He's here!

Greetings to all!

As most of you probably know by now, Chad and I have been blessed by the Lord with the birth of our son, Simeon Joseph. He is a healthy, handsom, baby who is growing rapidly! :)

We had been in prayer about his birth ever since we found out that this little miracle was starting to form in my womb. We wanted to be able to give birth to this little one at home - whether with a midwife or without - but we were just praying for the Lord's leading in whichever way would be best. We knew He knew. :) After many attempts to find a midwife, we gave up, taking it from the Lord that one wouldn't be necessary. So the only options left were home with just Chad and I, or the hospital. I, from the beginning had a great peace about having my child at home...and so did Chad after a little while. I think this was the working of the Lord. :)

When the time came to give birth, neither of us had any doubts that we should stay at home. Labor started after a night of burning fields at our property in Palo. (For this reason, my dad nicknamed Simeon 'Smokey' cause I was starting and putting out fires all night and running around in the fields! :D I'm sure I was quite the sight at 41 weeks pregnant) - Labor started at 2:30 that night, and after 6 hours of back labor, our precious son was given to us by God. Praise Him- He does all things well! He gave much strength during that time...our prayers were answered. Simeon Joseph was born in our own house, as an answer to prayer. Chad did such a wonderful job in aiding in the labor and delivery....and yes, he caught him successfully! :) He weighed 9lbs 9oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Everything went so well...and fast! What a wonderful experience! Let us praise his Creator!

We have had so many visitors since his birth a week ago...what a blessing! Thanks to all of you for prayers, thoughts, visits, gifts and food!- we so appreciate everything!

With thanksgiving,

Chad and Jenny...and Simeon :)

Ever Nearer

Baby is due to come in about 3 1/2 more weeks! I can't believe the time is here already! --well, almost here. Our last doctor appointment showed that things are right on track and that my body is beginning to prepare for labor. My guess is 3 weeks from now I will be having baby...but no one really knows but God. :)  We continue to toss name ideas around but probably won't settle on one till baby is here and we can see him.
I, of course, feel much bigger these days and it is getting a bit harder to do things, but all in all things are going pretty well. I am getting more excited about cloth diapering as the time draws near. I think it will go well! I have been purchasing some last minute things as I see need for them. Hopefully when all is said and done, we will be quite prepared in supplies. :)  I am also looking forward to the whole labor experience...strangely enough. :) I think it will be quite the experience :D

I have had the desire to read through the Old Testament again so I've started reading to Chad every night. I hope we keep it up. I love to read together with my hubby...especially the Bible. It is fun to discuss things as they come to our attention when we read them instead of trying to remember what you wanted to talk about/discuss later.
I feel like I say this ALOT, but the Lord is continually teaching and showing us things. Perhaps its good that I say that alot, because it is good to be taught by our Lord. :)  Although the more He works with me...the more I see how much work still needs to be done! Good thing we have such a patient Father! I long to be more like Him and less like me!


We appreciate your continued prayers in all areas of our lives here in northern Minnesota. Please be in prayer for the Body of Christ as she prepares to meet her groom!

Encourage one another.

Blessings!

Update

Greetings! The babyshower went quite well! So many people came, I was rather surprised!! A lot of my aunts from southern MN came all the way up for it...that was so great! And an old neighbor lady of ours from when I was a little girl...she is such a sweetheart. So many came from quite a ways away...what a blessing! We got all kinds of wonderful things--many thanks to all of them!!! I didn't get Chad to stay with me and open presents, but he did come up from downstairs a few times during it and stood by me...that was nice! We also got a few pictures taken together by the adorable cake! :) Everything was just great!

We are back in 'remodel' mode here at our house. We are completley re-doing a bedroom downstairs and re-painting and carpeting the baby's room that will be upstairs next to ours. Very exciting to start the ball rolling on these things so that we can be ready when little guy makes his appearance! :)  -- Which will be quite soon! I am 33 weeks now...only 7 to go (in theory). I can't believe the time is drawing so near! It seems like it all went by quite quickly. I've posted a picture of me for you all to see how we are growing. Things are continuing to go very well.

Chad is in Canada for work. He will be back in another 5 days. Having him gone is quite sad but at least tolerable -so far- this time. :)  I am trying to keep busy with things around the house like painting and cleaning and washing baby stuff. It helps to have something to do. --Chad is doing well. He is way up in NewFoundland where it is quite cold and very snowy. -although they are having a 'heat wave' right now. They are usually near -50 degrees F, Chad says,  but they aren't supposed to get too much colder than -5 degrees for the week that he is there. Chad was glad to hear that! :)

We are hoping to put our house up for sale soon. We've been talking about it for some time now but hopefully we can reach that goal soon. Please pray for the Lord to bring a buyer for us!

The Lord is continuing to do a work in our lives...like He is probably doing for you all in some way too. :)  We are eager to see what He has in store for us. We long to do His will! Please be in prayer for the work being done in and with us...and not just us, but all His people. Pray for His body! -- We keep you in prayer.

Infinity (our daughter) will be 13 next week! CRAZY! I sometimes forget that this is my second year here! Much has happened since I first became a 'Stewart'. Amazing how time goes by. Infinity is still learning to adjust to this new life -- as we all are. :) That is some of the work that the Lord is doing around here. I feel like things have been getting better and easier...I hope it's the truth instead of just wishful thinking! haha  Infinity, like so many others, needs Christ in her life. She needs His constant, His love, His life. We are able to minister to her when she is here, but the pull of the world is quite strong in her other family and all we can do is pray for her to come to God, and to be faithful to minister His life to her faithfully. Please be in prayer for that work.

We continue to be fed through the dear saints that we meet with around here- and have the wonderful oppurtunity through Christ to feed/minister to them!-   The Lord is so faithful and caring for His people! He does not leave us forsaken, but He comes to us and feeds us like a good shepherd. He is building His body and it is so good to be a part of that! We pray you are getting fellowship with other believers where you are. This is so important in our lives! Vital, really. Seek ones out and eat and drink of our Lord!

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him."   --(Psalms 34:1-9)

Grace and peace unto you all!