Today marks my five year anniversary of marriage to Abigail. No, we cannot believe that we’ve been married that long. Yes, it does seem like yesterday that we were walking down the isle out the back doors, married.

Marriage truly has been a gift of grace from the Lord. Many deep-rooted sins have been exposed in my life these five years and Abigail has graciously forgiven me while also charging me to be (and become) a better husband (and now father). In all of this, her desire (and mine) has been to become more and more sanctified into the image of Jesus… and that is unfolding in both of us.

I’m deeply thankful for this woman.

I’m thankful that she is hospitable.
I’m thankful that she is industrious (as I write this she is/has sown like 8 things for Adele).
I’m thankful she isn’t a pushover, but will correct me we both know I’m wrong.
I’m thankful she loves me enough to encourage me to be more like Jesus.
I’m thankful she has been willing to step aside (full-time) from her (very) successful photograph business, simply to do the highest calling, raise Adele from home.
I’m thankful that she has incredible repore with those she encounters.
I’m thankful that she is my best friend.
I’m thankful for her songs that fill our home routinely.
I’m thankful she loves all things Apple Inc.
I’m thankful that at the end of the day as she and I sit in our bed, we both know that we love one another deeply… and yet, our love for one another is not greater than the love we receive from the Father as carried out by Jesus on the cross, and confirmed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

In all of this, I’m full… not of food, but of God’s grace on us. It’s curious to me that with the addition of Adele, my affection and love for Abigail has actually grown. In reality, it’s a great blessing since this was what I prayed for when we first found Abigail prego.

These past five years have been a great ride… looking forward to the next 60+ (Lord willing).

We’ve also changed a little bit since we were first married.

Here’s the top five viewed posts from March 2010.

2. Adele Lynn Criner – this is the first pictures of Adele posted on the ole’ internet!
4. Abigail singing first song to Adele [Video] – probably one of my favorite moments in the hospital.
6. Adele is sleeping! – a picture of our sweet girl resting in the hospital
8. We are home and happy! (and a video to boot!) – a crying baby is fun to video.
10. Adele in her take home outfit – this is one of my favorite family pictures right before we left the hospital.

Can you see a theme? Yes – it’s Adele, and more Adele… it’s been a furious month and she’s about to be a month old soon!! Can’t believe it. We are thankful for the (literally) 4,000+ views of the website this past month. We are blessed indeed.

Here’s a picture Abigail took and sent to me while in the office! She’s smiling!!

I’m not sure why, but Adele loves to have her hands near her face. On this particular moment, she decided to hold her nose… not sure if something smelled bad to her. Not sure. But, enjoy!

Here are a few pictures Abigail took the other day of Adele! CLICK HERE to see them!

Well, we’ve made it through our first week with Adele! I think we’ll keep her.

We’re beginning to find the new normal with her… mainly how I will have to adjust at work, how much I work from home, my reading habits, etc. So far, we’ve made the transition pretty well. Adele loves to sleep, so there are a lot more quiet moments in our home than I thought – but that will change I’m sure.

I think one of the neatest things with this season of life is the adventure of this new territory. The house now has bottles and burp rags and onesies, etc… things that really weren’t around before she came along. And I’m glad these things are here. The Lord has a wonderful way of giving you grace and favor to prepare your heart for these moments. Adele could cry and it really doesn’t phase me… I still love her. She could poop all over herself – yep, still got love for her.

So, we’re embracing this time… it’s only been a week but we’re loving it. Below is a video of Adele in the Hospital nursery… only I was able to go into this room. It was a sweet time for me. It’s also a short video because while I could watch it 1,000 times, you probably don’t care as much.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umLIKC1G_-U]

Here is a REALLY quick video of Adele taken by Abigail. It’s short… you’re welcome.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb_hS8AKXbI]

This morning Abigail and I took Adele back to the Pediatrician to see if she had gained any more weight. Annnnnnnnd…….. SHE HAS!

It seems she has gained about 3.5 oz each day so far. C-R-A-Z-Y! That being said, we’re grateful for your prayers, advice and support since Friday and Saturday were pretty rough days in the Criner house.

So – here’s a picture of Adele with a bow again… I’m going to have to get used to this.

Today my parents came in to see Adele. She’s doing quite well and is eating a lot better today. Here is a picture of my mom holding/meeting Adele for the first time. (“Pops” – my Dad – didn’t hold her long enough to sneak a picture in). Although, Abigail took photos of Adele being held by BOTH sets of parents, but she’s going to have to post those for you.

Today we’re taking Adele to her first Dr. apt. Nothing is wrong or out of the ordinary, we’re just doing our first checkup for her. This is to check to see if she has Jaundice. It’s pretty common in newborns, but according to our Pediatrician on Thursday, Adele seems to be clear – but we were asked to come in regardless… SO – we’re taking a little trip BACK to the Hospital for this routine checkup!

UPDATE

We went to the Adele’s Pediatrician and they became pretty concerned about her weight loss. In total she has lost about 10% of her birth rate which was a little more than they like for newborns to lose. So, we then saw a specialist who recommended a pretty intense amount of formula in conjunction with normal feeding… so this is what we’ve been doing today… lots and lots of feeding. Adele seems to be handling it pretty well, and is still sleeping REALLY good too.

So, we’re adjusting to the new way to feed, but Adele seems to love everything! Evidence is the picture below!

Apparently, everyone else has had their picture taken with Miss Adele but me – I looked back on the ole’ photos and noticed that there is only ONE. And here it is.

I know some of you really could care-or-less about ANOTHER video of Adele, but we’re doing our best to put as many possible for extended family to see. So here is another little vid or Adele simply looking around and making some faces. Nothing really extravagant, just a close up of our little girl!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqWTztGoxsc]

Thanks to everyone who has come to see Adele welcomed into the world. We’ve had quite the time getting her adjusted to her new surroundings, but she seems to be enjoying all the attention. Ebenezer (our dog) met her yesterday and has responded really well. No problems there!

A BIG THANKS to everyone who took time to wish us “congratulations” – it sure has meant a lot to us to have our phones and emails become FULL to over-capacity because of your generous love. Thanks also to the MANY of you who have visited – we are definitely loved by our family, friends, community, and church.

With that said, we would love to have today (Friday) as a day to continue adjusting… so, while we would love for you to visit Adele, we’re using Friday as a ‘Family Day’ (which has already begun with Friday Morning Breakfast). Thanks again for all the love and support!

Now here is a quick video of Adele crying!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OIY3tRRGwg]

Here is Adele sleeping on Grandmama (Abigail’s mom)!

Here is Adele looking around the room and sneezing (once) this is from her first day. Hope you enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrxI8ouQcXs]

Here is Adele giving us her first hiccups! I know, I know, she’s going to be giving us a lot of hiccups, but these were her first out side of the womb. We thought you’d enjoy another short clip, so here she is!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKI_3zAfaFw]

Here you can watch Abigail singing to Adele – you may want to turn your volume up as loud as you can!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot0dAu68BOU]