DnA Covenant Vows

On June 27, 2009 Alex and I have committed to a covenant with the following vows.

marriage vows

ALEX

I Alex, take you, Diana, to be my lawful wedded wife.  I accept the responsibility given to me to love you as Christ loves the church with the humility and strength He supplies.  I promise to serve, support, and trust in you, helping you to become a woman who is sanctified in the ways of the Lord.  With His help I will love you with patience, sensitivity, and understanding.  I praise our Lord for giving you to be my wife.

DIANA

I Diana, take you, Alex, to be my lawful wedded husband. I vow to uphold God’s will for me to be your helper, submitting to you as unto Him. I will be faithful to you, honor and respect you as we serve our Lord together as one. I promise be by your side, to support you in your efforts to grow as a husband and as a Christian. I praise our Lord for giving you to be my husband.

ring vows

ALEX

I give you this ring as an outward symbol of my commitment to you.  I pledge myself to you and you alone in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

DIANA

I give you this ring as an outward symbol of my commitment to you.  I pledge myself to you and you alone in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

One 'Rock' Unskipped

Announcement email to the family dated May 5, 2008.

Dear Family,

With great joy & excitement, I announce that Alex & I as we are recently ENGAGED!

This past Friday, Alex picked me up for a surprise date night which started off with a stroll through Seward Park near my house. On our walk, we were casually talking about all the great things God is doing in our lives and enjoying the beauty of His creation on the dry, overcast day. As we encountered a beach of rocks, we couldn't pass up the opportunity for a little competitive rock skipping (which Alex let me win). After our first round, we both were seeking for more skipping rocks and in so doing Alex got down on one knee and asked, "Diana, how about this rock?" To my surprise, I gasped for air, had the biggest smile, tears running down my face, and was speechless. After a few precious words he asked me to marry him and I emphatically said "YES!"

The night continued with a fancy delicous dinner at Canlis Restaurant, then we joined Joanne & Jaime at The Local Vine in downtown Seattle afterwards for a celebratory toast.

It was a magical evening and we are truly excited for what lies ahead!  We are very thankful as Jesus has blessed us with His love and grace throughout our relationship.  Without God, we wouldn't have met 10 months ago or be where we are today.  I look forward to introducing you to Mr. Alex Hopwood.  We are in prayer for a 2009 wedding.

Blessed,
-Diana (and Alex Hopwood)

New Year...New Addition - ETHAN

Some people start a new year aiming to stop habits or start anew. Whether its to get fit and healthy, set financial goals or new traditions. In January 2014 we started the new year with a new family addition!

Sunday, January 26, 2014
4:00 am - Contractions became intensely stronger.
4:30 am - Its 'go time' with contractions about 7-8 minutes apart. I tell Alex we probably should call my mom (Halmonee) so that she can make her way over to our house. Time to load the car with our bags and "BREATHE!"
5:50 am - Mom and dad arrive to our house and caught me eating a piece of zucchini bread. Contractions were 5 minutes apart now and we're headed to the hospital.
6:15 am - Check into the Swedish Hospital Triage center about 4cm dilated.
7:30 am - Moved into a very spacious delivery room. Nurse checks dilation and requests an epidural. Also gives me the GBS antibiotics which takes 4 hours to settle in (baby is likely going to arrive before the 4hr expiration).
8:00 am - Nurse says I've dilated nearly a centimeter every 15 minutes. Now at 8cm, I get an epidural and my friend, Amy Kirk arrives.
10:00 am - Dr. McDermott and the attending resident notice that baby's heart rate drops and its no longer worth waiting the full 4 hours for the GBS antibiotics to take affect. "We're going to break your water and have a baby" says the resident.
10:19 am - After 1st set of active pushing, the top of his head came out with a "shower cap" over his forehead. After the 2nd set of pushing, he was here!

Ethan Joseph Hopwood was born on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 10:19am. He weighted 7lbs 10oz and was 19.75 inches long.

The umbilical cord was wrapped round his neck twice, and after the nurse cleaned him and took his vitals he was brought into my arms with irregular breathing. Because Ethan arrived before my full 4hrs of antibiotics (we get to stay in the hospital another day) and with regular breathing issues; it was a case for nursery care. Ethan's strength was demonstrated when nurses said he may be away from us in the nursery for about 4 hours depending on his recovery, but was returned to mom & dad only after an hour.

ETHAN - meaning "Strength". Also a wise counselor to King Solomon.
JOSEPH - name given by Halmonee and Halabogee after the biblical Joseph of Arimathea. (Matthew 27:57, Mark 15:43, Luke 23:51, John 19:38)

"Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council (and disciple of Jesus), who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body." (Mark 15:43).