Showing posts with label Noah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Noah. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2008

More of the Story

Being prepped for a Cesarean is something I was definitely familiar with. It was a given with each pregnancy due to certain complications. I was prepared for the nerves, most likely the vomiting, the sting of the amniocentesis, the horrible antacid, pokes of needles, fabulous wardrobe and all. Walking to the OR and laughing with the anesthesiologist that had been with me from the beginning was comforting and familiar as well. I was filled with such excitement and anticipation to meet our third baby, Noah, just as I had been with Aidan and Emma.

Emotionally however, this birth was much different. I knew, because we had made the decision for my tubes to be tied, that this precious boy was our last. I knew that my surgery would be longer than normal which meant too much time would pass before I could meet our new addition. Everything had been explained to me in the doctors office the week before. How the procedure would be done, the amount of time it would take, how it would change my recovery. Regardless of what I already knew, I couldn't contain the tears. Mostly tears of joy, but also tears of finality. Before proceeding, the doctor asked if I wanted to go ahead with the tubal ligation. With a split second thought of saying no, I swallowed the lump and said yes. Aside from the painful reminders, I didn't go back and think about our decision much after that. What was done was done and we were truly blessed.

Most of you know the story from this point. We had 39 wonderful days with Noah and then he went to be with the Lord. It didn't take long before we were not only grieving over the loss of our son, but also the decision we had made in the OR that early morning of December 26th. I know without a doubt that the Lord is capable of anything, however, it doesn't mean that our hearts were not terribly saddened by the obstacle we would now face if we wanted to have another child.

As time passed, Stephen and I knew we would love to be blessed with another child. We wished we hadn't opted for my tubal, but understood it was part of our journey. After MANY months of praying, researching, praying, and saving we felt the Lord guiding us in a very specific direction.

Last month, we flew to North Carolina where a well known specialist performed a surgery to repair my tubes. We were beside ourselves to learn that he was able to successfully repair one side! PRAISE! We flew home with an abundance of gratitude on our hearts and many new hopes and dreams for our family.

We praise God for blessing us with the ability to have this surgery and for the new joy that he has placed in our hearts. We are so thankful, that on this path of unknowns, he walks ahead, with and behind us. So, the Lord begins a new journey in us. We have no idea where it takes us or what His plans are, but Stephen and I trust His path and will choose to walk it.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, April 28, 2008

March for Babies 2008

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24



The Lord continues to be faithful to his word and faithful to us! This day, gladness and a rejoicing spirit were truly upon my heart. Blessings unfolded in so many aspects of our day and we are very thankful!


Stephen and I have been amazed at the outpour of support that has once again been shown to the families of Team Manna. Thank You to everyone who supported us by prayer, walking and contributions!


TEAM MANNA WALKERS 2008

TEAM MANNA FAMILIES
MANNA MOMMIES: RACHEL, KENZIE, BROOKE

WE MADE IT!
FOR OUR BABIES
A BEAUTIFUL SIGN MADE FOR NOAH!

BABY MADDOX'S SIGN
BABY ANDREW'S SIGN!

HANNAH'S SIGN!
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24









Monday, April 14, 2008

The Great Escape

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel the need to escape. My reasons may differ from one time to the next, but the result for me is a desire to step back and escape to a place I can pull my thoughts, emotions and actions together.

This weekend was one of those times that I heard the "place" calling my name. I always know, with out a doubt, when it is time. It is almost as if my car can sense exactly where to go because on many occasions I reach my destination without even realizing that is where I was headed.

Down the little dirt road I drive, feeling a sense of relief and peace the minute I hear gravel under my tires. Instantly, I see clearly through my tears (usually brought on by the very reason I am escaping) and the beauty of the land, trees and flowers penetrates my being. What I find even more magnificent are the sounds I hear upon closing my eyes. The wind leads the chimes in chorus and the birds chirp in perfect harmony. There are no other noises or sights to interrupt the glory God wants to reveal.

The Lord's presence exudes from every aspect. In this place, He speaks volumes to me and I feel His precious comfort warm me from the inside out. I am reminded that He is near and loves me dearly. Upon these reassurances, I am able to look down, with joy in my heart, and be reminded of the reason I am drawn to this place. Noah James Galbincea : Dec 26, 2006 - Feb. 2, 2007.

There is usally no other reason that I arrive here other than I just need to be with my God and my baby boy. I still feel the desire to take care of 3 children. I still feel the need to care for Noah in some form or fashion. This may seem very strange to some, but not to me. I know he is in the best hands and doesn't literally need to be taken care of, and I am very aware that he is in heaven and not there in the cemetery. However, the need to nurture a baby or a family of 5 doesn't simply go away. I am not yet sure if it ever will. So, I find great satisfaction in taking care of what IS there and what I CAN get my hands on this side of heaven. For me, that is pruning and watering his flowers, making sure the bench and angel that decorate his tiny gravesite are in place and that the rest of Baby Land (what they call Noah's side of the cemetery) is cared for.

