two more pics...

Just like daddy!

TWO YEARS

Today at his 2 year well check
The day Kate was born
Mother's Day 2009
4 months old
3 weeks old

Two years ago today, my life was forever changed by the sound of YOU crying as they placed your slippery body on my chest. You looked directly into my tear filled eyes as I held you in disbelief. Your Daddy and I kept saying, “He’s ours! Can you believe it! He’s finally here!”

The two years before you were born, our hearts were heavy and longed for a baby. After two miscarriages, I started to accept and embrace that God’s plan for us to become parents might look different than I had expected. I had no idea how it would all play out.

THE BROKEN ROAD

Two weeks after our second miscarriage Eric was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I can remember the numb feeling that came over my entire body when the doctor told us that surgery was necessary. Our entire mindset changed in an instant as we realized that our focus needed to be on getting Eric well. One night while we were lying in bed just a few days before the surgery, I told Eric that maybe God was allowing this because we weren’t supposed to have biological children. Eric said that it might God’s plan or maybe God was allowing this trial so that when we did have our own children HE would get all of the glory. Eric reminded me of Gideon’s army in the Bible and how God may be reducing our army as well. After surgery our chances of conceiving were literally cut in half.

You can imagine the shock when TWO pink lines appeared on the pregnancy test only 3 weeks after Eric had the cancerous testicle removed. We both laughed out loud as I dreamed about the possibility of a baby in 9 months. With my history of miscarriages I was obviously NERVOUS and was monitored closely throughout the first and second trimester.

THE MOST WONDERFUL SOUND IN THE WORLD

It was rather humorous those first few months of pregnancy. Eric was feeling the effects of the radiation killing any cancer cells that may have been left behind and I was feeling the effects of my body nourishing your tiny life. We both spent the evenings on the couch exhausted and nauseous. One thing was for sure, we were thankful. We had our first ultrasound scheduled when I was six weeks pregnant with you. We waited as the doctor started to examine me with the ultrasound machine. It was so quiet I thought I could hear my own heart beating until the doctor said, ‘That’s the sound of your baby’s heart beating.” He pointed to your tiny heart as it pumped blood through your body. Your daddy and I both started to cry as we heard a sound we had never heard before…the sound of OUR baby’s heart. You’re heart.

FOREVER CHANGED

Two and a half years later our house is filled with the sound of your sweet voice singing the Firetruck song or laughing as we all wrestle on the floor. I love that Daddy is your best friend and you love emulating everything he does. I love the way you still cuddle me in the mornings as we watch Sesame Street and sing the Elmo song together. Your name means rest and comfort NOAH PAUL You have brought us much comfort and although I am more tired than I have ever been in my life, my heart finally rests. Thank you for changing our lives! We love you more than words can express Noah. God will use your story to bring Glory to Himself. It is my prayer that you will seek HIM and follow HIM all the days of your life.

Summer Fun

Noah and Eric hiking Bishop's Peak.

The new "big boy" haircut! We cut it a little too short!

The top of Bishop's.

Dress up time! Over the top but so cute!

Here are some recent pics of the kiddos. We are doing great, but I have a hard time finding the time to post. That said, ENJOY! Oh, and if you check our blog, let us know!

One month as a mama of two!

We are still here and doing well. I think I forgot how hard it is to live on little to no sleep, but we are hanging in there. Kate is a sweet baby and doing very well. She had her 1 month check-up this morning and weighed 10 lbs 8 oz. She is in the 90th percentile for weight and height. She can be fussy at feeding time, but other than that, she is very mellow and easy. Noah is a great big brother and has adjusted quickly to his new role. He learned how to give Cake (his name for her) her pacifier and then proceeded to do a 1 minute celebration dance while singing, "I DID IT!". We love our little family and are so thankful for God's gifts to us!

She's Here!

Kate Lauren Soderin

May 26th 2009 at 5pm

8 pounds 13 ounces 21 inches long

Everyone is doing great! More pictures and the birth story to come. We are praising God for this miracle of life.

No Baby Yet...

Still Waiting!!
My due date is Tuesday. We'll let you know if anything happens. Please continue to pray for a healthy delivery and baby...and my patience!

Ready for baby!

I found this pic of Noah from the week we brought him home from the hospital. I cannot believe that he is 20 months old and is going to be a big brother! It goes by way too fast!

This is what Katie had brewing. So cute!

37 weeks

With my friend Cole who is due any day!

I am officially full term and officially uncomfortable! I am ready for this baby girl to come! My wonderful friends threw me a sweet shower last Saturday. I was blessed with the most adorable little girl clothes! Washing and putting away all of her new goodies made me so excited to meet her. My friend Katie had been planning on hosting my shower at her house but the shower had to be moved after her son came down with a nasty stomach flu the morning of the event. My friend Megan stepped up and with only a few hours preparation, had the shower at her house. Megan put up a few pictures of what Katie had been planning to decorate with. So creative and cute! I seriously couldn't have felt more loved by the efforts of both Katie, Megan, and all of my friends who helped and attended. Thank you ladies! On another note, our doula will be out of town the 19th through the 30th, so PLEASE pray that this little one decides to come before the 18th! I have a doctor's appointment this Friday so we'll see if any progress has been made. Thanks in advance for your prayers.