Never Before, But This Time I Cried!

Well, Miss Lydia came into this world on her own time and in her own special way! It was an experience like no other to deliver our first girl at home. There was a special bond for me from birth with my little girl. I am so grateful that she is a part of our family. She has brightened our home. The last 16 months have been quite a journey and little Miss Lydia has truly been a lovely part of it all. Here is a quick snapshot of that time in pictures.

As I lay my little girl down for bed tonight, I wept at the thought of her becoming a big sister; of growing up. I have never done that before with the anticipation of another baby, but that bond with my little girl has been special to me. Our little girl loves to walk and I know those little feet are going to take her places! She cannot be held back, yet she loves to be held! Someday our caterpillar will be a butterfly and fly away. I hope our little princesa loves being a big sister. Lydia is filled with love, and I know she will do great. I look forward to adding another daughter of God to our home. They have an amazing mother to follow. Here's to you Miss Lydia, and to a safe and healthy entry to our Maya Ruth in the morning!

Moving AGAIN!!!

Last Saturday I spent a very hot day at the park while a bunch of men loaded up the old rental home and moved us into a different one. What fine timing at 38.5 weeks in this pregnancy! But, the home we moved into is larger-more suitable for a family our size. Though we will soon have four living children--we are a family of 7. I will always think of the boys room as a room for three--and the pictures displayed will be a reminder that Shane does reside with us in a sense!

The kids had fun--wore themselves thin, but had fun! Let me give you a few memories of the old rental home...you tell me if it's a place you would like to live in!

1. Toads jumping across your feet when you take the trash out late at night while creepy bugs make loud music--still can't figure out what kinda bugs they are!

2. Snakes under trash cans when you go to take the trash can back the following day!

3. Two inch roaches crawling on your ceiling before bedtime and on your tooth brush in the morning.

4. Creatures scratching on your door at night while Daddy's out at work--those were hop in one bed and fall asleep as fast as you can nights!

5. $130 Internet because..."you live in the country now!"

6. $500 electric bill because there is no insulation in the house.

7. Seeing your baby girl who has barely learned to walk fall over a dozen times in one day because the house literally tilts!!! Seriously, the first time I walked into it I felt strangely dizzy!

She learned to walk just fine after awhile, she'll be a marvelous gymnast one day since she began her walking career in a home that required strategic balancing!

We are happy to be in a larger place that feels more like a home. Now...we are praying for Maya to come soon and relieve me of my pregnancy pain! It's been quite a pregnancy with three moves total, 2 brand new careers, uncertainties beyond what we have ever felt before, lots of heartache, and the hope for exquisite joy ahead. I feel closer to Steve, yet weaker (personally) than ever. I have sisters who buoy me up and let me know that I am so strong and admirable...I feel so weak! Yet in our weakness, we shall be made strong, and I trust that. I have a husband who adores me, I am a lucky gal! By the way, I adore him...and pray for the choicest blessings of the Lord to fall upon him. He's been through a lot--I'd say he deserves it! Now, come one Maya Ruth--bring us some light!

Grateful for Simple Pleasures!

Now, Miss Lydia is a simple and precious little pleasure to me...I treasure her as deeply as I have treasured all of my children. I can say that working as much as I have has caused her to adore her Daddy. I would say she favors her Daddy, but I am too weak to make such a bold statement. Or...I'm too emotional to!!!

She got brave at the water park a few days ago and decided to play in the water...a brave move for her! Daddy was washing his feet in the water before we left the park, and Lydia felt the need to do the same thing! Looks like a little Daddy daughter dance to me.

Of course, Aiden just had to show me how much he loved me! (Looks like he's signing I love you--I think it was just coincidence! Although, I am certain that years from now he will claim that he really signed I love you--that's just Aiden's nature--to love!)

See what I mean? Daddy's girl!

Miss Lydia, you will have a little sister to join you in your beauty here soon! What a blessing to have a sister--a best friend for life!

Aiden's FIVE!!!

Well, the big day finally came, and my Angel Aiden turned FIVE!!! He is our little superhero--actually introduced his big brother to superheros! It is innate for him to cuddle and love each and every one of us daily! He has the ability to express a great deal of humility and unselfishness at such a young age!

When Daddy came home from the store on Friday, bearing gifts, it was decided that Aiden could open one that morning. Shortly after Mommy and Connor played with it--it broke. Daddy offered to take it back or get a new toy all together, and with the grin you see above, he gently said, "No Daddy, you already got me a lot of toys!" He hadn't even seen a single present, wrapped or not, from anyone yet.

It took 5 good blows to take out the 5 burning candles!

Can you tell who his best friend is?

Of course, had to get a few shots of the rest of the family.

Even the big old Mama! Connor adores my baby belly! Only 2 weeks to go--I hope!

Some Chuck E. Cheeses action!

Happy Birthday Aiden--We love you soooo much.

Sugar Babies

Check out the sugar granules on Miss Lydia's face and read on!

We had a fabulous day. It started a little lonely with saying goodbye to Steve yet again--knowing that the only thing that lay ahead was me saying goodbye to him all weekend long. Then I got a phone call:

Me: "Hello"

Jane (fake name): "Hi, may I speak to your mother or father?"

Me: "Who's calling?"

Jane: "This is Jane from Premier Electronics"

Me: (chuckle) "You're speaking to the mother of the home!"

We both proceeded to laugh for several minutes talking about how I could get away with a lot!

That turned my day around, and I decided to make a picnic dinner with homemade french bread,peanut butter, cupcakes, and grapes for the kids. Connor was delightfully surprised when he came home!

Aiden and Lydia helped get our dinner ready by using the measuring cups to eat teaspoons full of sugar--Aiden even rolled our bread! AND...because of his awesome cooking skills, I happily helped him clean his room spotless. I am certain Daddy will appreciate that since he is home with them all weekend while I work!

I placed a flower in my hair today to feel pretty....I need it at a plump 35 weeks here! Lydia stared in awe at me, so I said, "Baby, do you want one in your hair?" She nodded her head and followed me to the stash of flowers saying, "Wa wa" for "want one!" She looked so pretty all day, and insisted that I place it back in her hair every time it fell out!

On the way home, Connor told me "This is the funnest day of my life!" I could hear the smile on his face! The best thing about Connor is that I hear that very often from him...and it comes only from quality time--nothing expensive or fancy!

Aiden followed that up by, "I'm keeping this life in my brain!"

Connor: (laughing) "That doesn't make sense Aiden."

Aiden: "Connor, I meant I am keeping this day in my brain forever!"

I love my children!!!

Even with good old peanut butter, homemade bread, and chocolate cupcakes, Miss Lydia decided that the hot weather only required lots and lots of juice. She went to bed a happy girl tonight!