November - Family of Four

This month has been full of changes for our family. We now have a 2 year old and a 2 week old! Before Hannah made her arrival on the 15th, Benjamin enjoyed his last days of being the only child.

He had a Chick-Fil-A breakfast date,

played in the CFA playground for the first time,

Went on a Saturday morning hike, 

played fort with Atticus,

made a new friend at Overton Park,

went to "My Big Back Yard" with Annabelle and Kendall,

had fun at the Zoo with Dylan,

and got lots of attention from his Aunt Michele, Uncle Josh, 

and Cousin Elphie (the dog)!

Since Hannah decided to wait the full 40 weeks before her arrival I had plenty of time to make Pinterest-inspired crafts for her nursery.

The day before my induction Benjamin decided to put his soccer ball up his shirt and walk around the house (to look like me). I hope he wasn't disappointed when I came home with a baby sister and not a ball - LOL

I was induced on my due date, November 15th. 

Although I have some friends who talk about how wonderful inductions are since you can plan everything out, I found it to be stressful. My house has never been so clean, organized, and stocked as it was on Nov. 14th. Although I typically prefer to have my life scheduled and planned I would rather spontaneously go into labor next time (that way I have an excuse if something is left undone).

Our prayers were answered ten fold. My labor and delivery went smoothly. I LOVE EPIDURALS! The first part of my morning was like a vacation - basically laying in bed, watching tv, and napping. Before I knew it I was ready to push and they were calling the doctor. 

Hannah Kate Roberts

Born 11-15-13 at 1:21pm

7lbs 3oz and 19.75" long

Mimi and Grandy

Nana and Pops

Aunt Michele

My parents brought Benjamin up to see us at the hospital.

Our first family picture. Benjamin has never looked so big!

Benjamin and my parents were waiting on the porch for us when we drove up to the house.

I got a HUGE hug from my sweet boy!

Hannah's arrival has been an adjustment for Benjamin. He has gone through stages from denial to acceptance. *Note Benjamin's face in the picture*

Hannah's first prayer

"Lord, please help my big brother to like me"

Benjamin - "Wait, why is she still here?"

"What baby? I don't see a baby..."

"Ok, I guess she can stay..."

"You know, she is kinda fun to read to..."

"...and look how tiny her feet are..."

"...I will keep her!"

Makes for one happy little sister!

Ready to go for Hannah's 2 day and Benjamin's 2 year doctor visit

Benjamin had a little meltdown on the baby scale (understatement of the year)

I will never forget the nurse handing my mom a naked flailing two year old screaming "Mommy!" at the top of his lungs. I will just leave it at that...

Hannah wasn't a fan of the cold stethoscope

The first two weeks would not have been possible without the help of my mom and dad! My mom did it ALL: grocery shopping, clothes shopping, baby holding, toddler playing, laundry, cooking, dishes, doctor visits, Rx runs, and made sure our home had everything we needed to be set! 

It was hard to watch them leave - it was the same feeling I had when they left my dorm room after getting me set up for my first semester at the UofM. I am thankful they can visit often and are just a phone call away : )

Visiting with Mamaw and Papaw

Benjamin doesn't fit in Papaw's lap like he used to : )

Birthday Balloons! 

I was thankful that Benjamin turned two the same week Hannah was born. 

Just what he needed - lots of attention, balloons, cake, and new toys!

His birthday banner had a picture from each month this past year. 

It was fun to see his transition from baby to little boy.

Although I had the pinterest inspiration and bought the items, I must give my mom the credit for making this  beautiful cake! Again, could not have planned/executed a birthday party without her help!

Needless to say...he liked the cake!

Benjamin really got into opening up his presents this year. 

It was fun to watch his reaction to his new toys. 

We are blessed to have Frank's family just around the corner to help out with Benjamin and Hannah and celebrate with us!

We are thankful for all the prayers, love, and meals that have been given to us as we are adjusting to life as a family of four. We have been blessed beyond measure with loving family and friends who have supported us.

In our front hallway we have a table with Stones of Remembrance that remind us of how God has been faithful in the past. Initially I had some anxiety during this pregnancy about the delivery and post-partum healing due to my experience after having Benjamin. During one of my times with the Lord He gave me a promise that I could hold onto

Isaiah 45:2-3

"I will go before you, and level the mountains.

I will smash down gates of bronze

and cut through bars of iron.

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness - 

secret riches.

I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD,

the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name." 

Although you might read that scripture and it not mean much to you...it was burned into my heart that day and it replaced my anxiety with peace. There are three things in verse 2 that are seemingly impossible. We were praying for three specific things that we knew would not happen unless God showed up. 

The Lord did just what he promised! God did not just simply answer our prayer but He provided abundantly in all three areas! He has blessed me with treasures and secret riches in what I thought would be a dark time. This scripture is now on a rock for our jar as another testimony of God's faithfulness!