Our NEWcastle

The Hopwoods have moved to the Newcastle/Kennydale neighborhood.  After 8 years of marriage, we have bought our first home together!  While the real estate market rises, we took advantage last year and sold Alex's Kirkland condo, we are keeping the Mount Baker Seattle house as a rental investment property (which Joanne and I bought together in Dec 2006).  With both of these in mind, God has allowed us to expand our wings for a more spacious home to serve a new community.

We are incredibly grateful and blessed to have a new home for our family!  After a 3 year search and 6 offers later, we were matched with a seller who graciously accepted our offer.  Alex working with the seller's wife at Expedia may have given us an advantage above the competition, but really it was our sympathy sobb letter that pulled on their heart strings.  Since we have walked though so many open houses, we had referred to this house with the kids as "The Tarantula Trampoline" house because of the enormous trampoline in the backyard and its captivating decorative tarantula in one of the staged bedrooms which Ethan admired (later to find out the stuffed tarantula was a subliminal message describing the festive Halloween neighborhood).

With the new house comes change.  Change...from city sirens to deer crossing, from grocery being 2 blocks away to a 12 minute commute, from zero kids on the block to being the newest kid on the block, from a 10 minute walk to school to a 10 minute bus ride, from backyard raccoons to backyard bunnies, from all the Amazon Prime benefits to only a few services (boo, no more Prime Now deliveries).  The most difficult part of the transition was NOT the packing or actual moving.  If you ask Diana - she'd say preparing the (old and new) homes with prep, prime and painting 6 rooms before families moved while also maintaining status quo for the family (school, meals, laundry, grocery shopping, packing, tball activities, toddler class, bathing kids, bedtime routines, etc).  Diana worked 16 hour days during those transition weeks.  The most difficult part of the transition for Alex was (1) maintaining a hold of the finances - sequence of events between extreme taxes, closing on the new home, and getting new tenants, and (2) commuting Luke to/from kindergarten in Seattle from April-June, while living 13 miles away.  The morning traffic was only bearable with the carpool lane, but Alex took Luke to school in morning, then catches the bus to work from a park & ride without any complaints (from door to door was about 1 hour each day), Alex loathes traffic.  The most miraculous part of the transition (apart from our offer being accepted) was the abundant grace the kids had through it all - the kids were flexible, cooperative, and patient - they never felt scared or anxious...a pure miracle from God!  Although its just the beginning, we have yet to find a home church, make new friends and change schools in September, but so far...Christ is leading the way holding our hands through it all and we don't feel anything but LOVED.

Mount Baker, Seattle

Newcastle/Kennydale

Unpredictable Beauty - NAOMI

Naomi, you are greater than we ever expected and an unpredictable gift!  Statistics convinced us that you were going to be a boy, but we were jaw-dropped astonished when we opened up our 2015 Christmas gift to see the blood test read "XX chromosome (female)" on the results.  We thought you would come (4 days early), but you decided to make your debut fashionably 3 days past the due date.  We predicted your delivery to be a quick & speedy 2 hours, but the anticipation lasted 7 hours.  We also thought you would be just over 7 pounds, but to our amazement you came out surpassing us all at 8 pounds 12 ounces!  Unpredictable and beyond expectations.

On the Tuesday morning of June 27, 2016 our church friend Erin Perkins came over to watch your brothers while mom & dad went out to breakfast to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary.  We drove to the restaurant, parked the van and decided we weren't going to make it through the meal.  So we detoured through the McDonald's drive-thru for pancakes on the way to the hospital instead.  Arriving at the hospital around 9:30am, I declined the wheelchair and went directly to triage where I was admitted at 3cm dilated with contractions every 5-6 minutes.  In company with Amy Kirk, we moved to our delivery room, started fluids, got an epidural around 11:00am, and received antibiotics for Group B Strep (which requires 4 hrs prior to delivery).

