We are now having weekly sonograms and wanted to post our favorite three from the last month. Her little foot has grown so much,

and we think her face is so cute!

We went out to eat with our friends Cratin and Alison Sheffield and their baby Zane a few weeks ago. The minute they walked in, Zane was glued to my stomach… he was giving Noelle so much attention. It was adorable; Noelle already has a little buddy who can’t wait to play! I really think kids have a sixth sense about these things – he knew she was in there…

Yesterday we had the most fun ever at Noelle’s first baby shower! So many of you guys came, and I can’t tell you how special your presence made us feel – really, we were overwhelmed that we have such cool friends. Ty and Elizabeth were so sweet to host the party at their house. If you weren’t there, you just have to see all the pictures, because it is was indescribably beautiful! Also, Kristin, Heather, Ms. Kim, and Krystal worked so hard to make it perfect, and it truly was!

You can check out our slide show of the shower here. Noelle is one very lucky girl to have so many people care for us and love her like you do… Thank you for loving and living life with us! M&M

Here are a few of our favorite pics from a recent sonogram with Noelle.

Melissa’s brother John had the incredible opportunity to work on last Sunday’s episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. He worked under Ed, head of carpentry on the show. John did an excellent job, and they liked his talent so much that they asked him to help out on another episode, which will air in a month or two. Way to go, John!

I thought I’d also share this shot from last summer: John with Patrick Dempsey, who plays Dr. Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy. John’s getting around–rubbing shoulders with the stars of two of the shows on ABC’s Sunday night lineup!

Last weekend we went on a cruise with Melissa’s family, and it was a blast. Our ship set sail in Galveston and headed into the Gulf of Mexico toward Cozumel. We spent the day in Cozumel on Saturday. We had planned to snorkel, but unfortunately we couldn’t because of high winds. So we took a bus tour around the island instead. Cozumel is a beautiful island, and we got some great pics from our time there. It was our first cruise, so we didn’t know what to expect, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was fantastic, and the ship was really beautiful. So far, Noelle has been to St. Louis, Santa Fe, and Cozumel… we already have so many memories of her 26 weeks with us!

You can see more pics from the trip here.

This verse has helped us through much of this year. This has been a year of devastation, loss, and rebirth for our family. We lost both of Melissa’s grandmothers, an aunt, and two dear friends, Larry and Kyle. When we found out we were having a baby at the end of August, a breath of fresh air renewed us body and soul… amidst unthinkable losses yet to come. Thank God for little Noelle in 2005, already her young life has meant the world to us. And although we are exhausted from the humanity of 2005, we hope to never forget one of the many lessons this year has taught us: Life it sacred and should be embraced, cherished, and lived full out.

On a lighter note, we had a rockin’ time celebrating New Year’s Eve with our friends! Thanks Jon and Heather for hosting this year’s wonderfully amazing party – the decorations, dominos, games, “special punch”, snacks – it was all great! Our friends are so sweet – everyone toasted to Noelle via cups next to Mo’s belly! You guys are the best friends ever…

On December 27th, Mike and I traveled with his family to Wichita Falls to visit his Gran, Inez, and her husband, John. Inez and John were next door neighbors and over time, fell in love and got married. They are the cutest couple – so fun and relaxed. They eat at Picadilly Cafeteria EVERY day, so that is where we ate lunch; it was so cool – they love John and Inez so much there! This was the first time I have ever met Inez. Noelle’s middle name is Elizabeth, just like her great grandmother, Inez Elizabeth.

Inez has a genuine love and relationship with Jesus Christ. She spoke of him as a dear friend, so naturally, as someone sharing of a special loved one. She explained to us that she became a follower of Christ when she was walking to school one day when the hymn, “In the Garden” popped into her head. She quoted with hands swinging, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And He walks with me and He talks wit h me, and He tells me I am his own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” She said it was in that moment she knew she belonged to God. I so enjoyed hearing her share the wonders of her past and her heart with us. Plus, she is remarkably funny and quite a character! I love her so much and feel so blessed to call her and John family.

Here’ s some pics from Christmas dinner at my parents’ house. My mom prepared a fantastic meal. Seriously, is there anything better than a turkey dinner with all the fixins? After dinner, we played an intense game of Chicken Foot dominoes. A fun way to end a great night!

If Melissa looks this cute with Jax, I can’t wait to see her with Noelle!!