One month ago on the 17th, our precious Noah Serxhio Stephen met the rest of his family. So many wonderful things are happening but my life is even more full with another child in the family that finding time to blog is nearly impossible. Are you wondering where the "Stephen" came from? About a year ago we were reading through the book of Acts. When we read about Stephen the discussion afterwards lingered on for an hour or more. The boys loved many things about him: his courage, his willingness to speak the Truth even when facing death, they wondered what it was like in heaven when Paul arrived and Stephen and Paul met on different terms, they thought it was "cool" when Stephen was dying and looked up into heaven and saw Jesus standing. Nearing the end of the discussion, one of the boys (I'm not sure which one) asked if we could add Stephen to Noah Serxhio's name, and the other children joined in the requesting. Initially, I wasn't sure. We were already adding Noah to the beginning of his name and that would be a transition. Adding Stephen to the end seemed, well it seemed like a long name. So needless to say, this decision has been an up and down one. However, when we were in Albania on our first visit we were discussing names with a new Albanian friend, and she told us that it was a common custom in Albania to have a family member give you your name. That did it. Stephen would be added. So the official name of our newest addition is Noah Serxhio Stephen.
One ordinary night of haircuts for all of the older boys turned into an extraordinary night of giggles and smiles. Noah watched as each of his brothers hopped into the chair and daddy cut their hair in turn. At the end, Wade started to put things away and Noah walked over and pointed to himself. Wade asked if he would like his hair cut also and he replied with a hearty, "PO!" (Albanian word for "Yes"). With a joyful grin and a bit of a giggle, Noah jumped into the chair and Wade started. I'll just let a few pictures do the talking. It was very sweet.
Of course, this wasn't his first haircut, but it was his first haircut FROM Daddy!
Noah has been busy meeting his new extended family:
Aunt Laura and Uncle Keith with their children, Preston and Nell arrived on Christmas day. I have always said that any amount of time my children spend with Preston and Nell is time well spent. Noah had a wonderful time and loves being a part of family. How precious it is to see him giving and receiving love so freely!

Noah with his Aunt Laura (this is one of my favorite shots)
Here is Uncle Keith.
Nell and Preston take a minute and pose for a picture with Noah and Cara Beth.
A shot with the TX & WV cousins together.
Some TX and OK cousins enjoy a Pajama Run to Spoons!
Noah went on his first PJ run when his Aunt Esther along with cousins Jacqueline, Jonathan, and James were in town.
Noah is learning to share Daddy with Cara Beth and his cousin James. :)
Then Aun Oui and Uncle B came to town for a few days. Noah is eating up all of the new attention and seems to revel in the fact of being a part of family.
Noah enjoyed listening and dancing as Uncle Bryan gave us a special concert.
Noah LOVES his Aun Oui!
I only have about a MILLION pictures, but I can't share them all. So here are a few from our first "Gotcha Day" as well as a few others.
This was our very first family picture taken with Noah. Sorry for the backlight, but I love it anyway, with Christopher's goofy face and all, because it was our FIRST!
This was the first one taken of all 5 kiddos together.
This was when Noah met Anna-Kate and Ayden for the first time.
He loves Aunt Hannah and feels very safe and secure when she is around.
Oompah, Cara Beth, Noah, & Savta (or Nona as Noah affectionately calls her, for Nona is the Albanian term of endearment for Grandmother)
This picture was taken on Christmas morning. It wasn't until later that I realized Christopher was wearing his Albania shirt that day. I love that.
Well, it's 12:15 am and morning comes early, so I'm signing off for now. There are many new things for our Noah. Every time in the car brings a new experience whether it is to church, the gym, school, the grocery store, a basketball game, a swim meet, a soccer game, but he is taking it all in stride. Willing to try any and every word, Noah is learning English. He is like a parrot, and it is exciting. Although there are many new things for our boy to learn, I know that our God continues to be the same faithful God, extending his faithfulness to each generation. What a blessing for me to see His faithfulness extended to my children!
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