh! Now I am wearing the same shirt but our baby is in the world! Wow! You can tell we like blue.

Thank you, Lord, for our son! We love him so much and we love each other. We love you, Lord! Ah, so much love flowing out!
Aunt Sarah bought Elijah a special sign for his homecoming. Later during his first week home I thought we could put him in the little buggy here. So cute!
During his first week, Elijah and Mommy rested a lot. Daddy helped with changing diapers and carrying things. He bought supplies and brought food to Mommy. As soon as Mommy began to heal, Daddy took us on family walks. A little bit every day! These are special times. I'm so glad it is May and spring is here!
Daddy also helped with Elijah's first bath! Clean boy and strong, tender Daddy hands.
On the eighth day of Elijah's little life, we went to the Post Office to apply for his passport. It was great that the only time his eyes were opened that day was when he was getting his passport picture taken (good for five years). Wow! Good job, little Elijah. You will soon be a world traveler!

Our Boy Is Born!

"Dr. Ihrke? Yes, we are on the way to the hospital right now. See you soon!" Wednesday, May 7th my water broke and I went into early labor. It was so exciting to pack and bring our stuff to the hospital. We were going to meet our boy soon!
This photo was taken moments after Elijah Samuel's birth: 9:36 a.m. on Thursday, May 8th. I will never forget when they placed him on me and he looked in my eyes for the first time. I love you, Elijah! I'm your mommy!Nate is so in love with our little guy! I loved watching the two of them meet for the first time and bond together--father and son!Nate's face was filled with joy. What love the father has for his son!
Holding Elijah for the first time. Look at those two! What a pair!
Here we are--a family of three with our wonderful doctor--Dr. Abigail Ihrke! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! What joy!
My friend of 14 years became a doctor and was there for me to deliver our first child, a son! Isn't God's plan wonderful! It was so special that right after he was born we all gathered around and she prayed for Elijah Samuel.
I am so in love with you, my little Elijah!
Daddy is so cuddly with his little boy. Aren't they precious! Nate is the best daddy ever!
We took about 300 photos, but this one is precious. Elijah is looking at us and we are getting to know him. I love how he does cute things with his little hands and how cozy he is to hold.
Isn't he precious!! I just love those eyes and those little lips so perfectly painted on!
Homecoming day. We are just about to leave the hospital. I love the flowers my mom brought me. What a fun time for our baby to be born--right before mother's day! We are just amazed at God's creation and miraculous plan.
We love you, Elijah Samuel! May you grow to know Jesus Christ and to know God's great love for you. You are a precious gift from God, your Creator!

The family was there to welcome him home. When I saw the sign in the yard, "It's a boy!" I almost cried! That sign was for us--we were bringing our baby home! What a special time! Thank you again, Lord!

Recent Blessings

Hello there! As of this moment, the baby is still inside (you may have been wondering). Here was a fun ladies' night at the ballet--my lovely sister and mom and me! It has been so wonderful to be with them longer than just a quick two-week visit. I love these two! We have enjoyed making many more memories together.
While we were at the ballet, Nate and John finally got to face each other in a serious match of Risk. It was so close they had to call it a draw because it was past midnight! There will be a re-match soon, I hope!
Another blessing is friends! How wonderful Nate's roommate from college and best man in our wedding, Chris, came to visit us with his wife. We had a wonderful weekend together at the zoo, playing games, enjoying meals and fellowship together.
We are so thankful for the beautiful weather, the friends we have been able to see and enjoy time with, and for such great health and fun!
My friend, Katie, and I have been friends since we were five years old! Nate and I got to visit her 4th grade class and share with the kids about the Philippines. It was so great to see the picture book they made for us telling us what they learned. Then we got to have a night with her and her husband, Drew in their lovely home. What a special friendship to continue through all the stages of life!

Thank you, Lord, for wonderful friends and family! We praise You for all the blessings You pour out on us!

Recent Photos and Happenings

Things have been going great here in Omaha. Nate and I have been able to see lots of friends and family and to do other things. Here are some photos that I like a lot! Me and my little nephew Peter. I got to have lunch with him at his school!
Peter was so cute introducing me to his little Kindergarten class. He helped to teach his friends where the Philippines is on the map.
What a precious boy! How fun to see him in his little world at school.
I've also had fun with my niece, Clara. Isn't she beautiful!?
Clara is such an enthusiastic girl. She is doing gymnastics at age 3! I can see some of myself in her--what a climber! It is fun getting to know her all over again, since I last saw her when she was only a baby.

My wonderful friend, Laura, came to visit from Montana! Do we look like we are really in AZ with winter coats on?
After reading that great book, "Endurance" I had to see the penguins at the zoo! I love them--so funny and beautiful and fast in water.
Can you see the snow? Yes, I have seen snow now--even in April! This may be our only snow in a period of five years. I don't really miss it too much, but it was fun to see.
Thank you, Lord, for friends and family! What a wonderful time to share with them!

Wisconsin Wedding

My life-long friend, Trisha, got married on Saturday!! I never believed I would have the joy of being present to witness her wedding, but God opened this door wide. Praise You, Lord! I am so happy for Trisha and for her new husband! I love her so much and it is great to see her marry a godly man.
Isn't she beautiful?! Look at those cute hot pink shoes! She was so relaxed and happy just before she married her man.
One of my favorite parts in the ceremony was when Tim knelt and washed Trisha's feet. What a beautiful picture of Christ serving His bride, the Church. I know Tim will love Trisha just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, washing her with water through the word.
Nate and I had fun together, as it was his first time in Wisconsin! I am 35 weeks pregnant in this picture. Thankfully, we three made it to WI and back to NE safely. What a beautiful sunny day for a wedding.

Friends & Family Fun

What a wonderful gift--my friend, Triscilla came to visit me last week all the way from Ottawa, Canada! We had such a blessed time together relaxing, talking and even going to family events together. What a treasure to have such a special friend!
Another huge blessing--my extended family had a bit of a reunion during the special celebration of my grandmother's achievements in the quilting world. Our beloved family came in from Alaska, Texas and Nebraska to gather together. I was so thankful we got to be a part of this! Thank you, Lord, for our family!
Special Event #3--we did not miss the dedication of Jonas Ethan Caruso at church last Sunday. It was a gift to be there to watch Sarah and John dedicate their new boy to the Lord. We're so thankful for his life and for Sarah's health. What a precious family! It is so wonderful to NOT miss events like this--now that we are HERE!
More friends and fun! My friend, Thea, and I got together to discover we are both pregnant! How fun to be prego together. (I hope you don't mind I posted this one, Thea!)
Two friends and our beloved husbands--how fun to introduce our men to each other. More good times ahead. (Cara I didn't have a picture of us yet!).

Family Fun

Here's two of my loves--my brother and my husband. Aren't they handsome and strong!?
Nathan Daniel versus Daniel Nathan in a game of one-on-one.
Nate and I think it is very COLD here in Nebraska! I was bundled up in two coats and two blankets while I took these action shots! It was a close game! Yay, Honey! Go, Daniel!
Nate and his brothers-in-law--Daniel, John, and Micah. The guys went out to hide easter eggs for the kids (our niece and nephew). It was fun to see them climbing trees and trying to be sneaky!
When was the last time we were ALL together?! Wow!! Such a wonderful day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ together. We praise you again, Lord!