Poster For the Office

Seven days without a project is just too long. I had to do something crafty or I was going to go nuts. Last night I put Caitlyn in her baby papasan (love that thing) and made this poster while she slept. She is such a good baby. She slept from 10-11 while I was busy crafting, then I took her to bed and she stayed asleep and I didn't hear a peep from her till 4 this morning...I can't believe it!

The poster went to work with Mike this morning. I took a pic for all y'all who don't have the pleasure of visiting Rhino Chiropractic on a normal basis :)

The Cuteness Continues

Smiling for the camera...

The Baby Ain't The Only One Around Here...

I do have 4 other children. Let's talk about them a little!



Maddie lost her OTHER front tooth! Isn't she cute as can be with her gigantic gap? She got one American dollar from the tooth fairy. (In Canada the smallest bill is a $5 so paper money means big bucks to my kids) She was really excited.

Toothless wonder

Oh- have I mentioned that Maddie is OBSESSED with her baby sister?

She asks to hold her all day long.

Today Caleb got to hold Caitlyn all by himself. he did a great job and he was very proud. He wanted her off of his lap seconds after he got her but I thought it was cute that he held her and even smiled so nicely for a photo.

Caleb has been carrying his skateboard around the house and practicing "tricks" on the carpet. He is so funny and he seems so much bigger all of a sudden. Hmm.. I wonder why?

Mikayla and Mailee have been so flexible and understanding the past week. I am thankful for such lovely daughters. They have welcomed Maddie to the backseat of the van and I have not heard any complaining about them being squished. They are loving the gazebo, spending lots of time out on the couch reading and coloring. Seems like they are becoming great friends. I love to hear them chatting in their room before bed.

Today I had the whole house to myself for a few hours while Caitlyn was sleeping. I got caught up on that laundry and a few other things and tonight I am feeling like this household of 7 will survive just fine! That's a great feeling :)

Still On A Mission...

I am still on a mission to get the most out of my new camera. Momshots is a really fun and encouraging site.

Right now she is offering an awesome giveaway that I want SOOOO bad. You know I love all things personalized...well the thought of a fun camera strap just about does me in. In my normal life I might just make my own but in my just-had-a-baby life, well, the sewing machine is not coming out!!! You want one too? Go here and enter to win!!!

So Many Firsts

Our tiny princess has been very busy sleeping and eating but she has managed to experience a few "firsts" in between all that growing...

Not so sure about her first bath...

...or about being wrapped in this silly towel

First "appointment"..at the midwife to be weighed.

Five days old and back to her birth weight! woo hoo!!
She wasn't so sure about being on the scale either.

First time wearing a dress. Isn't she lovely??
(I couldn't figure out how to edit the yellow out of this fantastic photo...any tips?)

Last Week...

Last week I was 53 pounds heavier. Last week Caleb was my baby. Last week I was waddling around, staying up late and making my own hours....

This week is another story :)

We took these pictures in the afternoon the day Caitlyn was born. I told Mike I didn't get any "pregnant pictures" and I really wanted some so in between contractions I smiled for some photos! I love the ones with Maddie and Caleb's hands. So precious!

The laundry

The laundry and the baby are taking over our house :)

Come over and visit if you like...you may have to stand!!

Caitlyn's First Outing

It took a few hours to gather everything, dress the baby, feed the baby, pack the bag, change the baby, get 4 pairs of socks on 4 kids, pack a picnic lunch, feed the baby again, put the bikes in the van, switch around every one's car seats, add a new seat...but finally, we were off on our first family adventure with our new girl!

One small person, a whole lot of stuff!

Wow! She loves the sunshine.

Our Fantastic Five!

(the girls were fighting over who got to hold the baby so she ended up laying in front :)

Sister-girls!

I'm overwhelmed. Honestly, everyone needs something from me all day long, or at least that is how I feel. I feel inadequate to meet every one's needs and stay calm and pleasant all the time. I feel impatient and irritable. Blogging is the only thing I can do with one hand while I nurse the baby. The rest of the house feels like it's falling apart. I should take a photo of that. Ha!

All of that is true and totally real right now but in the bigger scheme of things, I am so blessed! 5 healthy sweet kids. A whole bunch of family here that is filling in the gaps where I can not....The baby will not stay tiny forever, she will grow and be able to get her own socks on one day just like Caleb can. I want to embrace these moments and cherish them before they are gone!

Our Boy Turns Three

Yesterday was Caleb's "real day" (translation- his birthDAY, as opposed to his birthday PARTY day)

When Caleb was born three years ago, we had no idea how a little boy really is so different and how he would change the dynamics of our family so much! He is smart and polite, stubborn and hot tempered yet sweet and caring too. We love our little guy so much!

"it's me birf day. I'm free"

Birthday pancakes!

Wow! New hoodie with holes for my thumbs!

Contemplating what to eat next at his picnic in the park...

Caleb got to go with Daddy and pick out his own helmet to wear with his new skateboard!

Feeling shy.

Caitlyn's Third Day

Our little lady is doing great. She has milk breath which I am convinced is the sweetest smell on earth. She entertains her siblings by hiccuping, sneezing and yawning. She goes from one kid's arms to the next all day long. Here are a few photos in case you have forgotten what she looks like...

More sunshine...midwife says she is a great color, must be all the tanning.

Such a sweetheart!

Teeny Toes!

"Ho hum, I'm so bored of all these photos Mom!!"

Sleeping Angel

Current time is 11:07pm and she is wide awake ready to play.

Not a good sign for a sleepy mommy!

Deck Improvements

Today Mike came home with this lovely gazebo for the deck. With his Dad's help, they put together the gazebo and carried the couch up from the basement. I think we may add the glider to the seating options in here as well. I am so excited to sit on the deck with the baby while the kids play. We ate out dinner outside tonight and it was fantastic! (To the left of the gazebo you can see one chair...there is a table right there along the bench seat.)

Caitlyn's Second Day

Outside with Daddy to get some sun.

Tanning

Mads has been by the baby's side all day. She hands me my water when I'm nursing, she gets the wipes when baby needs a change...she wants to hold or touch Caitlyn at all times!!

Little sweetheart!

Maddie holds her every which way and she seems to like it all!!