Then we waited.  Waiting for antibiotics to settle in, waiting for my water to break, waiting to be fully dilated, waiting for you to descend.  While waiting daddy got coffee and a sandwich, Amy was checking emails and getting her classes covered by other trainers, and I was able to order broth soup and have clear liquids while watching tv (nothing good worth noting). The nurse talks about the terrible Hillary/Trump politics and noted that I've been contracting every 3 minutes, one contraction that even lasted 3 minutes long.

4:00pm now and Dr. Bridges determines that its time to manually break my water and check how progressive we could be with one big push.  Successful, its 'go time'!  Gowns on, everyone in position....1 big push (counting to 10)...you were born at 4:28pm!  Brought directly to my chest all goopy with adorable chubby cheeks (before taking your vitals under the warmer), I'm proud of you and right away love being your mother, holding you close to me, and hearing your first breaths/cries.

Naomi Joy Hopwood born Tuesday, June 27th, 2016 at 4:28pm.  Weighing 8lbs 12oz and 21.5 inches long, surpassing your brothers in both categories!

NAOMI:  meaning "pleasant or beautiful".  Eemo Joanne was the original suggester of the name and your father and I put it at the top of the potential names list quickly.  Once we saw you, Naomi was very fitting.  The biblical Naomi from Ruth 1 lost much was heartbroken and became bitter, but God saw her as a blessing and encouraging mother-in-law to Ruth.  He never viewed her the way she poorly viewed herself.

 

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).

 

  

Our 2011 Christmas Gift - LUKE

Its been a smooth 41 weeks of carrying our unknown child. Unsure if its a boy or a girl, unsure of its features, unsure of what it even sounds like. Although six days past the expected due date, our child is absolutely perfect.

Saturday, Dec 3, 2011
3:53 am - Beginning of strong contractions (avg 30 mins apart)
7:02 am - 1st time having breakfast at Silver Fork restaurant (avg 15 mins apart)
12:54 pm - 1st call to the doctor. Doctor's response: "give it another hour." (6 mins apart)
2:30 pm - 2nd call to the doctor. Doctor's response: "come to the hospital" (5 mins apart)
3:15 pm - Arrived at the hospital and admitted into triage. Confirmed I was 4cm dilated.
4:00 pm - Received my really large birthing suite.
5:10 pm - Decided to get the epidural (probably at 5cm dilated), later received 2 additional doses epidural, my parents visited & prayed over me.
10:00 pm - Nurses realize my water broke at some point in time.
11:00 pm - Nurses identify that baby's heart rate is dropping with each contraction (due to pinched umbilical cord).

Sunday, December 4, 2011
12:20 am - Dr.Bridges informs me of baby's heart rate dropping and that alternative methods may need to be considered, but try natural first. She also confirmed I was dilated enough to start pushing.
12:35 am - Began pushing with each contraction. The doctor used the vacuum and if the baby didn't come out, then the next solution is cesarean. One final push and...
12:54 am - Alex announced that its a baby BOY! Our son's umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice, nurses cleaned him and took his vitals. Alex immediately tended to our little boy, then when they brought him to me on the bed - Alex began to pray aloud (this is what really melted my heart to tears). Praise Jesus, he is healthy...no cone head, no heart issues, and doesn't have jaundice.

Lucas James Hopwood (goes by Luke) was born on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 12:54am. He weighted 6lbs 14oz and was 20.25 inches long.

Thank you Jesus for answering all our prayers from the beginning. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Swedish Hospital-First Hill for your compassion and great service. I could not of had a better first-time experience and really do appreciate you staying up through the late hours to comfort me and ensure a healthy delivery. As I've told others, "I would do it again." Thank you!!

 

Woohoo!

(Diana) For dessert, unscramble the cupcake letters to figure out what it says.
(Mom) "I see the word baby. B-A-B-Y"
(Sisters) "Baby, what? Woohoo!"
(Mom) "Oh yeah, its says 'Baby Woohoo!'"
(Diana) "It says 'Baby Hopwood', but we'll name it Baby Woohoo for now."

