Happy First Birthday, Noah!

Yesterday was Noah's first birthday! We started celebrating on Thursday, when Grandma Butler brought two gifts over. During the weekend, we visited my sister, Carrie, and Brian. Noah enjoyed a yummy birthday unch then he opened his gifts. He met Grandad Thurmann (my dad) and Susan too.
It's hard to believe that he is already ONE!!! Babies grow so quickly!

Noah is enjoying his new Tonka truck from Grandma Butler.
This card is from Grandma Brenda and Grandad Bill. Aunt Carrie bought this very yummy cake!
It didn't take long for Noah to figure out that there were fun toys in this bag.
Not everyone looks good in a party hat, but Noah and his three closest sisters do!
Noah's playing with one of his new cars while having his picture taken with Carrie and Brian.

Noah's First Official Haircut

Whether to cut baby hair or not is always a huge debate. In our family, however, if it's a boy, there's no option. Our children have such thick and long hair that they would look ridiculous is we did not cut their hair several times before their first birthday. Noah already has more hair than all of his buddies and they are months older than him. So, we started with a little trim over the ears here and there, but after Christmas we couldn't procrastinate any longer. After the haircut we discovered that he doesn't have brown hair, but blonde! Who knew?

He wiggled quite a bit so it's not the best cut ever. Fortunately, there will be many more chances to correct the mistakes since his hair grows so quickly. So we let him wear some hats now and then. ha! ha! He doesn't care. He's too busy with all his new tricks: sitting up from crawling position and pulling up to stand! It's always so funny to find a baby sitting in his crib for the first time, or to hear him giggling over the monitor because instead of napping he is standing up! So sweet! I never tire of the precious milestones. And the children are clapping and cheering him all the way!

And even more Noah photos!

Doesn't he look snug as a bug?

We finally took a picture of Kendal holding Noah.

Kelsey is trying to help me get a photo that shows just how little Noah is, for now.

Daniel is grinning from ear to ear!

Anna is thrilled with her turn holding Baby Brother too. One of her big sisters obviously enjoyed one of the special features on our camera on this photo.

Mary never gets enough of holding "Nonah."

Noah and I spend ALOT of time in this chair, day and night! Bob was so sweet to buy it for us.

He is definitely getting fatter! And cuter!

Kelsey caught Noah stretching after a nap in the swing.

Even after three weeks, it seems we are still centering our family's life around Noah. All of our pictures are of him. And all the children are still clamoring to see him, touch him, kiss him and hold him.

Thankfully this week is getting off to a better start. Since I was able to sleep last night for three hours without being disturbed, I'm doing much better than last week. The children have enjoyed the beautiful weather and played outside all day. That helps too.

During this pregnancy we learned there are many new baby gadgets. We even registered at Baby's R Us, since we never did before. (I'll be deleting that account asap since we've already acquired the few things we needed or wanted) We did purchase a very neat "travel swing" that is shaped somewhat like a hammock and a Boppy (breastfeeding support pillow) all in one. We thought that would be a safe place to put Noah when no one was holding him. Although now I'm not really sure when that time would be. Everyone offers to hold him constantly. Then our friend, Jennifer, brought over a full size cradle swing, similar to our small one, to help with Noah's reflux.

The children say the sweetest things to Noah: Joy just kissed him and said, "You smell just like a baby." Anna is holding him and she said that he made a face like Grandad Bill (my stepdad, so no blood relation). When I asked what face she was talking about she said, "You know, the one where he smiles and sticks out his tongue a little bit." Too sweet! Anna was also wondering why Noah seems to be having so much trouble opening his eyes from his sleepy state. I can relate to that feeling, if only I could sleep, anywhere anytime I need a nap.

It seems our days of productivity are at a standstill for now. Just a month ago we were smocking, making pillow covers, making baby quilts, baby clothes, mommy clothes, babydoll clothes and more. I can't remember the last time I even made a meal. Oh well, this is a nice season too. And it does pass all too quickly.

On Mother's Day our pastor told a story about a lady who had ten children and now has 100 great-grandchildren!!! She prays regularly for all of her 200 relatives with another elderly woman who has no family. What an inspiration! She is also a great reminder of how much of an impact one family can have on this world for Christ!

