Special Day

 Yesterday was C's Blessing Day.  Here in AZ baby blessings tend to be big family affairs due to lots of extended family in the area.  Since our family is spread out all over the country I thought I'd post these pics so you can be here "virtually."  We loved having my parents here, and feel so grateful for our sweet baby.

Feeling Loved

Today is C's 4 week "birthday" and tonight I will be making dinner for the first time since her birth -- actually since before her birth since my mom insisted I stay out of the kitchen as soon as she and my dad got into town.  My parents were SO wonderful and helpful while they were here for 2 1/2 weeks, and I have to admit I felt overwhelmed as they pulled out of town.  Then to my surprise, we started receiving nightly dinners.  I have felt so loved by the outpouring of friends (and meals) that have made their way to our door this month!  I'm blogging this to say thank you and also as a reminder to myself of the lesson I have learned this month.  That is, to be more aware of others and to remember that even what I might consider a simple dinner could be so appreciated by someone in need.  We have been given elaborate meals (note the baby cookies), and also what friends have called "simple" meals, but honestly we have loved every one!  Thank you, thank you to everyone -- and especially to my dear friend Tina who took it upon herself to arrange it all!

Growing . . .

C seems to be getting SO big - 3 1/2 weeks has flow by!  The first time we gave her tummy time at 3 weeks she rolled herself back over onto her back TWICE!  But, it was a fluke and she hasn't been able to do it again - thankfully:)  We sure love her!!

Happy Halloween

She's Here!!

Miss Chloe has arrived!  We are so thrilled to have her here healthy and beautiful!  Getting her here (the labor) was surprisingly long and hard for being our 5th, but she's so worth it!

A Big Day

Today was a big day for our E -- she turned TWELVE and entered the Young Women's Program at church.  It was happy and emotional.  I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming!  Here are TWELVE things that I especially enjoy about her (in no particular order) --

1 - I love that in this modern age her biggest birthday wish was to get a crafting center for her room -- she is so creative!
2- I love that she has the same passion for reading as I do and that we can share books and get into series together!
3 - I love that she is SO very excited for Miss Chloe to arrive -- even though that means often poking my tummy to awaken the little babe.
4- I love that she is sporty -- I never was and always wished I could be more sporty.  I love watching her play volleyball and ski and run and just go out and try new things.
5 - I love that she doesn't feel the need to conform to others' ideas of what is right or cool.
6- I love that she is a hard worker.  She sets goals for herself and then works hard to meet them.
7 - I love that she enjoys shopping -- we could literally spend hours shopping together and never get tired -- if only we could do it more often:)
8 - It makes me smile that she grosses out at soggy bread just like her Aunt Jen :)
9 - I love that she is so helpful around the house!
10 - I love that she is old enough to babysit now!!  Ah, the freedom -- I don't have to clean the house now before picking up the babysitter every Friday night:)
11 - I love her laugh -- I can pick it out a mile away.  Well, maybe not a mile, but I was at the school last week and before I could see her I could hear her laughing!
12 - I love her beautiful eyes - the windows to her soul!

Finally, my turn!

My little S has waited for 4 weeks now as her siblings have gone off to school each day.  This week she finally got her turn!  She started at "Sister Jackson's Preschool" (as all the older kids call it -- they all went when they were younger).  She LOVED it!  She cried the next day when it wasn't her turn to go.  I'm so proud of her -- I wasn't sure how she'd do because she didn't know anyone else who would be attending.  But she went in happily and started making new friends right away.  She's growing up!!

Here she is outside her preschool just waiting to go in!