Happy 2nd Birthday James!

     My first born son, is now 2 years old! Where has the time gone?! James has been quite the tough child to figure out. With him being my first born, I was a new mom. I had no idea what to do with anything. I thought I had things together. Little did I know how much God was about to (and still continues to) teach me patience.
     James had all kinds of issues when he was a baby. From tummy/reflux issues, to dehydration and weight issues. It didn't help that I got pregnant again when James was only 4 months old. But, God knew what he was doing. I didn't think that I could do this mom thing. I wasn't cut out for the job. How could I be a mom to 2 when I couldn't even take care of 1 without falling a part and crying.
    God had mercy on me, and gave us Ezra who was an easy baby in almost every way, giving myself more relaxation and feeling like I can do this mom thing after all.
     While James still continues to be his strong-willed self, every day I find that God gives me more patience and endurance to get through the day.
     I have good days and bad days. When it's a good day, it makes me treasure them all the more. James is starting to actually say words now, making us sooooo happy! We taught him some basic sign language so that we can communicate a little bit before he learns to talk. He used to be such a shy child, and always disliked when other people held him or spoke to him. He's starting to come out of his shell a little bit. He takes a while to warm up to people, but when he does, he gives you all kinds of smiles and giggles. James absolutely adores his daddy, and will usually choose to be with my husband over myself, which usually works out since I have another little boy to take care of.
    James loves his little brother who's almost 1. They're starting to interact a little bit more. You can usually hear a giggle from Ezra when he sees James round a corner.
     James loves to be chased around, and for you to run while he chases you. He loves Almond Butter, cheerios, eggs, and healthy muffins as his favorite foods. We love our little boy and are excited to see what the Lord does in his life this year. Love you little boy of ours!

To My Son...

     To my son, on your first birthday. I can't believe it's been a whole year since you've been born. You've prepared me for so many things that I didn't think I could do. I didn't realize how tough being a mom could be, but I also didn't realize how amazing it would be either. It's amazing to see your first smile. It's amazing to watch as you figure out how to crawl and walk. It's amazing to see your face brighten up when daddy comes home, and takes you into his arms. It's amazing to see how big you've gotten, and how much you've learned, and still have yet to learn.
     When I became a mom, I knew that it would be hard, and full of life lessons, but little did I know how much you'd teach me. In the months following your birth, you'd teach me how I can love someone so much who's so small.
     There was many hard roads to follow in the months following your birth. It was though God decided to put a tree in the middle of the road every few yards for us to get around. Your mommy didn't have much patience through this time, but with Gods help, and the loving hand of your daddy, we got through it.
     My son, there were many hard days of trying to figure out how to be a mommy, trying to keep a house clean, and trying to make dinner, all while trying to keep you happy. But, you know what? Those hard days taught me something. Your daddy was very good and continues to be good at reminding me that it's only a day. It was only that day that maybe didn't go so well. We have other days, and maybe tomorrow will be different. My son, even on a rough day, you made my day turn around when you were all giggly and smiling when daddy came home. The look on your face when he'd toss you in the air, and catch you, as you were giggling.
     My son, I can't wait to hear your first words, and to be able to hear your made up stories one day. I can't wait until you watch your daddy, as he's shaving one day, and want to do that too, just to be like your daddy. I can't wait until you can run into the arms of your daddy when he comes home.
     But for now, my son, I'm enjoying seeing all the little things you're learning at only a year old. I'm enjoying the excitement you get throughout the day, with various little things. I'm enjoying watching you as you love walking with your walker... the smile you get when you look like you've just found the biggest treasure in the world. You'll be walking soon enough, and holding your daddy and I's hand on walks in the evening. You're going to be a great older brother to your little baby brother, Ezra. I can already see it in your eyes, as you smile when I'm holding another baby. You're so curious, and full of smiles when you see there's someone smaller than you in my arms.
     So, on this day that you turn 1, happy birthday!... and remember that your daddy and I love you very much!!!
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Update

     It's been a while, I know. Life has been busy. February was full of us buying our first house! James getting his cast off, and Josh and I celebrating our 2nd anniversary. March was full of picking out things for the remodeling of our house... paint colors/flooring/lighting...etc... and April was filled with moving! We have officially moved into our new house!... there's still some construction still left to be done, but it's getting there.
     I have to say, while buying the house, remodeling it, and fixing the house up, has been a trying time for Josh and I's marriage, but it's been a good growing season for us. We've had to make decisions about the house, and what to fix or not to fix. There have been many late nights of painting, packing, and crying. I'm so grateful that Josh has been so patient with me throughout life but especially with the house.
     Baby Ezra Mark is due to make his entrance around July 6th, so it's been a busy season for us trying to prepare for baby #2. James is finally crawling, standing, and almost ready to walk! He absolutely loves walking with his walker!
     I just came back from Colorado a couple weeks ago visiting my family for my brother's Highschool and collage graduation. James is finally back into being himself again after having a rough time adjusting to a new surrounding and such in Colorado.
     I broke down a couple weeks ago, and cried. I cried because I was so overwhelmed with everything going on in my life, and the things to happen in the next couple months. I cried because I felt like I couldn't go any further. I cried because there've been some trials in my life the last couple days, and I just felt overwhelmed. God is still good though, isn't he?! My husband reminded me when he got home that night, "Caitlin, it's all in Gods hands. Don't be worried, God's got it!" Even in those times of need/stress/overwhelm, God is right there, guiding us through it all.
     Have any of you seen "Facing the Giants"? If not, I'd recommend this movie! In the movie, the main character and his wife go through several trails, and midway through the movie, they realize they need to change the way they think. They need to pray more, trust God more, and have more faith. By the end of the movie, him and his wife find out some good news, and all he has to say is, "God, oh God, I'm overwhelmed".  There are many times in my life that I've felt overwhelmed. Although, nothing like I am in the present. God gets us through each individual trial in HIS timing.
     While I was in Colorado, a dear friend and sister in Christ at our church passed away after battling brain cancer for months. She left behind her husband and 9 children, the youngest being 10 months. It was a tough death in our church. The first death for many of the young ones to understand. It was very overwhelming for our church to go through, but God was there. It's been a rough season, but a good season, and through it all, we've seen Gods hand at work in the many lives of our friends.

Isaiah 43: 2-3, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God..."

    How has your start of summer been? Do you plan on doing anything big this summer? I'd love to hear all about it! 
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Pregnancy Announcement!

   Hello fellow bloggers! Yes, it's been a while since I've posted! Lots has happened in that time! James is 6 months old now!!! Seriously, where did the time go?! He has 2 teeth coming in as well. The biggest news that James has for ya'll?... He's going to be a big brother!!! Please join us in celebration of a new life that God has been so gracious to bestow upon us. :-)
   

Introducing...

We welcomed little baby James Randal Narwold into this world on Wednesday, June 1st. He weighed 6 Ibs. 1oz. and was 23 1/4". He was born 2 weeks early, so he's such a little guy. Our hearts are full! 💕 

Grammy and Grandpa meeting their first grandbaby!

Snuggle Time with Daddy! <3