A Closer Look

Behold, Lewis' new do:

This is my life.

Tonight I promised my mother-in-law I would update the blog with some photos. That was before I forgot to get my camera out of the van. Said van is gone to a meeting with Hubby. shoot. There were a few pictures I really wanted to edit and post tonight. I usually edit photos on evenings when KC is at a meeting and my kids are in bed. And I look forward to it. But tonight my camera is gone and 2 of my children are not sleeping...yet.

Regardless, I found some pictures that I am happy to share, and one in particular that I am pleased to have, as I had forgotten about it.

This is Lewis, as you probably know:



This is Lewis, a few days later, with his new big-boy haircut:



After I cut his hair and I saw all his gold locks on the ground I nearly cried. After I stopped looking at his fallen hair, and I looked at my boy with his first real short hair cut, I was so mystified by him. He looks so different with his hair short! His eyes seem bigger, his head seems different, and I can't stop looking at him! Who is this little person, so familiar, yet so different?! I'm getting used to it finally. I like it short, but I also like it floppy. Maybe it's because I just really like him. Lewis makes a heavy heart lighter. He's sweet and funny and full of life.



Speaking of hair, Caroline is in the balding-old-man phase where she's rubbing off all the hair on the back of her head. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. She's such a fabulous baby. Today she rolled over from her front to her back for the first time and she did it 5 times in a row. She loves to engage with eye contact and smiles. I could stare at her all day. She makes having babies seem almost easy. She's a fabulous sleeper and has allowed me to get some rest at night. She is on a great little routine, is flexible, and eats and sleeps great. She's still only 9 lbs at 2 months. Caroline is a wee little thing. I don't think she's destined to be a fat, rolly little baby, but we'll take her. As Colson said yesterday, "Caroline! How sweet she IS!"





Speaking of Colson quotes, last weekend we were at the park and Colson was on the structure with a little girl as her father was close by, keeping an eye on her. She had said she was only 2. KC and I were sitting some distance away, but were close enough to hear the following:

Colson: Do you know God?

Little Park Girl: My name is Fiona.

Colson: I didn't ask what your name is. I asked if you know God!

Little Park Girl: (No response)

Colson: He's the greatest! The most powerful! Almighty!

KC and I were off to the side, just smiling at each other. I wonder what in the world her father was thinking as this random boy was asking her questions about something he's probably never really talked to his daughter about. KC and I were proud. Colson, you are a blessing! It was nothing to him.



On a lighter note, here's another quote from the same day:

Colson: Dad, do you know what?

KC: What?

Colson: I don't like kids that call other kids poop.

Good thinking, Colson. Good thinking.

Colson is a dotter. He is in love with his sister!

Colson: Her eyes are sparkling at me!



This is the look I've been getting from Colson lately. It's usually when he's telling me about some "great" idea he's having. Isn't that the look of somebody who's got fairy tales running through his mind?

This is my life.

Oh, and here's one more picture I thought I could share...because I like it, that's why. And this is for my Mother-in-law, remember. I thought she might like to see her son. He is easy to look at, the handsome man.

Being Daddy

This pictures makes me smile.

30mm; Exposure: (1/50); Aperture: (f/1.4); ISO 400

What a Guy

Exposure: (1/125) Aperture: f/1.4

This kid. He's quite the guy. Colson is not easy to put into words. KC and I are often left with a smile and the phrase: "What a guy."

Cutest Double Chin, Ever.

50mm Exposure: (1/40) Aperture f/2.8

Sabbath Rest

30mm Exposure: (1/30) Aperture: f/2.2

The Children

Caroline is really starting to enjoy interaction. During her wide awake times, all she wants is girl talk. :) She's really making an effort to chime into the conversation by cooing and smiling. It's so sweet.


50mm Exposure: (1/25) Aperture: f/1.8

Lewis is always up for kissing and holding his sister, but the problem is that it only lasts up to about 10 seconds, literally, before he proclaims, "Done!" and shoves her straight up and off of his chest. So instead of holding the camera, I have to be ready to catch a baby. I did manage this one though. I'm so happy that Caroline will have these images to see when she's older of how her big brothers have dotted over her.


