Our Little Gracie Girl

Our beautiful little Grace Evangeline entered the world at 12:57 am on January 26th.

7lb 2 oz, 19.5 in

Happy Birthday, Elijah!

Elijah Robert was born at 10:47 am on December 23rd, 2008.

Yesterday was my sweet baby boy's first birthday. That tiny baby is now a social, active, joy-filled toddler. He loves his mommy and daddy and his dog. His smile is infectious and people can't help but smile back when they meet him.

One year ago my life was forever changed. For so long I had wondered what I was supposed to do with my life, if I had a purpose. When I looked into the eyes of that precious boy for the first time, I understood. If all I ever do is love on this boy and raise him to love the Lord, it will be more than enough.

Happy birthday, sweet little man. Mommy and daddy love you SO much!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward." - Psalm 127:3

He's Always Been Faithful (and a prelude to the birthday post)

Whoa. That's me (and Eli!) almost one year ago. I was 37 weeks pregnant and had just begun my maternity leave (I didn't know then that my leave would be permanent!).

What a difference a year makes.

Rob looks a little stalkerish...

In just over two weeks my little man will be one year old. This year has brought so many changes and so much joy to our family. When we decided that I would stay home to raise our son, we didn't really know how it would work or how long we would be able to manage it. God provided, and I have had the incredible privilege of spending every day with my son. Not too long ago we really thought I would have to go back to work. We decided to try to adjust our finances to see if I could still stay home, and God has been faithful as always. I have learned that God shows His love for us and His provision in many ways. He initially provided for us financially, but later He provided practical ways for us to be good stewards of what we already had. Without spiritual provision, we wouldn't even make it through the day. As we approach a time in our lives when it feels like things are up in the air and we could go in a dozen different directions, it is comforting to know that God is constant and He will always take care of us. Sometimes I worry too much and forget that He has always kept His promises and that He will never forsake us. It is good for me to remember the times when His care and provision were impossible to overlook and remind myself that He will always be there.

"All I have need of, His hand will provide. He's always been faithful to me."

Elijah Robert

Elijah: The Lord is My God
Robert: Bright Fame

It is my prayer that my son's life will be devoted to being a bright light for Christ and bringing fame to the Lord.

One Month

My little man is one month old today! It doesn't seem like it has been that long, but at the same time I can barely remember what life was like without him. He brings so much joy to my life every single day. I think all mothers hate to see their babies grow up, but I so enjoy watching him develop and change.

Before Elijah came into my life, I was without direction. I struggled for several years with understanding my purpose in life. I tried to find it by changing majors and schools (four times) and switching jobs. Each change left me disappointed as nothing ever fit. I began to believe that I didn't really have a purpose, that God had no path laid out before me. This caused a cloud of depression that hung over my head constantly, reminding me of the school debt with no degree attached to it and that I was in a job that anyone off the street could be trained to perform. I'm not sure how many times I cried in desperation over the lack of worth I felt.

Everything changed on December 23rd, 2oo8. From the very first moment I held that sweet boy and looked into his eyes, I understood. Years of confusion and frustration were washed away within a matter of seconds. He is my purpose. He is my life. He has filled a void in my life that no degree or job ever could. I am his mother and I am his father's wife, and that is what God had planned all along. I know my life will have many seasons and God will use me in different ways, but if all He ever needed me to do was bring my precious child into the world that would certainly be enough.

Baby Pics

Mommy and Elijah.

Daddy and Elijah. More to follow.

This has been an amazing day. (Robert posting for Melissa) I got to meet my son today. It was absolutely amazing. We were blessed with a short and painless delivery. Our son's full name is Elijah Robert Tomko. He is 8 pounds 8 ounces at 20.5 inches long. He was born at 10:47 this morning. We thank our friends for the prayers and the support and for everyone who has offered any support over the next few weeks. We really appreciate all of it, even my WOW friends. We will post more pictures soon, when we get a chance to take some better ones. Until then, God Bless and Merry Birth Day of our Lord and Savior.