Welcome Olivia Shelton!

A new little cousin entered the world- only 3 weeks after Mallorie! Welcome Olivia Rae and congrats to the Shelton family!

Mallorie Arrives!!!

Welcome Mallorie

Mallorie Marie Kohler, 6 lbs. 7 oz., 19 in. born August 3rd 2010 at 11:34 am.

Cousin Bumps

So Charlotte and Christian are only a few months apart in age and here we are again even closer in our pregnancies! What are the chances that we would both be due in August? And guess what? We are both having girls! Yeah!

It's a Girl!

Brothers

We are really kicking off 2010 with a Bang! Last Saturday, Matt's Dad drove to Tacoma for a visit that turned out to be much more than we ever expected. When Matt's sister arrived, we were shocked by Guy's announcement. Matt and Lindsay have a half brother! Whoa! Right?! Chad is 33, lives outside of Portland, and recently made contact with Matt's dad. Needless to say, we sat a little shocked for a few moments, but were soon packing our bags to drive to Vancouver for the remainder of the weekend so that we could meet Chad and his family! We had a great time! And look! They really look like brothers to me! He has a lovely family too; wife Leslee, 4 year old Maiya, and 7 month old Madelyn. And guess what... he is a DUCK! Season tickets to Autzen Stadium and all!

A broken heart for Valentines Day

At about 9 weeks along, Matt and I were finally sharing the news with friends, family, and co-workers whom had not already heard the news… we were expecting a new baby! The due date was September, and it didn’t take long for us to start dreaming up names and visions of Charlotte with her new little brother or sister. But… (and here comes the sad part) it wasn’t in Gods plan for us to have this baby. On Thursday evening, I called Matt terrified to hurry home- he had been out of town, but was on his way back. In my heart I knew I was losing the baby, but I prayed and hoped that it would stop and that the baby would be ok. Matt took me to the hospital and we were there for a horrific 8.5 hours, and then had to return to the doctors for another 2 hours the next day. We did indeed lose the baby and our hearts were crushed. I cried and cried for so long that my eyes burned for days. And every time I fell asleep or was distracted over the weekend… it only took moments for my mind to recount the entire episode all over again and feel that ache in my heart for our lost baby. It is not easy for us to talk about, so if we didn’t call, its not that we didn’t want to… we just couldn’t. This is a very personal event to share online, but this is our family blog… our story… our lives. I know through experience, that tough times are often a way for God to provide something wonderful in our lives. We appreciate all of the prayers and support!

The New Plan

I still have many summer fun moments that I have been unable to post. Charlotte has been thoroughly enjoying the parks, including slides (as long as they are not too big--DADDY!) music and dancing as well. We celebrated her buddy Christian's 1st birthday in July too! It has been a busy time! Furthermore, Matt and I made some big decisions over the last few months. We have struggled and prayed over what to do, but now the decision has been made... I have decided to get my Masters in Education. I have been accepted to AIU (an online program) and will begin classes August 25th. In order to spend more time with my family and be able to accomplish my studies I have chosen to leave my current position with Willamette Dental. I have been offered a part time position as the Office Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church School in Tacoma (only 4 minutes from our house)! Thank you God for having a plan! Mine never seem to work out as well as his... so I continue to pray for the strength to be open to his plan and his work in our lives. Thank you friends and family for all of your prayers and support in this difficult decision and the road ahead.

Only 2 days away...

Are you with me people?! So You Think YOU Can Dance starts Thursday night on Fox. I am not normally a big TV person... and what a silly thing to put on our blog... but this show rocks!

Welcome Noah

Congrats to Brian (my cousin), Sarah and Ava on your new addition to your family! We cant wait to see you all and meet Noah!

Noah Jackson Coury May 13, 2008 8 lbs 10 oz 20 inches