30mm Exposure: (1/50) Aperture: f/2.2

And of course, once Colson sees the lovin' going on, he needs to be a part of it. I have some images before this following one was taken where he's squeezing himself in and almost squishing Lewis and Caroline. What little Rumrey munchkins they are, and Caroline is already part of the pack.


30mm Exposure: (1/50) Aperture: f/2.2

**Photographer's note: in the first photo of just Caroline, I had her in front of a big window, but she did not have the direct sun on her. Lighting has everything to do with taking good photos. Notice the catchlights in her eyes. A good thing to start practicing is noticing how eyes capture the light. When you can see catchlights in your subjects eyes, you can count on having good illumination and detail. Also notice the subtle shadow the window light creates on her face. Her nose and the left side of the photo captures nice details that really show off her features. Really pay attention to how the shadows fall and what they reveal about your subject. They say a lot about what you are trying to capture.
Hope that may be helpful.

'09 Family Picture

I know I'm a bit late on this, but Happy New Year and goodbye 2009. It was a great year to be a Rumrey.




(1/80) f/3.2


(1/50) f/4.5

I'm going to start including my exposure and aperture info of my pictures for those of you that may be interested.

A post with no pictures. I've got something better to do...

There is much to be done. Toys scatter the floor. Pictures need to be taken. Dinner needs assembly. A toilet bowl, or two, could use a scrub. But here I sit with a book and a warm cup of coffee, and best of all, a sleeping baby - cheek pressed against my chest, dead-weight of a body, short, steady breathes in pulse against my own. What a gift I have been given: Life. This life, shared. Thank you God.

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?

She's Stealing the Show (or, the blog)

Hope you don't mind me sharing some more pictures of sweet baby Caroline...







width="1024" height="685" alt="Caroline" />

Giving Thanks

Caroline and I did her first photoshoot and boy did she make me work to get some of these shots of her. She's such a dear little thing and we are enjoying her so much. She is still pretty new but is such a content babe. There is nothing like a newborn! I'm having a hard time deciding which ones to post.









Today my heart is so full of thanksgiving for God's provisions, His goodness to us, this family he's placed us in. My cup runs over.

Sweet Caroline: Day 3

There is nothing like a newborn baby. It's altogether intoxicating. She is drunk on milk and the rest of us are drunk on her.

Right when she was born she didn't cry. As I lay in disbelief that she was there in my arms, she just looked around while we drank her in, trying to soak up every little bit of her, as if we were making up for lost time. What magic that moment was.

She has been such a peaceful baby so far. My heart is so full of her and I feel such honor and privledge to be her mama. What a blessing.



I am not the only one smitten with little Caroline. Her daddy takes every opportunity to grab her up and cuddle her in his arms. There is something entirely romantic about a man, particularly my own, holding a babe in his strong hands.



Lewis is pretty much in his own world but is paused in his tracks here and there to come give baby sister a kiss on the head or to hear her make those sweet little baby noises.



Even Spiderman is more than willing to pause his busy schedule to bask in the moments of a new sister. He's been very good with her, and when he talks to her he raises the pitch of his voice. It's beautifuly tender and lovingly proud.

Meet Caroline Grace

Our sweet little girl was born on Monday night. We got to the hospital just after 9 o'clock and she was born at 9:45. I never thought I'd have a birth story like that, but I can't tell you what a sigh of relief it was when they first checked my cervix and I was at 9 centimeters! What I thought would be just the beginning was really just the beginning of the end.

Here she is, just 2 days old.



...more forthcoming.

Stork Report

This is my gorgeous new neice, Lucia. She's only 7 days old in this picture, and she's perfect. I want one. Good thing, right? ha! I've got 2 weeks until I hit my due date.




While I'm blogging, here are some Colson quotes for you.

Colson: I wonder what my baby sister's head looks like.

Me: Me too, Colson.

Colson: I wonder if it's square. Or I think it will be like a circle.

hmmm, not exactly sure what he's imagining here.

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Colson: Mom, would you like to fight me?

Me: Hmmm, not really, no.

Colson: Oh, because you have a baby?
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Today Colson was spiderman. I mean, as in, in costume. In the grocery store. He yelled at a woman. He was just saying "HI!" but she looked frightened. I can't blame her.

Later that day, he ditched spiderman for just his skivies and a dress tie. One can't predict what the next moment will bring. He keeps things exciting around here.



...on that note it's too quite around here for comfort...signing off.