And more Noah photos!

We think Noah must have put his hands under his chin in the womb since it's his favorite sleeping position . Kendal and Kelsey love to catch him doing it and snap pictures!
Kelsey with Noah.
We always try to take some pictures that capture how small each newborn really is. This one is the favorite so far.

It's hard to believe Noah's been home for a week. It went so quickly! He and I (Marcella) have been sleeping and eating mostly.
Today we enjoyed getting back to church. It's refreshing to be with people who are rejoicing with us over God's incredible new blessing on our family.
It's quite a contrast to folks like the birth registrar at the hospital who exclaimed, "You're a crazy woman!!!" when told that Noah is our eighth child. I should've referred her to I Cor 3:19-"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." Or I Cor 1:27-" But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." I'll have to be better prepared in the future because there are sure to be more opportunities just around the corner. :)

He finally fell back to sleep, so back to bed we go...

More Noah photos!

Here Noah looks just like his big brother, Isaac, did in a similar photo at this age.

Noah had his first tub bath on Thursday, May 1, his due date. He had a great audience!

This is the blanket Kendal and Kelsey made for Noah. It's beautiful!

Noah's first week

Kelsey is helping Mary to hold Noah. Mary never stops asking for another turn.

Isaac is very happy holding Noah! He waited very patiently!




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Daniel has had a couple of turns holding Noah now. But he still wants MORE!

Life this week with little Noah has been sweet! We all feel so blessed to have him! He's a great eater and even allowed Mom to sleep some last night! He smiles ALOT and keeps everyone around him smiling too! Yes, he does favor every child in our family at one time or another.

He is another precious gift from the Lord to our family!

Everyone here has been taking great care of Mom and Baby. We've mostly stayed in the bedroom and the extra rest has made recovery better than ever for Mom. We have lots of visitors/siblings throughout the day who are eager to gaze at Noah.

Thank you so very much for your prayers for health and other blessings. We know God answered them all!

Noah's first 3 days at home

Our friend, Tarita having her turn with Noah on Tuesday.

Two days old on Monday

On Sunday, Mary was the first sibling to hold Noah when he came home.

We are so blessed to have a healthy baby boy! What a great surprise to add another boy to the family. His delivery went extremely well and we brought him home after 24 hours. Many of our family and close friends prayed for months that our baby would be full term, and the labor would go easily and safely. All of our prayers were answered. Praise the Lord!

Noah has been eating like a champ! He had his newborn baby appointment today and hadn't lost any weight. His doctor (Blackwood) is an answer to prayer. We met him and his wife today. It was refreshing to learn that he is the father of 10 children - and I was thankful at how family-friendly, thoughtful and practical he is.

Kendal and Kelsey have done a great job over the last few days running the house during our time away. After being more involved in laundry and making meals over the past few months, they ran the operation since we went to the hospital. I am sure they would be thrilled if we rewarded their hard work with holding Noah. They crocheted a beautiful blanket for Noah, and Kendal made several much needed burp cloths from flannel remnants.

Isaac and Daniel have enjoyed watching Noah open his eyes, and have given him a few kisses. They are still waiting for their chance to hold him. Maybe tomorrow.

Anna, Joy, and Mary run to see Noah every chance they get. They touch him and kiss him as much as Marcella will let them. They have all had a chance to hold him and are looking forward to their next opportunity!

I've been able to hold Noah when he isn't sleeping and Marcella isn't feeding him. He is precious! When I look at Noah - and his brothers and sisters - I am reminded of how much God loves us. He gives GREAT gifts!

The Big News...

The baby is finally here!! It's a boy! We named him Noah Solomon. He was born at 3:33 pm on April 26, and weighed seven and a half pounds. We are all very glad about the baby being a boy! It is, however, hard to believe after three baby girls in a row.

Noah is so sweet! We all love holding him, especially Mary who asks to do so constantly.

Well, we're going to be quite busy, but we hope you'll check this blog every so often to see what's happening at our house!

Kendal