Please pray...

Hey everybody, I just wanted to ask you to say a quick prayer for one of Troy's students. She came to Troy about 2 weeks ago and told him she's pregnant and hadn't told anybody yet. Her boyfriend has since tried to convince her to have an abortion. She agreed last week to go to a crisis pregnancy clinic. Troy took her to the appointment, last Wednesday (2/20) and she thankfully skipped her appointment for her abortion on Saturday. She came to church with us on Sunday. Her heart is soft toward the Lord, but she's having a hard time. Her family has not been supportive and her boyfriend is angry that she didn't have the abortion. (I am leaving out some details, but that's the situation.) Anyway, she called last night. She went to the doctor yesterday and found out she's having twins! She's very excited (praise the Lord)...but she needs lots of help and support and most of all she needs her heavenly Father. She's only a junior in high school. Thanks for praying!

Fat Boy!

Well, Jude had his one month appointment last week on Thursday. According to his usual habit, he peed on the floor of the pediatrician's office while his diaper was off to weigh him. He is now (at least on Thursday) 10 lbs 2 oz...almost 3 pounds bigger than he was a month ago! It's just proof that he enjoys his food. He is still only in the 50th percentile for weight, though, so I guess he's not really fat....just chubbier than before!This is Jude looking satisfied after a meal!

We're on our own now, since all the family is gone. It's a little nuts, but it's fun to finally see what my life will be like as a mom. I love it! God has been so gracious to give us a healthy boy, and He's been very faithful to provide for us so that I can care for him. I feel inadequate already, and it's not like he's asking any deep questions yet! Wow, I am realizing how much I need strength and wisdom from the Lord just to make it through the days. God is reminding me often that this baby is first HIS. It's a precious privilege, but also an overwhelming responsibility to be given the task of raising him.

Valentine's day sure was different this year...partly because we have a baby, but also because my mom was in town, so we made dinner together for Troy and had a family celebration. Everybody had a great time...here are some pictures of Valentine's and the last week or so....

What did you do for Valentine's day?

Jude has Troy's large nostrils...

First Bath

Finally! Our little guy's cord finally came off, so he had his first bath on Tuesday night (2/12). He desperately needed one! Somehow, no matter how many times you wipe a baby down with a sponge, it can't completely eradicate the smell of spit up that lingers in those cute little folds in his neck!And, the folds in his neck seem to be multiplying lately. He is getting fatter every day, and now some of his pants are too tight to leave them buttoned! I can't believe how much he eats. It's amazing to see clothes that fit one week ago look like they might rip when I try to put them on him! He has at least three extra chins, and he seems to be very proud of them. He seems to eat more time than not...I hope his binge-eating habits aren't permanent! I don't know if I can keep up with him!

My mom has been here since the 5th...thank goodness! It's been wonderful to have someone here with me during the day. We are sad that she is leaving on Tuesday. It's been fun to have help when we go places, and really nice to have someone to talk with during the LONG hours that Jude is eating! We will miss her!

Meeting the Family....

The last week has been eventful! Jude made a good impression on Troy's parents, sister, and our neice. He didn't cry, even when he had to share his toys with his cousin! We enjoyed a weekend full of eating, talking, and watching football...but most of all, watching the babies do really exciting things like drool, sleep, and stare at bright lights!

Here are some pictures of the fun!


Troy and I are very thankful for families that love the Lord and will help us raise Jude in the knowledge of Him.

We all got a little excited this week about the Jesus Storybook Bible (new from Zondervan) that was given to us by our friends, Luke and Josie Stamps. In fact, both Lifeway bookstores are now cleaned out of them since the Schuknechts were in town. But, really, it's a wonderful children's Bible that actually helps kids get the BIG picture of Scripture, while learning all the Bible stories. I encourage everyone to check it out for your own kids or kids you know! I have learned from it as well...There's some really good theology in it, and it has challenged me to think about the stories in the Bible in a new way. It especially shows how all of the Bible relates to, or points toward the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. If you have other favorite books for kids, please share!

If you are one who likes to see our favorite new photos of Jude, here are a few from last week.

New Pictures!

Here are some new pics, as promised!

This week has been exhausting, but wonderful. Troy is still off work until Tuesday, so he's been doing lots of normal house stuff while I feed Jude. It feels like that's all I do...but I don't mind! We thought we'd share some new pictures with you! Jude is now 12 days old, and today he gets to meet his Oma and Opa (Troy's parents), Aunt Erin (Troy's sister) and cousin Kate (Erin and Cameron's 4-month-old daughter).

By the way, below is how Jude sleeps most of the time...he's not a fan of having his arms swaddled AT ALL. We call this "The touch-down." Troy's pretty sure his calling in life is to be a referee.