Noah's Here

We are so excited that Noah James is finally here. He was born yesterday (3/19) at 4:59 in the evening. He weighed a whopping 9lbs 11oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. I just wanted to share how God works in mysterious ways. We have been praying for months that Noah could come into the world naturally. However, after our scheduled sonogram appointment, the Dr. told us that there were a lot of concerns. He wasn't moving as much as they would like, the amniotic fluid didn't look clear, and his fetal breathing response wasn't active. So, they strongly advised us to do a primary c-section. We were completely devastated and it seemed like all our prayers were in vain. However, we decided to do what was best for baby and Mama and get the c-section. When he was delivered, we learned why he was so late in coming (Melanie was a full week over due) . . . the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck four times! The OBGYN said it was the first time she had seen that in her entire career. So, a decision that seemed like the biggest let down, turned out to be God's way of maybe saving Noah's life. One of the pediatric nurses told us that umbilical cord issued account for most newborn complications and could even be fatal. So, our faith is so encouraged to know that God didn't do things the way we expected, but brought Noah into the world perfectly healthy. Look for more pictures and videos to come.

Noah's Coming!!!

Natural Child Birth

Every time Melanie talks about having Noah naturally, this is what I have in mind.

Let the Frenzy Begin!

Granted, there's nothing better than spending a snow day eating cinammon raisin scones and watching "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken", but I can't help but feeling like we are experiencing the calm before the storm. We've battened down the hatches as best we can . . . making lists, cleaning out closets, taking classes, and watching videos . . . but people have warned us that we'll never really be ready. The showers start this weekend, the once-a-week appointments are right around the corner, and I have the video camera charged and ready to capture every loving moment. I think it's just starting to hit me that Noah will be here before we know it. When Melanie told me that we will be starting our ninth month in two weeks, I told her to let him cook a little longer. He's not done yet.

Baby Central

Hello Family and Friends! We want to share the birth of our son, Noah, with all of you. Since some of you live a good distance away, we thought our blog would be the best way to stay connected. So, over the next few months we will be posting pictures, videos, and stories about the last few months of Melanie's pregnancy and Noah's arrival. Please take time to leave your comments on this page because we look forward to interacting with you.

I'm Noisy on the Inside

I recently watched Rob Bell's video entitled "Noise", in which he talks about our desperate need for silence and solitude in order to connect with God in our very noisy world. I have been very fascinated recently with the idea that silence and darkness often precede transformation in nature. Just a few examples . . . a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. . . a seed emerging from the ground . . .and a baby emerging from the womb. It has also been my experience that spiritual transformation is often preceded by seasons of silence and darkness. I remember that before I was called into ministry there was a season of breaking ties with an old life, drowning in confusion, wanting answers in prayer, but dreading what God would say when He broke the silence. It seemed like a period of inactivity, but it turned out to be a period of incubation. This causes me to ask the following question: If we are not spending time in silence and solitude, are we stunting our own spiritual growth?

In the Wrong Line

So . . . Melanie and I went to Judy Drive-In over Memorial Day weekend to see the new "Indiana Jones" movie. There was a huge crowd and, when we got to the concession stand, a guy told us that the line started on the other side of the building. Excited about chili-cheese fries, Melanie and I went to the other side of the building and got in the first line we found. Much to our embarrassment, after standing in line for about five minutes, Melanie realized that we were standing in the line to the women’s restroom! I had wondered why the women in front of us were looking at me like an alien. I also regretted some comments I had made while in line like, "Wow, the line's not moving very fast". This whole fiasco reminded me of a John Wesley quote: “If you are in a broad way, you are in the way that leadeth to destruction. If many go with you, as sure as God is true, both they and you are going to hell!” The lesson from my misfortune . . . Be careful that the crowd you’re following isn’t leading you down the wrong path.

-AWS