Snuggles

I never let poor Gweny hold the baby. She always asks, but I just don't quite trust her yet. She's a great big sister and loves her little brother more than anything, so she was so excited when I asked if she would snuggle next to him on the bed. The baby doesn't seem to care who is holding him or lying next to him, as long as someone is right there with him. He seemed content and happy with his big sister.

2 Months and Oh So Smiley!

Look how much he has grown in these two short months! We love our little guy!

My Happy Mother's Day!

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day! I love my sweet girls and my baby boy and my wonderful husband so much. Mikayla was so excited to make me breakfast in bed. She really wanted to make eggs for me, but Josh is out-of-town this week. She came into my room late Saturday night and cried because she was so worried about making me breakfast. So, we went to the kitchen and got out the bread and peanut butter. She went to bed so happy and I wondered if she would wake up early enough to make breakfast. We have 9am church and I usually have to wake her up on Sundays. She must have been really, really excited because at about 6 o'clock, I heard her door open and her little feet run down the hall and into the kitchen. I listened to the chair scraping across the floor from the table to the counter and then the rattle and rustle of dishes. I heard the refrigerator door open and close. I listened as she talked quietly to herself and set everything on her little rolling serving tray. Then she began the treacherous journey from the kitchen to my room. Her rolling cart hit a few snags on rugs and other random items that had been left out. She must have filled the cup a little bit too full because she muttered lots of Oh man's and Oops' as she came down the hall. As I pretended to sleep, I heard her creep into my room and stifle an excited giggle as she stood in anticipation of the big moment. I was almost as anxious as she was. Finally, she tapped my shoulder and whispered, "Mommy!" I opened my eyes and she proudly pointed to the tray and yelled, "Happy Mother's Day!" It was the most delicious peanut buttered bread and juice I have ever eaten. She climbed up on my bed and we talked for a long time while I ate my breakfast. I realized a few things during that 45 minute breakfast as I looked at my little Mikayla and watched her facial expressions and listened to her stories and jokes. First of all, she seems to be adjusting well to the baby, but a large part of me realized that perhaps, she's getting a little lost in the shuffle. To be the oldest, the most independent, the one who needs me the least must be a little hard on her. I need to make more time for her and remember that even though she can get herself dressed and put herself to bed, maybe she might want me there with her. Second, I realized how independent and mature she is. It hit me all of sudden. She can do so many things. She tells me that she doesn't need me to walk her all the way to the school doors anymore and that she would like to walk home from the bus stop with the other kids without me there. Everyone says that you should enjoy your children while they are little because it goes so fast. I thought I did that. For five years, I've been watching her grow, watching her learn and I felt like I've been there for all of it. But on Sunday morning, as she chatted with me about how excited she is to eat lunch at school and go on her field trip this week, tears filled my eyes as I realized how big and mature she's become. Where did the time go? All this time, I've been watching with two eyes wide open. So why do I feel like I've missed everything?
I had the happiest of Mother's Day. I loved sitting with my kids in church and hearing Mikayla sing, "Mother, I Love You." I loved Gweny's handprint drawing from Nursery and her sweet little kiss as she gave it to me. I loved holding Lucas close to me, feeling his little breaths and his warm sleepiness. I love my kids. I love being a mom.
I also love my own mother and the wonderful example she is to me. I love my sisters for being such great examples of what a mother should be. Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Happy Mothers Day Merilee!!

As long as I have known my wonderful Merilee, there has always been one thing that she always aspired to. She wanted to be a mother. We have been together for over a decade now and we have 3 great kids to show for it. She got her wish. When most people complain about having to get up with the kids in the middle of the night, Merilee never complains. When most people complain about being pregnant and all the hardships their bodies are going through, Merilee never complains that she has not had the same opportunities as they have. Merilee is more than an amazing woman, she is my hero. I look up to her. I wish that my heart was as pure and good as hers. I wish that I had the same ability to show unconditional love to everyone. I am in awe of my wife. She is beautiful. She is amazing. She is a mother!!!

Happy Mothers Day and I love you with all of my heart.

J.