Catching Up...

Peyton & Nanaw at Stone Mountain


Peyton & Papaw


WAR EAGLE!

Peyton at the World of Coke

So, life has been crazy but good. Buck's parents came to town for a week. They were such a blessing. Then, Peyton & I went to Pensacola for the weekend so she could meet her great grandparents, and some aunts & uncles. We have also been getting ready for camp. She is such a trooper these days and growing up so fast. She is smiling all the time...chatting often...playing better on her own...tracking objects and especially people. Here are a few pics to try and catch you up.

Peyton with Uncle Barrett & Aunt Lillie


Peyton with Great Aunt Kay


Peyton meets her Great Grandparents


Four Generations

My First Mother's Day...

First of all, thanks for all of the texts, e-mails, and phone calls. I had a great first Mother's Day. The day started with Baby Dedication at church. My mom, Joe, and Josh came up to church. Shawn did a great job communicating with us as parents. I am even more excited about praying for Peyton to one day decide to follow Christ & give her life up! I really do feel like Mountain Lake is place that will walk beside Peyton and our family as she begins her spiritual journey. Shawn even gave each family a letter to give to their child (it is sealed and from him) on the day they accept Christ into their lives.

Next, Daniel joined us and we took off for Six Flags. The weather ended up being great, and we had a very relaxing day. Buck finally had someone to ride coasters with. Peyton and I got to hang out with my mom & Josh most of the day. And, I got to eat too much cotton candy...which I probably enjoyed too much. Peyton rode three rides: the Carousel, the Hanson Cars, and Monster Plantation.

Then we came home & Buck and I just relaxed together a bit after putting Peyton to bed. It was a great day for me.

Josh & Daniel with Peyton //////// Peyton dizzy on the carousel


Peyton chatting with my mom

I love my growth group...

Here is a letter I wrote to my group after we met tonight. I love doing life with these people...just four couples doing all we can to love each other, love others, and pursue Christ:

Hey guys...I just wanted to say how thankful I am for God placing Buck & me right where we are...at Mountain Lake...in our neighborhood...at the jobs we have (had for me), and especially in our growth group. I can honestly say that most weeks (for the first time since we have been married) I look forward to going to small group. I always leave feeling encouraged, yet challenged. I like knowing other people are struggling in the same ways or in different ways. I like being able to celebrate with you guys..the little things & the big things. I like being able to speak and not feel judged. I love watching the couples in our group grow together as a couple. I love the weeks where the conversations are deep & the weeks we don't get to the questions. I love eating pizza that fell on the floor with you guys. I love sending & receiving e-mails during the week. I love hugs from the girls:)

Thanks for being authentic community to us! We love learning & growing & playing with you guys!

Beth

I'm Growing Up...5 weeks

Sweet for other people...

Well, Peyton has already perfected the art of being so sweet for other people and then coming home and refusing to sleep, eat, whatever. I guess I would rather it be this way than her be awful for other people. She has now been to her "infants" class at church four times and I don't think she even knows it.

I am so glad that other people think she is cute and adorable like I do. And, I am so glad that she enjoys being out because I enjoy being out. There are just days when I wish she would scream for someone else & be calm and happy with me!

I know she is just growing and changing everyday, taking the world in bit by bit, so I think I'll stick by her side as we journey on. She amazes me every day as she does new things, gets bigger (mainly her tummy), and recognizes her mom and dad more.

Uncle Adam...

Well, my brother Adam came up for a surprise visit today. He called on his way and asked if he could take Peyton and me out to lunch. She stayed awake just long enough to see him for a few minutes before we headed to lunch. She loves being held, so they bonded pretty quickly. It was good to just chat & catch up on life. Also, I want Peyton to see him as much as she can now because we never know where he will be stationed. In May he heads to Washington for a month and then to San Antonio for seven months before finally making it to North Carolina for at least a year...so is the life in the military. It was a short but great visit. Thanks for coming to see us today!

More Pictures...

Exercising during tummy time


this is Peyton's serious face

Simply Existing...

Do you ever have those days? You know the ones where you get stuff done and it is a good day, but you still feel as though you are simply existing...that you have little purpose or direction. I think today is one of those days. I have had a wonderful day with my family. We slept in, had a great breakfast, and hung out together this morning. Then Buck & I took Peyton to watch the NFL Draft...I know; we are nerds. Needless to say she slept through most of it. It was a nice afternoon out though. Then we came home and had dinner. Buck is teaching tomorrow so he has worked on that a bit. We have both read a little.

Still, we have pondered the same thoughts that we have so often over the last few years. God, is this what You want from us right now? Our family has been so blessed. We have a wonderful new daughter. She has wonderful family and friends, a great system of support to grow in. We love our home. We love the community we have found here. We love the vision of our church. We are financially more stable than ever. We are giving more away than ever. God is so good. But, we still wonder. Will God provide Buck with a ministry position again? If yes, will that be soon? Will we one day move far away again to pursue our dreams or will it be provided where we are? Can I continue to stay home with Peyton in our current situation?

