The Month of December

We have had a pretty busy month and I don't expect next month to be any slower. From Jason's birthday to Christmas we have been really busy, either trying to get everyone well or rushing to the stores for last minute things. No matter how busy things got we still found time for the most important thing of all. Remember when you start your new year how lucky you are to have what you have. You can never replace family no matter how irritating they can be throughout the year, and you wouldn't have them if God above had not given you to them. So, Happy NEW Year to you and your family. With all the weddings going on in the new year, nothing but new beginnings can be in store for the Cranford family...

Our First Haircut ~ Dec. 3

All Done!

I had to look in the mirror to see what Nina was doing.

I was so good just as still as I could be.

Mom is it necessary to keep my hair?

What drama this caused... Ok... Noah's hair was way longer on one side than the other, if it had not been for that this would have never taken place when it did. He would have been two years old before we ventured out on the expedition. However, as mentioned before, we had a bit of a problem. So here are some photos of Noah's Day with Mrs. Nina...

Chirstmas Pictures...

Noah and I at Nana's

Noah and Dad at Mimi's

Christmas!!!

Grandma Lucille with Noah Thomas and Lucy McLean

This was Noah's First Christmas that he was up and scooting around. So Jason and I were up and on the go also. Christmas Eve we spent with my parents, Cousin Lucy McLean, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Erin, Uncle Thomas, Grandma Shelton, Cousin Mike and Aunt Jenn and Uncle Johan. We had a blast with everyone at home for the holidays.

The Monday night before we spent it with dad's family; Grandma Pat, The twins, Thomas, Scottie and Sharron. Pat always fixes a ton of food, we sit back and enjoy her company, get to see how tall Thomas has gotten and see what the twins are up to now. One Tree Hill seems to be there passion at the moment.

Christmas Day was a real blur... 9am The Harkey's , 1pm The Cranford's, 4pm The Cranford's again (different set from the 1pm bunch) Jason's family enjoys the holidays a whole lot. We had a great time catching up with everyone at Aunt Lynda's house. Noah received all kinds of goodies from everywhere. John Deere tractors, basketball goals, baseball bats and games, books, clothes, cars, ones to ride and ones to play with, lots of farm animal games, and a big old rocking horse. Jason and I got clothes...



We enjoyed all of our time with you all and we can't wait to do it all again next year!

Noah is finally over all of his sickness. However, Grandma Lucille now has "the crud" as we call it so as we tend to get everyone well here, We hope everyone is doing well and in good spirits for the holidays. Enjoy the time with your family and travel safely over the next week.

After two days of staying inside I think we are getting better. Noah's temperature broke last night and it has not gotten over 97 today. The doctors office called to tell us that his cultures were negative so that means no Strep!!! He seems to be feeling a lot better. Grandma can't wait for us to return tomorrow. We are still meeting with contractors, actually trying to decide on which one to use. Pray things will go accordingly. Talk to you all later.

~Anna

Sick Baby

Today Noah and I spent the afternoon in the Doctor's office. They think he has Mono or strep. Not sure which yet. So please pray that our little one will be ok and return to himself soon.

Today G'ma Went on Vacation!

G'ma and Thomas left today for the Mountains! They will be returning on Friday. I am not sure who needed this more, Noah and Myself, or my Mom and Dad. G'ma has had a ruff couple of days. She seems to be getting a lot worse at remembering things short term. Like going from the bedroom to the bathroom which are literally around the corner from each other. It is so heartbreaking how quickly this disease works. You can even tell how much it bothers her on given days. Sometimes you can see her trying to decipher if she just did something or if she still needs to take care of it.

Happy Thanksgiving

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or as Pastor would say

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Noah would just like to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. We hope that you all enjoy the time with your families. I know we will, so enjoy and we love you all.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Cranfords

We Are Adding to the Cranford Family!!!

Finally, we are getting a new member to the Cranford Bunch. We have been waiting for this day for quite some time now and it's here! About a week ago (November 13th) Uncle Jeremy finally asked Aunt Heather to Marry him. She is such a great person and she is so good for Uncle Jeremy. Noah absolutely loves her to death. We are so blessed to have her as a part of the family and we wish her and Uncle Jeremy the best. We love you two! CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH!