Now I get it why they call it the "Miracle of Life"...because this gifted blessing is created as just that...a divine miracle! Our little child is a healthy 13 week old fetus (apparently the size of a lime) and seems to be as chill as its daddy. We are incredibly excited and joyfully looking forward to November 28, 2011!!!

Thee Birthday Celebration

There's many reasons to celebrate: a new job, promotion, retirement, graduation, engagement, wedding, family addition or even a new home.  However of all these occasions to get a greeting card and  raise a glass, the best celebratory reason to honor and uphold, is Jesus and his existence on the earth.  Yes, I'm talking about Jesus Christ's birthday (aka Christmas).

If I knew someone who was turning 2,010 years old - I would hope the birthday party to be huge!  From flowers, decorations, food/drinks, music, photographers, transportation and additional costs, the average cost of a wedding in Seattle is about $30,000.  Even the multiple-day wedding events in India aren't as intriguing as Jesus birthday party.  Although its definitely a great reason to 'go big' and party it up, its minor league compared to how JC rolls.

Participating in Jesus' birthday is unavoidable and providentially designed that way.    We have eight Christmas events to attend to this month...it seems overwhelming but its always a joyous occasion.  Jesus doesn't need money to determine his worth or value.  He honors His own birthday every year in playing joyful carols in every store & on every radio station, receiving Christmas card surprises in your mail, sentimental candlelight church service, happy people of all ages, time off from work and the selfless act of giving gifts and love to one another.  What's most impressive about this birthday party is that its an international event and Jesus invited EVERYONE to participate!

May you and your loved ones enjoy the Christmas festivities with joy and gladness.  Happy Birthday Jesus and thanks for the party invite. 

JOY-FULL Summer

Have you ever wanted to be the woman who ran with life and genuinely enjoyed it? For several months, I routinely asked God in prayer to fill my heart with His joy. I desired to be consistently happy (where no one could identify my "time of the month"), to have a child-like spirit who doesn't worry about responsibilities and simply saw the glass always half full. I passionately wanted to be alive and joyous, but was unsure of how to get there.

I wanted the few closest people to me, who know everything about me to be the ones who make me laugh until my abs hurt (heck, I didn't have very many friends to play the role). While still bitter and disappointed with myself I hid in my turtle shell, not letting anyone in and becoming the woman with a lot of acquaintances but no true friendships. While at community group one night, we split into gender small groups for prayer time. When it was my turn to address any prayer needs, I defaulted to my regular request of desiring to experience His joy.

Since the time of our ladies prayer group, nearly four months has passed and I stumbled upon my prayer notes as opportunity to check-in with what Jesus has been doing in these ladies lives but I immediately realized that my request has been fulfilled (Amen)! From summer BBQ's, weddings, and baby showers with these ladies - I noticed that I was happiest after being with our group members. I wanted to do more, laugh more and have more time with the ladies who have filled my 'empty friendship' cup. Turns out Alex said he hasn't seen me this joyful since our early dates together; it truly has made a difference.

Jesus not only knew that I was lacking a relationship balance with other women, but used these women to pray for me while also being the answer to my prayer. These community group girls which Jesus placed around me has radiated my heart with an abundance of joy. Its been a JOY-FULL summer being around cool people, laughing really hard, and sharing life together.

"The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
Proverbs 15:29-30

"Happy" New Year!?!?!

A new year stems new beginnings (for better or worse). 2010 definitely has a lot of new stuff: new home improvements, new places to see, new friends, and with a new last name is the beginning of a new family. With all these new & exciting elements, I can't help but wonder...is it necessarily going to be a "happy" year? There's more work to be done, more planning, less time, and more/new responsibilities. As we look forward to the year ahead, please be encouraged that "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Tuesday, January 12th, marks the day when a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. While the Haitian people are starting the new year in devastation and hopelessness, Alex & I have been praying for over 7 months on where God would have us do missionary work and we see the earthquake as an answered prayer for our us to serve in. Alex begins 2010 at Microsoft and by February, he was gifted with a new job at Expedia. It really is true when they say, "when one door closes, God will open a new one."

May you find joy and happiness in all the things God has in stored for you this year and the many years ahead.