At the Grocery Store.

At the grocery store everyone stops to admire the new baby...


until they see the four year old boy...

hmmmmm, I wonder why. ha!

Anticipation of a Birth Story (of sorts)

I know this is old news. I mean, she's 8 weeks old already. But I thought this was something I could share. The night I went into labor with Caroline, as I was waiting to see if it were the real deal or if it would prove to be a false alarm, I wrote some of my experience from the day. I couldn't finish as contractions became too strong, but I thought I'd share with you, my reflections on the day and anticipating the birth of our daughter.

Will you rest safe in my arms tonight? Will I feel your new, damp and naked body against my chest, your lungs filling with oxygen for the first time, your eyes opened to the world you will grow to know? Will I get to look into your eyes and hear your voice tonight, the`first of so much more? Here I am, a fruit tree, ripe and ready for the picking, ready to be called mama by another, my daughter.

I have felt the squeeze of labor all evening - this painful pulse –this growing groaning from within.

Walking this afternoon, down to the park we usually avoid, the boys make their rounds: up the play structure, down the slide, up the structure, down the slide, up and down, up and down they go as I, likewise, walk. ‘Round and ‘round, keeping up the movement, anticipating your arrival. And the pain comes in and out, taking my breath away, building, my heart beats stonger as I enter a world out of my control. I am an ocean: peace accosted by the power and pulse of wave, my body squeezes, in and out, in and out the pain and power builds and crashes. And I am taken.

I stopped writing to call KC home from a meeting and call the midwife. KC was home right away and called a friend to watch the boys (thanks, Gina!) and we headed to the hospital. We arrived in time to answer a few questions, sign a paper (or two), and deliver our daughter, Caroline Grace.

When she was born, It took her quite some time before we heard her cry. She was so peaceful and wide awake as I held her against my chest, staring at her for a long time. This has foreshadowed her personality even still as she is very calm, easily soothed, content, and exudes peace.

Giving birth is among the most incredible experiences I will ever know. I feel it is such a privilege to carry these children; a great and overwhelming responsibility and gift. Already, meeting Caroline has enriched our lives abundantly. And to think this is only the beginning.

I almost forgot one

Colson: Would you be sad if I was killed by a Philistine?

Of Fairy Tales, Star Wars, and Corn Dogs, Of Course.

There is something about finding humor in my children that helps me to love on them more. When I am unable to see the humor and delight in them, I'm unable to be patient and gracious. For me, seeing the humor in their little quirks and quotes is crucial to not being a long-faced mother. Heaven forbid! I know it happens, God forgive me as that's the last thing I want for them.

Hence, the Colson quotes and writings of their funny little personalities. Isn't our God a playful God to write the stories of children? They are so....unconventional! So bear with me as I share these things with you all, these things that keep me cheerful with the knee-high population dwelling amongst us.

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Colson saw me after I was ready for church on Sunday and proclaimed: "You look beautiful! More beautiful than the Wicked Queen! (gasp) But that's ok. Because she's not here. You won't be killed."

Isn't it funny how children's minds are caught up in fairy tales and stories? I need more of this in my own life. The children's stories are good for me too!

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Colson: I'm glad baby sister is born now. She looks like she loves me.


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Colson: Good job drinking baby sister. Good job. You have another one right here for you to have.

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Me: Question, Colson. Would you like cereal or bagel for breakfast?

Colson: How about corn dogs?

Really, corn dogs? What is a mother to do?

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And finally a quote from Lewis and Caroline.

Caroline: waaaahhhh, waaaaaaahhhhh, waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh! ect.

Lewis: Bebe, no, bebe

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Lewis, oh Lewis, he is still so much a baby. He loves to cuddle up with "Mama" and "Dada". He doesn't talk much yet, words here and there and gibberish followed my a knowing look, as if he's carrying on a very serious conversation. He follows his brother around with star wars figures and a light saber and can wield that thing impressively for his little stature. He's altogether cute. He loves playing with anything ball and is doing an impressive job staying clear from our christmas tree bulbs. He saw one break; maybe the sharp edges were enough to scare him away. He out eats his brother, both in quantity and in speed. He loves his food, although he's such a little peanut you'd never know it. He's taking to his sister well and likes to kiss her sweetly on the head. He also likes to steal her paci and put it in his own mouth, although he never did like one himself as a babe. He gets so excited when he eats his daily gummy bear vitamin or gets to see his Papa or Grandpa and lets you know it with a hearty "YEAH!!!!"



Everyone told me he would seem this way, and they were right. He did seem HUGE after holding and caring for little Caroline. But when I step back and look at him toddling around, he's still so very tender and little, in need of lots of lovin' and attention. And I'm happy to give it, except when it's time to get ready for church on Sunday mornings. Thank you baby einstein for allowing me to get ready for church each Sunday.



And now my rambling shall come to a halt.

this is happiness

We're a happy clan. There is a whole lotta lovin' goin' on in our home right now. Maybe it's the plummeting hormones, maybe it's because I haven't cooked since the pancakes the night bebe was born, maybe it was the 2 weeks off work for KC, thanksgiving and the anticipation of Christmas, maybe it's Caroline! maybe it's not having to wear my maternity clothes any more, maybe it's the fact that I took my GIRL to a tea party today, maybe it's because as I type the men of the house are wresting and we're listening to Joni Mitchell. Does it get better than Joni Mitchell's Blue album? All I know is that God is good to us; I'm so thankful.

Here's baby sister's debut with her eyes open. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying being able to doll her up in girly accessories and outfits. It definitely puts the tomboy in me to shame.




So far we've heard that she looks a bit like Colson, but it's hard for me to see resemblances at this point. It will be fun to watch her develop.


I mean, who wouldn't be a happy mama when you get lovin' on like this:


and this:


And a daddy like this:


At thanksgiving we shot my brothers hunting rifle. sorry people, i don't remember what kind it is, although my brother gave me all the details pertaining to which model and type it is. woops. there are just some things a woman doesn't care much about. so we all had fun blowing up a cinder blocks and pumpkins. Hey, I was born in Southeast Idaho, what do you expect? Here is Colson looking through the scope.


And here is my adorable nephew Solomon, just for more cuteness factor:

Colson Quotes

This boy is so excited about his baby sister. He's constantly talking about her or to her. He raises the tone of his voice when he speaks to her, and he says the sweetest things, all the time, about how precious she is, and how beautiful she is. Seriously, when he's holding her, it's the only time it's not difficult for him to be sitting still.

Because of her birth, we've been hearing some hilarious Colson quotes. Here are a couple I've written down:

"If someone shot her, I would throw them to the wild beasts of the earth."

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"She looks as pretty as night and day. She looks as the sun shoots across the sky with beauty" - Where does he come up with this stuff?!?

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Do you know how we can play hide and seek with baby sister? We can burst your belly open and put baby sister inside. Then we can go to the doctor and she can fix it. and we can come home and I can count! Then I can find her in your belly!

Wouldn't that be a great idea?

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And here's one from dialogue with Lewis:

Lewis: blah, blah, blah.....

Colson: What Lewis?

Lewis: blah, blah, blah...

Colson: What Lewis? Babel? The Tower of Babel? Are you talking about the Tower of Babel?