Heather and Noah at the Cranford Cookout

Last July

Long Time Ago...

It has been a long time ago since I have posted anything on our blog. We have actually had a lot of things going on since the last time. Dad went back to work Monday so Noah and I have been over at G'ma Lucille's by ourselves. I have been trying to adjust myself and Noah.

We also held Noah's First Birthday on November 15th. It was a blast we had so much stuff from it. After the cake, hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, slaw and fellowship we were all tuckered out. He had such a great time and as soon as I can find time to post photos I will. Thank you to all for the love and the gifts and spending your Friday night to celebrate such a wonderful occasion.

Jason and I are still house hunting... I think we are on contractor #7! I am going crazy to say the least. No luck yet. I say it will happen when it's supposed to. We have the electrician, plumber, and the heating and air guys. We just need someone to put up the walls. I never knew it could be this hard. Everyone seems to think I am the hard one to please. Oh Well!!!

And You had to have read the post prior to this one, so congrats to the lucky couple...

~Anna

How Funny?

This photo was taken when Noah was about 3 weeks old...

This photo was taken about 2 weeks before Noah turned 1 year old...

Grandma Janet does change her clothes, we just think she likes wearing the shirts that talk about how much she loves her grand children.

We love you Grandma Janet

The Cranfords

Noah and His Cake

What a long weekend...

Our weekend was to consist of:
Noah's Birthday Party
The Lincoln County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
An outing for Noah on Sunday...

The real week...
On Wednesday Noah came down with a virus, so he and I stayed at home. Thursday we thought he was over it so we went to spend the day with Grandma Lucille. On Thursday night Noah still had the virus... So we stayed home on Friday too. By now I had the virus so we were both a little under the weather.
By Friday night we had both began to see the light of day so we were ready to have a party on Saturday and proceed with further plans. However we did not see the coming of other family members catching what we had earlier.
Saturday morning I called my mother to tell her that we would be visiting her earlier than planned because Jason had now caught the virius. Much to my ammazement we were not allowed over because my grandmother also had it, and before I could get the phone hung up Thomas was calling to tell me "Thank you" because he had "The Bug".
Needless to say The Party was canceled.

Saturday night some of us did manage to attend the Sports Ceremony honoring my Grandpa Shelton. It was a very nice sit down dinner, where each nominee was allowed time to thank everyone. Mom, Ryan, Erin, Lucy McLean, Doug, Noah and Myself enjoyed hearing stories of Papaw and "the good ole days". We were able to sit with Don Cagle and his wife Fran, they were very good friends of Grandpa's and it was very nice to reminice. Congrats to all of the other inductees.

Today, Jason, Noah and myself went to church, where he recieved "The Box". Then to Hickory for Noah a Birthday Lunch and home for a much needed nap.

Cousin John's Birthday!

Dad feeding me My "FIRST" Hotdog!!!

Everybody... (Cousin John is in the background)

Mimi and Noah

Noah and Aunt Elaine

Noah and Aunt Lynda



We are terribly late at adding these photos... Sorry
~Anna

Only a few more days...

Only 3 more days until Noah's big day... We are so excited. I never thought that a year would have already past. Last year at this time Jason and I were getting ready for little goblins. On Wednesday night, we had set up waiting on children to come and get candy as we put together the puzzle that hangs on Noah's bedroom wall. Then we waited around on Thursday for Friday to get here so at our Doctor's appointment they could tell us when they would induce labor. As Jason told Noah last night, " Your mom and I were waiting on you to get here, and you sure were taking your sweet time."

Jason and I have learned this past year that Noah is very much like the two of us in a lot of ways. He takes his on time at everything, and no one will rush him. He has changed so much, at times he has looked just like Jason and there have been a few times he has looked like myself. Some days he has my temper and others he has "The Cranford Temper" as Grandma Cranford would say. No matter what, he is the most special thing that has ever came into our lives and we thank God everyday for the joy that he brings.

Noah's Big Day!

We are soon coming up on Noah's Big Day. He will be one in less than a week. We are planning a party for next Saturday. I don't know who is more excited us or him. Probably us because Uncle Thomas has already given him a birthday present because he just couldn't wait. This is going to be a very big day for all of us I am afraid.

More updates to come...

