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...







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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.

Colson Quotes

Colson: I'm hungry. Would you please be so kind as to give me something to eat?

Me: No. I'm sorry you are hungry and that you didn't eat enough at lunch.

C: I forgive you. [insert pause] So then can I have something?

Me: Still, no.



Me: Colson, you may not take that knife from Lewis. (duh, it's plastic).

Colson: Lewis, may I have that knife? [Lewis turns away] Lewis, don't commit adultery. Don't steal. Lewis?



Colson: Hey Dad, if I were to cut off a bad guys legs with a sword, or a knife, then he wouldn't be able to get me.

Naturally

Ode to that Morning Cup

Who needs an Apron?

If I didn't make this pie, it would be the first time in 4 years to not make a peach pie during peach season. The best way to eat fresh peaches is in a fresh homemade pie, and I look forward to it all year. Even if it was to be a family affair, I had to make at least one of them and when I saw all these pumpkins instead of peaches, I started to get the peach pie itch. Time was running out. But let me tell you, a fresh peach pie will cost you your asthetics when you are making it with a 4 year old boy. But I hope that the asthetics won't matter when I scoop out a piece and top it with vanilla ice cream. Is there any other way?

Thanks KC, for documenting our culinary adventure, and for those of you wanting to see the belly.....here she is in all her glory, and topped with a dusting of flour. ha!

Happy Autumn

**sidenote**It's true that my pregant self was sitting on this twirling monster while KC pushed us to get this shot. Not a small feat, considering the handfulls of kettle corn consumed moments earlier.

Do you see Colson's muddy hand in the photo? It's one of my favorite parts.

Hard at Work; part II

That's it, pick the right tool.



Yes, prior planning prevents poor performance. I've taught you well.



Time to execute:



Lost in his work:

Next Month...

I can officially now say I'm having this baby girl next month. Last night as KC and I shared our coveted evening moments alone we pondered the time. Never before have I been so busy from morning til night. But never before has this Christian walk been so simple and clear. My calling is right before me. I'm never wondering or asking God what His will for me is. It's right in front of me, every minute. There is not much time for much else to compete for the time it takes to take care of and nurture this little troop. But even thought it's so clear to me what I ought to be doing, never before have I felt more incapable and inadequate to fulfill the duties before me everyday.

I am daily striving to simply live out my calling as wife and mother with basic faithfulness to God.

And I love it; There is no place I'd rather be. No doubt, it's also the hardest thing I've ever been called to, but also, the most rewarding. I'm thankful that the time I'm spending on this earth is this rich. It's a story, and the drama, in the hands of the victorious King, makes me able to buckle in and get excited for the ride.

So bring on the baby. I can't wait to get my hands on her.

The Way to Bring Autumn In:

Apple Butter, straight from Mom's kitchen to my little family's heart.

Thanks for your labors Mitch and Mom.

Hard at Work

Colson Quotes +

For about a week or so, I have made a little list of some of the wonderful things that come out of Colson's mouth. It's constant but here is a snippet for you to enjoy and some recent snapshots:

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Colson: The grasshopper disobeyed me.

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Colson: I don't like to sleep in my room at night with the light off. Do you know why I don't like the light off? I don't like that because Jesus tells us to 'walk in the light.'

Me: Good thing you don't sleep walk.

C: What?

Me: Nothing.

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Colson: Mom, Don't you want me to draw you a skull?

Me: Yes, that's exactly what I wanted you to draw for me.

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Colson: Lewis, Sometimes we obey Jesus. And sometimes we disobey Jesus because obeying Jesus is hard. Right Lewis?"

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Here is Colson's backwards 'Z' and his Zebra:

I love these monkeys!