Growing Up

Last night was Hannie's first night without her binky. I expected her to be heartbroken, but she was fine.  Sweet baby girls are growing up. 

Ready for church this morning. She hardly ever removes her "dressy shoes", and prefers dresses to pants. Little lady does her own hair bows during the week, as you've noticed in previous posts. I did her hair for this pic, but before we left for church she secretly added another, larger, blue and pink bow with yellow feathers. That's our sweet Hannie girl.

"I'm the gardener, so I'm cookin' sammiches."

What the girls say about Nathanael: 

Charis: "He's more fun than being pretty!"

Hannah: "He has a blueberry in his belly button." 

Bethany: "Aww, bebe."

We're makin' it, by God's grace. :)

Thanks go to Pop and Granna for their recent visits and help!

Happy milestone birthday to Aunt Cakers tomorrow! We love you!

Survival Week

The goals for this week have been simple: 

1) be kind

2) survive

We've almost made it through our first week home together as a family of 6. We've laughed, we've cried, we've slept in increments of one to two hours at a time. 

Between baby blues days, (I...sniff...can't...sniff...do...sniff...this...SOB)

and moments of realizing "we're really doing it!",

I find myself having survived to the end of the week,

albeit completely exhausted and desperately needing concealer and (waterproof) mascara to look reasonably decent. But it's been a good week, and we're so thankful for this crazy big family!

All three girls adore their baby brother. Charis loves to hold him and put him to sleep, but she also seems to be having some trouble adjusting to all the changes. Hannah loves to hold him, but she is easily distracted by her budding fashion sense (see below) and imaginary play. Bethany says "aww, bebe" and puckers up every time she sees him. 

Here's to a great weekend for all of you!

P.S. We want to thank Granna & Grandaddy and Figgy & Pop for all their help with the girls in the transition from hospital to home. We love you!

7 Years

(I wrote this post on Monday, and it didn't publish.)

Seven years ago today, I married this man: 

He's the greatest man I know, the best friend I'll ever have, a strong and gentle husband and leader, and a better Daddy to our kids than I could ever dream of.  I love you with all my heart, Hubby!

I'm pretty sure we ate dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets for dinner on our anniversary.  That's the beauty of this fleeting season of life.  But what better 7 year anniversary gifts could we ask for than the girls and little Nathanael?!

Day Two

Nathanael's been doing great today, and so far all of his checkups have gone well.  It's nice to have time to snuggle him and get to know each other. I can't wait to get home to my other sweeties and all be together tomorrow!

Mike, Figgy, Pop, and the girls are coming back to visit this evening. I'll try to take more pics!

He got Mommy's crazy hair. It's much cuter on him!

Little Man!

Mike and I came to the hospital this morning for a scheduled induction. Before my doctor began the induction, while I was just on IV fluids and antibiotics, I started feeling contractions. As it turns out, it was real labor, which started while I was waiting to be induced! I'm so thankful, and honestly floored at the Lord's perfect timing. He is so, SO good and full of grace.

Labor progressed quickly with my doctor's help to speed things up.  Without further delay, here's our precious new little man!

Nathanael James 

9 lb, 1 oz

21 inches 

With a cute, wild crop of curly blond hair!

Mike, Figgy, & Pop brought the girls to meet Nathanael this evening. They did great. I miss them so much and can't wait to get back home to them. It's so quiet here!

More pictures forthcoming...