Papaw's Birthday

Hey Papaw,

I just wanted to tell you that I think you are the best Papaw ever. I enjoy spending time with you, crawling on you and biting you. I don't think anyone else would allow me to do that. You are a world of fun, and I get really excited when mom tells me we are going to see you in the mornings. I hope you had a great day and I wish you many more.

Love, Noah T.

A note from your daughter...

Years ago I never thought that God would send such a special person into my life. Little did I know that he would not only be special to me but the rest of the family also. I had never had someone to take such an interest in myself, let alone "want" to be a part of anything I was involved with.

This man has showed me so many things in the short time we have been together. He has such compassion, the patience of Job, a heart bigger than life itself, faith that could move mountains, and the love for his family and it's well being is endless. No matter how low of a day he has had he always has a smile.

I have been able to share many of the firsts in my life with him. Such as, my wedding day, the birth of my son, graduations, and just having time to ourselves to sing or just plain whatever. There will never be another man who has meant to me what he does.

I am sorry that you will not be receiving a card this year, however I can never find a card in the Hallmark store that says exactly what I need it to say. You see, when it comes time to celebrate his birthday, Christmas, or any other special occasion there is no card that could simply say all this, they just do not make them. They always talk about when I was a little girl, and he wasn't a part of my life until I was 19. Although I would have given anything for him to have been here earlier. But I think he came about just at the right time. Any day I worry that things aren't going to be just right I remember how he became a part of my life and I know that things are going to be just fine.

To THE greatest DAD in the world

Happy Birthday and I LOVE YOU!

~Sweet Pea

The Birthday is Near...

We now have two weeks until the BIG day for Noah. I can't wait everything is almost ready. Yeah... Our biggest concern right now is Halloween. Technically last year was supposed to be Noah's First Halloween but he was a little late to take part. Tring to find a costume has been a little challenging and finding an outfit that says, "My 1st Halloween" in 24 months size, no can do. So we have left that up to Nana Goins. Last year at this time I was out of work, driving Jason crazy and really ready for Noah to get here. We had 8 days to go and we were counting down. Maybe the next time I get a chance to update Noah will be here.

Today

We had a great day today. G'ma Luce is doing better and was in much higher spirits today. The last few days have been a little low. Friday afternoon Mom and I were in the doctors office with G'ma and he told her she had been diagnosed with dementia and that her mind was not what it used to be. She was ok with the visit until we got home. She then decided not to attend dinner with the Shelton's at Fox's Fish Camp. Saturday she stayed in bed most of the day and on Sunday decided that church wasn't really a happening thing either. She is eating when she feels like it and talking or not when she feels like it also. But the doctor tells us this is normal and that we should take one day at a time with her. Just please keep us in your prayers. My heart goes out to families who have dealt or are dealing with family members who are in the same situation.

Noah's First Pumpkin

What are we going to do with this? It's to big to eat!

Mama... it's as big as me!

What's this do?

This thing looks so funny

I've never seen so many

Noah was able to check out the Pumpkins at the local church near our house this week. He was so amazed and tried to take in everything, even though we look like we are not sure, in a lot of the photos.

He is such a handful, he loves to be outside to play. We are almost 3 weeks away to his 1 year birthday and we can't wait. October was the best month of my life a year ago and it is so nice to be able to reminisce about the things that went on last year at this time. Never did I think it would get here so fast. I also never thought at 11 months we would be in 24 month clothing and be wearing size 6 shoes. But hey I have never seen anything as cute as this little fella either. God sends us so many blessings.

Happy Birthday to Aunt Jenn!!!

For those of you who don't know Aunt Jenn had a Birthday today! She is now a whopping year older and Noah wanted everyone to know how much he loves her.

Jenn, as I call her, has always been there for me and I could not ask for a better friend. She is there when you least expect it and when you need her most. There is nothing she wouldn't do for you and no time is the worst time for her. She always puts everyone else on her list first. She is a bright ray of sunshine all the time. She is just a true friend. If I would have ever had a sister she would be the one I would want, her being the oldest and all.

So I began looking for a few things that I thought would describe her and I came up with...

Jenn...

Friends are born, not made. You are my sister of the heart and I love you dearly. Your are my ornament at Christmas that I want to show off. You are the flower in my spring garden that I can't wait to bloom. You are my one in a lifetime friend I thought I would never have. Last but not least your are the Year-A-Round birthday party. Thank you for being there always.

