Zoe Alika

So, it's been awhile since my last post... many things have been keeping me busy (in a good way)... ;) Zoe is my biggest time-consumer as many of you could have guessed. lol

But here is the story of her birth:

On May 2nd, at 12:15am (a week and 5 days before her due date), Crystal's water broke and contractions started 15 minutes later. By 4:15am, we called the midwives saying the contractions were 4-5 minutes apart. Upon arrival, she checked Crystal and discovered her to be 9cm dilated already. "Well! I'm glad you DID come in!" she exclaimed. A mere 15 minutes later, Crystal began pushing...but after a half an hour, the midwife noticed the supposed "head" pooped--Zoe was in breech position so Jaron drove the vehicle to the hospital with Crystal on all four in the back seat. Only 5 minutes later we arrived at the Reading Hospital. The doctor checked Crystal but explained that she was too far along for a c-section to be done and that pushing through was her only option. Half an hour later Zoe Alika made her grand entrance! God blessed us completely with a safe delivery (though not quite what any of us had planned for) and a healthy, beautiful red-headed daughter! We praise God for His Faithfulness!

Some selected pics of her and our family...:)

Closer and Closer

30.5 weeks along in the above shot.


Can't believe I only have...8.5 weeks to go (at this time). Baby is taking up more and more space and I am getting very ready for him/her to make an arrival! :)

Acronym for Jaron on Valentine's Day

J: Jovial-one of the most upbeat and positive people I know!

A: Active-doesn't like sitting around when there's work to be done.

R: Righteous man of God!

O: Observant-perseveres when things are wrong and goes to work trying to fix them.

N: Nerd-what can I say? He loves his electronics and intricate man-made equipment...;)

R: Realistic-doesn't jump on every bandwagon but thinks things through and researches them.

I: Intelligent-in his job; does things on his own; seeks info on things he doesn't understand.

C: Courageous-willing to take on new things.

H: Hysterical-can make me (and everyone else around) laugh until our sides hurt.

A: Accessible-there when people need his help/assistance with projects.

R: Real-what you see is what you get.

D: Dedicated-when he starts something, he finishes it through til it's complete.

H: Helper-one of his Spiritual Gifts which he uses in abundance!

O: Original-there's no one quite like him.

R: Ready-good head on his shoulders that he uses to plan/prepare for the unexpected.

S: Sarcastic-anyone who knows Jaron knows he has a deep root of sarcasm running thru him

T: Talented-so many gifts and talents that I cannot name all the ones I see in him. :)

I LOVE YOU, Jaron!!

Ode to Baby Horst

 

~~~

A flutter, a movement, a jolt, a bump...

A finger, a toe, an elbow, a nose...

A hiccup, a smile, a grimace, a sigh...

A prayer and praise to the Lord Most High.

A seed, a fetus, a baby, a child...

Skin, bones, muscles, & organs compiled...

Growing, stretching, transforming inside...

Two parents that observe with great pride.

A blossom, a leaf, a sunbeam... relief...

From the biting cold of winter's thief...

Through pain and struggle of birth...

Will come a beautiful new life to earth.

Just as spring is anticipated with joy...

So is this tiny infant girl or boy...

A radical change to this life that we know...

We cannot wait to observe you grow.

The nights will feel much longer...

Our patience *hopefully* will grow stronger...

As we experience each new season...

We expect many changes to be pleasin'.

We look forward to holding you...

Also hearing you talk and coo...

Finding your personality inside...

We're gearing up for one wild ride!

God, bring health to this child I carry...

Jaron and I love him or her so dearly...

Give us the wisdom to raise Baby Horst... 

Our 'Leon' or 'Zoe' on Your perfect course

 ~~~

Baby Belly is Popping

So, finally around weeks 21-23 my belly has actually begun to make a visible appearance! It's fun watching baby wiggle and jiggle under the skin on my stomach... feeling the unmistakable evidence that life is growing inside of me is a remarkable and unforgettable experience!!


Jaron and I are enjoying this season in our lives and look forward to this spring's new arrival with marked anticipation!

Little Bit of Sass!

Baby kicks?

"I hear it!"

Practicing Peek-a-boo!

"Don't worry, Jaron...mine will catch up soon enough!"

Cheeky grin

Feeling fuller and fuller...