I wouldn't say I am worried about these things as I have been in the past, I am just wondering. I have complete faith that God will provide...He has never failed me. I am just not sure what that will look like. Days like today are simple. Days like today make me wonder what is next. I guess days like today should make me pursue Christ even more...that I should remember to daily surrender all of me to Him...the Provider, my Savior, the Leader of my life.

Peyton meets Puzzle...

We met the newest addition to our family yesterday, Puzzle the Giraffe. Puzzle was given to Baby Peyton by Dax & Cole. Dax thought it would be a good idea since her room has a puzzle theme and Puzzle the Giraffe looks like she is covered in puzzle pieces. The boys were so thoughtful & finally brought Puzzle to Peyton yesterday at the park. The boys also held her for the first time and did a wonderful job. Cole even played Peek-a-boo with her to try and make her happy.

Dax Isbell

Cole Isbell - I don't even think he cares that she is crying.


Farah Isbell


Karen Isbell

We love visitors...

Peyton sleeping in her party dress! She really liked it I think.

Janet, Molly, Emily & Amanda




During Peyton's first few weeks we have had lots of wonderful visitors, including some of my friends from college who all came into town yesterday. My mom threw a shower & lunch for them to come visit us. It was such a relaxing time. We had great food...really great...and just hung out and let everyone hold and take pictures of Peyton. I am so glad these women are still a part of my life and that my daughter will know all of them:)


Louie & Lindsay Lovoy came to visit Thursday night. They brought us a wonderful dinner & hung out and chatted with Peyton. We are so glad they are in our growth group at MLC.

My Legacy...

Well, Today was Peyton's first trip to Mountain Lake. She was a little startled by the music once or twice, but overall she did a great job.

We finished up our NO REGRETS series today, and the message was about leaving a legacy. That is obviously something I have thought about even more now that I have a daughter. I want her to know that my number one priority was Jesus, that my life was about following hard after Him, that even the little things in my life point towards Him. I want her to know how important my family is to me. I want her to see a good picture of marriage as she grows up. I want her to see what love and generosity look like by the actions and decisions I make in my life. I want her to know what it means to value people and how important relationships are to point people toward Jesus.

Living a life of no regrets means leaving a legacy with eternal impact. I pray that Peyton will one day make a decision to give up her desires and herself to follow Jesus. I pray that other people in my life who are still searching, who are making their way on their spiritual journey will be one step closer to eternity with Jesus because of my life, because of the love Jesus gave me to share with them.

Our First Date...

Well...our first date since baby arrived. My brother Daniel kept Peyton for about an hour tonight while we went on a "date". I thought date nights were important before a baby, but now I do believe they are essential. We took a simple trip to Kroger & used the rest of my Starbucks giftcards to get a special treat. I don't know that we even talked about anything at all, but it was nice to have a few minutes away to just relax. We are definitely going to have to make sure we don't let those go just because we have a new little one in our family.

What I Want...

Well, we all have those friends...the ones who always know what we really want, what we really like. My friend Farah is like that, which is why she brought me this soap. What a wonderful gift to me. Others may question its greatness, but not me. I love washing my hands at her house because of the way I smell after using this soap. Something so small can become so significant when a friend thinks about you. My day is better because I have a friend who thought about me & knew exactly what I wanted! Thanks Farah.

Thankful...

I am beginning to enjoy being mommy to Peyton more and more...maybe it is because I am sleeping and therefore not completely exhausted. Buck is being a great daddy. He is trying to get lots of quality time in since he has to go back to work tomorrow. She looks so big to me when she is laying stretched out on the floor, but then when she curls up on daddy's chest, she looks so tiny again.

I am so thankful for our wonderful blessing. I am thankful that we have so many friends and family around us who want to share in this exciting time for our family! I cannot wait until each one of you can meet her and hold her.

VISITORS
We would love to have you drop by the house whenever. Just give us a call 253.307.5165 or 253.973.6935 before you do. It is nice to have some company and "big" people to interact with.

Her first walk...that she slept through.

YAY for sleep...

Well, last night was the best night we have had. Peyton still woke up a lot, but every time she went back to bed awake and quietly went back to sleep. We were so refreshed this morning after so many nights without any rest.

Day 3...

Well, this is my first post since Peyton was born. Buck brought the computer downstairs since I am supposed to stay upstairs or down as much as possible. I am recovering pretty well although I am pretty sore all over. Hopefully she will sleep better tonight so that we won't be quite as exhausted.

I just have to say, my husband has been the greatest. He has changed almost every diaper...has burped her after feedings...cleaned the house...and more. I am so thankful for my best friend.

Dad with Peyton at her first doctor's appointment

Peyton got a visit today from Grandma (she hasn't decided on a name yet), Grandpa, and Uncle Josh. Hopefully she will be getting a visit from her other Grandma & Grandpa soon!!

More pictures

Mom and Baby are doing well. We are home now and trying to establish "the routine". I never understood the real value of a child's routine until the last 2 nights. You gain a lot of perspective at 3am. Other then the sleep thing which will come in time. Being a Dad is incredible!

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a link to more pics. Enjoy!