Love you sis

Our Weekend in a nut shell...

Hello to everyone...

We had such a busy day, weekend, whatever you call it these days. Noah has been sick these last few days, cough, congestion, the works. G'ma is going well, we went to the doctor on Tuesday (I think?) she decided she didn't need to eat. But she is doing well now. Her spirits seem to be better.

Yesterday Aunt Jenn came by to help me with Noah's birthday invites. We had a blast here with Noah. He is such a hand full! Walking all over everywhere and wanting you to be there to see him at his best. He is just a little "HAM". Later on last night Aunt Jenn and Uncle Johan came back by to see us and spend some time with Noah. (and Jason and myself) They are so great with him and he loves them just as much.

Today we all went to the Shelton Reunion. It was nice to get to see everyone. There are a lot of family members that I did not realize we had. It never fails, every reunion is different, not one person that came this year will be there next year. So you never know who belongs to who. It's always good to meet new faces and see how everyone has changed. It's a lot different now that Papaw Shelton is not here to run the show...

One more month and Noah will be ONE YEAR OLD!!! He is growing up so fast. Seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. I can't wait for is party to get here. I have had a blast at planning it and I can't wait to see how it's going to turn out.

Enjoy your day,

Anna

We Have TEETH!!

Noah now is the proud owner of 8 teeth.

Hello Everyone...

Today we had a great day. We went to have Noah's photo made and.... We waited for our 11:30 appointment until 12:45. Once Noah had really had enough of everything, the lady who took his picture was loud and irritating, and scared him to death. I think her hair was what scared him the most. It was just a flop anyway you look at it. We ended up in Hickory shopping for Noah and Jason. Poor Noah was so tired and give out. We did find his birthday invitations and I can't wait to get them underway. Talk to you soon.

~ASC

The Frazier Reunion

Yesterday was the Frazier reunion... I think they were all there. Thomas, GG, Noah and myself took off and spent the day in the mountains. It was an all day trip and everyone was pretty much tired out afterwards.

Grandma's (GG) mother was a Frazier and her dad was a Wiles. All of G'ma's brothers and sisters were there except Uncle Glen. He was at home with a cold. Freddie and Mary Louise were there with two of their four children and some of their families. Most of Aunt Mary's children were there and all of Aunt Annie's and Uncle Mack's children were accounted for... We had a great time, talked about all of the new additions and the new ones to come. It's so great to be around family and to remember the ones past and present.

Pictures for Grandma Pat

Going off to bed Outside with Daddy
Taking a Bath and my hair is to curly...

CUTE doesn't begin to describe this...

To the Grands

To all the Grand's thank you so much for your love and support. You all mean the world to Jason and myself. Not to mention our "Little Fella"... I apologize for missing Grandparent's Day, there is no excuse, I just didn't get the time at the computer. We think of you as often as we remember our "Angels".

To all of you, "Thank you" and " We love you"

In rememberance of William Ryan Shelton, Charles Nelson Cranford, and Thomas Winford Goins "Our Angels"

My Little Panther!

I have to say...

My parents are always telling me that I talk too much and I guess I do to a certain extent. This week has been very normal for Noah and I. Early to rise and late to bed, I say! G'ma has had a pretty good week so far, we still have some ups and downs here and there but not as often. I don't think anyone could have prepared us for what we have taken on. Mike is with her 'round the clock. (My mother truly has a God send as a husband.) G'ma loves hanging out with Noah and I don't think that she would ever admit to him tiring her out completely. Someone is always at the house for a visit or to bring a pie. It's so great to spend time with her even though it is a day to day change with g'ma. Everyday is a new experience with her that I would not give anything for, even on the tired and hard days.

When I get a little more time I will try to get a few pics on the page. I just haven't had a chance to download them yet. Noah is changing day to day also. He is so alert and ready for anything. All the home health care nurses love him to death. He is such a flirt! But just as cute as he can be... and no I am not saying this just because I am his mother. Everyone tells him! I would have never thought that in TWO months he would be turning 1 YEAR OLD!!! I can't believe how time flies... just yesterday we were at the hospital with our parents waiting for him to get here. He is such a blessing to J and I.