Prayerfully, others will be able to see this as a place of beauty and a place of reminders of the promises to come for those that are in Christ. Prayerfully, the glory and beauty of God will continue be revealed through the sight and sounds of the land. And prayerfully, others will be able to percieve a cemetery not as a place of death, but rather a place of LIFE and a place of blessings. GLORY to our God who promises eternal life if we believe in Him.
So, for now and I am sure for days to come, I will continue to escape to be with my God and my son. What a GREAT escape it is!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Homesick

Today, is definitely what I would call a "homesick" day. Not for my own, or any home that I used to have. Not for any place here on this earth that I have been before. It is a homesick for my eternal home. Homesick for my Father and my baby Noah. Homesick for everything I miss about him and for the future with him that has been promised to me.

I was looking at a picture of Noah this morning and thought about some of the things I can't wait to experience again when I go home. The feel of his sweet, soft cheeks on my lips. The smell of his hair after a bath. The sound of each breath as he lay sleeping on my chest. The sight of his precious smile that melted my heart. I miss him so much, but praise our Father that I won't miss him forever.


This song "Homesick" by Mercy Me describes my pain and praise today.


You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now


"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."
2 Peter 3:12-14

Thursday, April 3, 2008

These Feet Were Made for Walking...Are Yours?


We are now within one month of the
March for Babies
at the University of Houston
Sunday, April 27th
Starts at 9am

We are getting excited and getting ready to do something to honor the lives of our precious babies. So the question is... we are walking... ARE YOU?If you are, please go online to register on the Team Manna page and indicate that you will be walking (click on Register to March.) We have been to the site and know it can be a little confusing because it asks you to set your own monetary goal. Rest assured that the goal you indicate will be counted under the Team Manna total goal. IF you still have questions, please email Kenzie to let us know(kenzie.stanfield@yahoo.com).

Also, we need a fairly accurate count because we will be ordering Team Manna T-shirts. If you would like to buy one (certainly not required to walk, just fun), please let Kenzie know in an email that you would like one and what size. They will be under $10. We will have them at the walk when you arrive. As a sidenote, we have also been asked if the T-shirts can be purchased, even if you aren't walking. Of course! If you would just like to buy a T-shirt, please email me to let me know.Thank you EVERYONE for the continued love and support for this walk! We are so appreciative!

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."- Acts 20:24

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Noah's Story

Noah James Galbincea is our third, beautiful blessing from the Lord. The news that we would be having a new baby in the house was such a big surprise as we had just brought our precious daughter Emma into the world only 5 months earlier! Stephen and I were extremely excited at the thought of three little Galbinceas in our home. We were just amazed at what the Lord was doing in our lives and felt truly blessed.

Noah arrived in our lives on December 26, 2006. He joined big brother Aidan and big sister Emma to create our family of 5. He was our adorable Christmas gift, who fit perfectly into a tiny stocking that the nurses sent home! Soon, we settled at home, and began to find the harmony of raising a 2 year old, 1 year old and newborn. We treasured watching Aidan and Emma interact with their baby brother. There is no doubt that we were all head over heels in love with Noah!

39 days after Noah graced our presence, God began a journey in us that put our faith to the greatest test. In the early morning hours, as Noah slept on his Daddy’s chest, he passed from the arms of his earthly father into the arms of his Heavenly Father. In that moment, our lives were forever changed. For the first time, Stephen and I understood firsthand how precious life is. I never knew the night before would be the last kiss, the last bath, the last everything. However, our Father did. He was there to draw near, capture ever tear and flood us with unexplainable peace and strength.

Our precious Lord and Savior receives all the praise, honor and glory for sustaining us through the pain and trials of this past year. His hands and feet have been ever present in our friends and family and we are very thankful that so many individuals responded to the Lord’s call to help. Noah is missed terribly in our home, but we know that God has promised us an eternity with him. Our hope continues to be in the day that we are able to receive Noah from the arms of Christ.


Noah’s passing has put a strong desire in our heart to help others who may be walking a similar path and to help prevent infant mortality by contributing to research and education. SIDS not only claimed the life of our son, but continues to be the cause of death for approximately 2,500 infants in the United States and thousands more throughout the world. We are excited about supporting the March of Dimes by walking in the March for Babies this April 27th. We appreciate each sponsor who is able to help us raise money for this amazing organization! Please take a moment to check out our Team Manna webpage and thank you for your support .