Peyton's first few days

Peyton Elizabeth

Just after Birth


Right after her first bathMom and Dad with the Peyton

Still waiting . . .

It's been a slow process. We checked in the hospital at about 8am this morning, started the Patosin around 10am, and mercifully decided to get the epideral around 3pm.

The epideral was painful for me to watch, so it was obviously a lot harder on Beth. I'm so amazed at what women go through in labor and we aren't even at the fun stuff yet!

Currently Mom is at 5cm and making progress. She is doing really well, and the epideral is working it's magic.

Beth's Mom and husband have been here with us and have been a wonderful support. Thanks for all the e-mail's, texts, phone calls, and well wishes. We feel very loved and grateful for our friends and family.

We'll keep you posted.

On the way

This morning at 6am Beth's water broke.

It was nothing like the movies, just a gentle "Hey my water broke". So we got up, I took a shower, and then we headed to the hospital.

Mom is doing great, contractions are mild at this point, and they have started the Patosin (sp?) and so now we are just waiting.

I'll update more later!

The due date...and I guess she isn't coming...

April Fools...

Well, unless she decides to come before Tuesday, our little girl will be born on April 1. The hospital schedule is wide open that day...crazy huh? So, we will head into the hospital whenever they call us on Monday and then they will induce on Tuesday...guess she won't be a March baby.

Three years...

Well, yesterday was our third anniversary. It was definitely different this year with us expecting our little girl anytime now...I think I am a little too exhausted to really be romantic:) Anyway, it was still good to look back at the last three years. Sometimes it seems a lot longer. God has brought us through so much & continues to provide everything we need and then some. We still have so many questions about our long term purpose and how He is going to get us there, but I know He will take care of us every step of the way. I am looking forward to this next year as our life will change dramatically, but I am excited about learning and growing together as a family!

A March Baby...

Those are the words I wanted to hear when I went to the doctor today, and he said them: "She will be a March baby". YAY! So, if I haven't had her by Monday they will induce. So, that means that by this time next week we should have our little girl in our arms. I can't wait. I cannot wait for Buck to get to hold her and not just because I am desperately tired of holding her.

He is going to be such a great dad, so I cannot wait for them to meet face to face. I have had so many women tell me that the dads just don't do as much as you need. She isn't even here yet & he is already doing so much. Today he continued reading "On Becoming Babywise"...I think he read the part about identifying healthy growth signs...like what her diapers will look like. Even though he thought he could get through life without ever reading that, he has been so supportive & involved in everything from her room to packing our bags to taking great care of me...not to mention the fact that he works so hard every day so that now I will be able to be home with her.

Babe, I love you & I am so excited about raising our little girl together. Thanks for being my best friend and loving me way more than I deserve.

Another Quote from Yesterday...

Just like Buck's quotation he posted yesterday, this also came from the wonderful Crystal Corn:

On why everyone should join us for camp at Bonclarken, "Cheesecake! Paddleboats! and Paintball!"

Random Post

 I have some random thoughts that I've meant to share for a while so here they are in a random order(except for #1):

- My wife is amazing. She is my biggest fan and I'm grateful to God for allowing me to be her Husband! You were more then worth the wait.

 - I can't remember a time in my life where I have seen God take care of  our family (or me individually) more then the last year. He has provided in every way imaginable. Tomorrow will be Beth's first official day home, not having to work. I didn't even know if this was possible 12 months ago. 

-  I serve with a team of leaders that are incredible. Honestly I mean that, that's not just church talk. We have some really talented leaders in the student ministry, they are passionate, talented, and they encourage my heart often.

- Redbox is a great way to rent movies. 

- I don't love the job I'm in, but I'm thankful that I have bosses that great to work for. Beth and I were talking about it today. If I had the same type of management that she was working for I'd probably be employed by Comcast right now.

Random Quote for the day - "Breaks that long lead to pregnancy!"

Daniel 3: 16-18 (ESV)

O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Our First Shower...

The women in my small group threw a shower for me & it was a blast. It was kinda fun hanging out with women from all my different areas at church at the same time.

A Balance Beam...

Well, even when I am pregnant I get hurt in ways other people don't; although, I still claim that if I didn't have a huge basketball protruding from the front of me, this 2x4 piece of wood would have headed straight to the ground. Anyway, yesterday at school my after-schoolers were playing with the balance beam and it popped up into the air. One of the boys was trying to put it down and it hit me directly on the top of the stomach. At first I just felt dizzy & nauseated, and then the contractions came...all these braxton hicks contractions are nothing compared to this. Anyway, the people at my school got really worried (I was too out of it to really give my opinion) and called an ambulance. I think Buck could have driven me just as well considering he came from farther away and beat us to the hospital. But anyway, our little girl is doing great...she was very happy during the ultrasound and monitoring for like four hours. We finally came home around midnight & I am taking today to rest. I am just thankful for her health. God totally knew what he was doing (even if it's a little freaky at times to have a human being inside of me) when he created this whole process. Our baby is protected so well even when I am not. Hopefully she will be here in a few weeks...I know God already has the time picked out for her.