Hello G'ma Pat!!!

I am going to have to keep up with this page a little better. G'ma Pat says that she keeps up with us through Noah's blog page. So we would like to say a BIG HELLO to G'ma PAT!!!

I'am waiting!

Mom and I going to church

Dad and I hanging out...

Me and "MY" Nana

Papaw.... Nana's gonna get you.

What A Day!

Boy, what a day... Noah and I went with Uncle Thomas to the mountains today. Nana and Papaw held a party at the mountain house for G'ma Luc's 82nd Birthday. Everyone from G'ma's family was there I think. We had a really great time with everyone, even some we had not seen in years. I think there were at least 30 people. It was just a blast to watch everyone. We sat out under the tree on blankets and in yard chairs, sipped on lemonade in the hot sun and watched family members talk or play in a game of football. We had more food or should I say deserts than our stomaches could hold. It was just great! Something to remember for a while. Ryan was able to get lots of photos of everyone...

Great News!

Jennifer and Johan .....

HAVE A NIECE!!!

Caroline Brooks Wagner graced us with her presence on August 21, 2008

She weighted a whopping 6 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20 inches long

She was born to Jenn's brother Jeremy and his wife Petie at 3:46 am

Life is such a wonderful thing when you see God's hand at work so close.

Jennifer I have finally updated !!!

I have finally found some time to be able to update our blog page. Jenn has been after me for a couple of days now. This week has been so crazy. G'ma Luc had a DR.'S appointment on Tuesday. Noah, and I have been staying over with her from breakfast 'til supper. Mike has been dealing with getting ready to be out of town for a few days and the exterminators. (at both houses) Thomas has been staying and Jason has been at work. For those of you who don't know Jason is still hunting. Please keep praying.

Hello to everyone!

Today has been BUSY! BUSY! BUSY! We took G'ma Luc to Homecoming at Southside today. Then Aunt Mary and Uncle John came for a visit. Uncle Ryan, Aunt Erin and Lucy McLean were also in for the festivities. We had such a wonderful visit with them but, I think that G'ma Luc will be pretty tired tomorrow. Things are going fairly well for us all with the new adjustment. Just keep us in your prayers. Thanks again.

~Anna

LHS HERE HE COMES!

For those of you who do not know... My husband took classes for 6 weeks this summer at Lenoir-Rhyne College to further his education. What Jason frequently referred to as teacher boot camp. Jason has wanted to become a teacher for sometime now. This afternoon he found out that he will be teaching at Lincolnton High School for the new 2008-2009 school year. God has answered several prayers in one for us. We are so excited and can't wait for Jason to start.

~Anna

G'ma's First Day at Home!

Things went really well today. I thought that G'ma would be really tired today after yesterday and her move back home, but not so. I think she was more lively than all of us. I feel she is more comfortable here at home, as she should be. Pastor Jerrnigan came to visit and a lot of G'ma's family called. I think things are going to be ok after all. It's good to see her cutting up and enjoying herself. Keep her in your prayers.

Love,

Anna

Today

Today G'ma had her home assessment visit. Everything went very well and we hope for her to be home on Wednesday. We truly have a lot ahead of us. Her memory is not what it used to be and she is very stubborned. Things are going to be very different for her and for her caregivers.

Understand that I am no writter, first and formost...
It is very different on my part. Where I am teaching Noah the words "yes" and "no" and what they mean, G'ma already knows them and decides whether or not she wants to abide by them. Some days she remembers who I am and some days I am not so fortunate. I don't know what is harder; knowing there is nothing I can do to fix this or watching her go through this knowing she can't fix it for herself. This is truly something no one can prepare you for or tell you how to address it. All I know is that when she tells me that she loves me and appreciates me, my heart melts because I know that she can remember her emotions at this point. She and my grandpa were always there for my family. I could never imagine being somewhere else when I feel that she and my family need me. I can say that I have learned a lot through all of this and I just hope to instill in Noah the values of family and what they have always meant to me.

Grandpa had one sister who was 10 years older than him. They were never close in age or at the heart. I think that always bothered him, because as Ryan and I grew up he always said Ryan would one day be all that I had of our family. There are times that I wonder if Noah will be an only child or not because Jason and I have not made that decision yet. Grandma on the other hand had 3 brothers and 2 sisters who to this day are still close.

