Have Patience

This is the song Rachel sings when she is waiting:

Have patience, have patience
Don't be in such a hurry
When you are impatient, you only start to worry
Remember, remember that God is patient too
And think of all the times when others have to wait for you

Rachel's way...

Autumn 2008 and Family Pics

We drove to Kings Mountain State Park to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Wow! We saw amazing colors during the entire drive. This is the road that leads into the Park.

Rachel exploring

It was a gorgeous day; warm enough for Genevieve to join in the fun.

Crazy-go-nuts! Yes we are all matching. :o)

This is my favorite picture. I love my husband!!!

One last parting shot. This was taken the day my mom and Katie drove home. We enjoyed their long visit!

The Shumate Family

Rachel, Rachel, Rachel

Here she is with her baby wrap...just like mommy's.

Rachel loves to color. She requests paper and her "colors" (crayons) at least twice a day.

Playing under her slide

Genevieve gets a turn in Rachel's bouncy seat. Growth tracking begins.

Mema, Sarah and Katie gave Rachel a big sister card that came with a huge "Awesome Big Sister" sticker.

Sisters

Here are my two beautiful girls. God is so good! I feel very blessed.

Rachel likes to help out with Genevieve.

Rachel having a great time with her new baby doll.

There is always time for a quick cuddle with daddy.

Genevieve after her first bath.

Welcome Home

Driving home. The dastardly teddy bears are back. Rachel hated these things too. They do keep her head from flopping forward.
Balloons from the Scheaffer's welcomed us home. Thanks Lynn!
Rachel greeting Daddy and Genevieve at the front door. She was so happy to have mommy and daddy back at home.

Flowers from my mom made our room beautiful. My mom (Hope) stayed with us for 5 weeks. She drove through the night after I called her with what turned out to be false labor. Then she waited for Genevieve to arrive. She was a great support during the birth and after we brought the baby home. Rachel enjoyed her Mema and all the songs she learned from her. Thanks mom!
Sleeping at home.

Morning at the Shumate's.

Daddy and Genevieve

Sarah stayed with us for a month. First she waited for the baby's birth and then took care of Rachel while we were in the Hospital. Thanks Sarah!

Sarah and Genevieve

Katie stayed with us for 5 weeks. She entertained Rachel and Sarah while she was here. Thanks Katie!

Katie and Genevieve

So....life with two baby girls begins. So far it has been wonderful! The house is a little more messy and we are a little more tired, but we are all feeling a lot more joy. Rachel continues to fascinate us as she learns and makes new discoveries. Genevieve has brought us back to the beginning so we get to see the amazing development again.

Genevieve Ann Shumate is Born

October 17, 2008
2:30am: John gets home from a hard day of flying
3:00am: John falls asleep
3:45am: My water breaks
5:00am: John, Hope and I eat breakfast and tell Sarah the baby will be here within 24 hours. Sarah is stoked and awakes Katie to share the happy news.
7:00am: Sarah, Katie and Rachel watch Little House on the Prairie


7:00am: John, Hope and I arrive at CMC Main Hospital and wait...And wait....
And wait...
John slips in a nap while they wait. 45 minutes of sleep was not enough. He must be prepared for the task that lies ahead...
1:20pm: After a prayer by Hope and John, hard contractions finally begin. All systems are go!
John provides the quiet, strong, and steady arm (and digital watch) necessary to get me through the next hour and a half.
3:11pm: Genevieve Ann Shumate arrives! 7 lbs, 14 oz, and 20 inches of miracle

3:25pm: Wahoo! My baby girl is here! (I forget all about labor.)Mema Hope holding Genevieve.
Me and Genevieve in the recovery room. Sweet baby girl!
October 18, 2008: Rachel visits her new baby sister in the Hospital

The Shumate's: John, Deanna, Rachel and Genevieve. (and Rachel's new baby doll)



Genevieve, 1 Day old
Big stretch!
2 Days old
ooooooooooo... going home.