I can't think of what life would be like if I had not had my "Grand" parents. They gave me my mother, who then gave Ryan and I life, so that I could marry the love of my life. Jason has now given me more than I could have ever thought possible. His name is Noah, and I only hope that one day when he has his own family he will remember how he came to be. I don't think that children realize what their parents sacrifice for them until they are a parent themselves.

I ask you who read this to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Grandma is at this point is on a day to day basis with her memory and health.

TODAY!

Today has been very busy. First, Jason was off from work so we got up this morning with Noah. Then we left to go visit G'ma Luc before church as usual. We went to church with Uncle Thomas at Southside Baptist.

After church we left to go back over to the Brian Center and met Nana and Papaw for lunch. Tacos and Tequila seems to be our Sunday hang out with them. Uncle Thomas came with us today, that was a treat. He doesn't usually try new things very well.

We left from there to come home and take a nap so that we could go over to Mimi and Papaw's for supper. Uncle Jeremy and Heather were there too. It was great to be able to see everyone. Uncle Jeremy and Heather have been at the beach for the last week.

Next year we are probably going to take a vacation somewhere, we hope. Last year we did not get to take our yearly trip to Gatlinburg for obvious reasons. (I was giving birth!) No beach trip, I was on bed rest. This summer Noah was too young to be traveling on a 5-6 hour ride.

People just do not understand what it is like to have to pack for an infant! Hope you have enjoyed our Sunday afternoon.

Take care and have a good night for now...

~Anna

Just A Cutie!

Sorry I couldn't resist, Noah had just had his bath. Prior to this we had been playing, and I was trying to capture a pic with his curly hair. Once again, blue eyes? curly hair? Where did they come from?

WATERMELON!!!

Jason could not be more proud of his enormous Florida Giant

"The Farm"

Noah and I went with Jason on Monday to feed at Papaw Harkey's. For those of you who don't know, Papaw has a small farm; chickens, birds, goats, and a donkey named Jim. Noah enjoys staying with them and since they are not here this week we took him for a visit.

Jason feeding the goats!

Noah and Jason hangin' with the goats.

Jason is having to feed "The Farm" this week while Charles and Queeta are on vacation.

Papaw Harkey has about 19 goats however this is only 6 of them.

Doctor's Visit

Yesterday Noah and I spent the morning with Dr. Milroy. Noah was 9 months old on Saturday so he had to go to his routine check-up. Dr. Milroy says that Noah is growing up just right. He is 90% in weight and height and "so close" in the circumference of his head. Since Noah had to wear a helmet his measurements are a little different at this point.

Statistics are as follows

Head: 18.5 cm

Weight: 23 lbs 14oz

Height: 30 inches

Dr. Milroy says that Noah is doing great with everything, and he can't remember when he has seen a happier baby. I can't believe that we are 3 months away from being 1 year old! This year has truly flown by so quickly.

The BIG Day!

Today is Saturday! Noah is 9 Months old!!!

The Cranford Cookout!

Yesterday we went to the park for a cookout with all of Jason's family. We had a blast! It's so nice to be able to see them all together. Especially, when we only see most of them about 3 times a year.

Sydney and Abby get so excited to hold Noah and we found out yesterday that he is half the size of Abby. Everyone seemed to be doing fine. John has a girlfriend. Josh and Hunter seem to be moving along with wedding plans. Grandma Janet seems to be getting along great for her health. Don't know yet when she will be moving in with Joe and Lynda yet. (Soon I think) Jeremy and Heather are still together, much to my sorrow no wedding talk as of yet.

The family goes as follows so if you can see the photos below in the slide show you can pick some out.

Grandma Janet has 3 girls and 1 boy

Lynda (girl 1)

husband: Joe

children: Katie and John

Elaine (girl 2)

husband: Rodney

children: Wendy and Amanda

Wendy has 2 girls Sydney and Abby

Teresa (girl 3)

husband: Ted

children: Chris and Hunter

Hunter is engaged to Josh

and the boy...

Roger

wife: Kathy

children: Jason and Jeremy

I'm married to Jason and Noah is our pride and joy.

Jeremy and Heather are dating.