Jeremy and Beth's Wedding

Payton had the privilege of being a flower girl in Jeremy in Beth's wedding. She's been looking forward to it ever since they asked her back in February. Ella was the other flower girl and Chase the ring bearer. I would have been worried otherwise that she would chicken out, but I knew she would be fine with them up there. Payton and Harper all ready to practice at rehearsal. At this point, Harper didn't quite understand that she wasn't in the wedding also.

Little man came along for the ride. He was about 5.5 weeks here.

The "big" cousins at the rehearsal dinner.

Mommy and her little guy.

Can you say MESS?

The day of the wedding came, and unfortunately, it was pouring down rain for what was going to be an outdoor wedding.

Payton loved following Beth around all day. Bless her, she didn't give her any space.

The rain stopped long enough to wipe down chairs, run outside, and get everything going. Everything turned out so beautiful and we couldn't be more happy for Beth and Jeremy!

Harper has some news!

Harper has some really exciting news to share. The type of news that you're scared to put in writing in fear it might jinx something. 

Our girl is potty trained!

We've known she was ready for a while when she was waking up dry from naps and going long periods of time with a dry diaper. We tried back in July when I was hugely pregnant. After about a day and a half ( and countless accidents) I gave up. I didn't want to rush it before the baby and I told myself she was still young. When Anderson was about 4 weeks old she brought me the diapers and wipes and said, "change me momma." That was it. On September 13, she woke up from her nap and I told her we were out of diapers and she needed to wear panties. I had been preparing her for it all week. She had accidents pretty much all Friday night and Saturday. Finally, Saturday night she went in the potty! We danced, ate treats, had a party complete with party hats, the whole nine yards. Sunday was about 50:50. Monday was about 75% successful. Tuesday morning she told me she needed to go for the very first time. Harper is the child that does not want to be told when to go, so I had been trying to follow her lead and just remind her. We sent her to school Tuesday in panties. She had some accidents that week (and in weeks after) but overall she has been a pro! She truly followed the three day deal and has not looked back sense. Sure, she's had accidents, but she has been so good at telling us. She wet her bed the first two nights and hasn't since. She's been a breeze overall. We are so proud of her, and maybe a little thankful that we are only buying diapers for one :)

Our three angels

These three babies mean the world to us. I speak for both Jonathan and myself in saying that we try not to let a day pass that we take them for granted. Their smiles, their health, the joy they bring us, and yes, even their fits and disobedience. I'm not a good writer, but since this blog is intended mainly for the purpose of capturing our lives as a memory book, I have had so much on my mind lately.

First, I will start by saying that our hearts ache for those families who long to have children. I pray for these couples that I know, and some that I've never met. I can't imagine the void they feel as they long for children, whether biologically or through adoption. Not only have we been blessed with three children, but three healthy children at that. I know that these angels belonged to HIM first. The day we brought Anderson home from the hospital was one of the most emotional days of my life for several reasons. First, just adding another member to our family is enough to make your heart skip a few beats as you bring them to their home where we will live and grow together. Watching the joy on his sisters' faces as we got him out of the car and carried him inside as they realize that he is indeed part of our family now melts a momma's heart. On top of that, we are also aware that he could very well (and most likely) be our last child. While I enjoyed and soaked in every moment with the girls, I knew that I would get to experience it again. The thought of closing this chapter of our lives, and beginning to raise our complete family is both nostalgic and exciting all at the same time. Last, the day we brought him home a dear family in our neighborhood was celebrating the life of their precious six year old that went to be with Jesus all too soon in our Earthly opinions. As we entered the neighborhood to the sight of pink ribbons hanging on each mailbox, neither Jonathan nor myself could speak a word to one another. Of course we ask the question why? Then I ask myself, why am I worthy of these children? Quite honestly, I'm not. We've just been granted the most precious gifts. All this to say, my prayer is that no matter how stressful, difficult, and challenging this stage of life is, I hope to soak in every. single. second. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. My mistakes as a mom far outweigh the things I do right, I just hope to seek God's grace on this journey. 

I hope our babies always know how much they are loved and cherished. I hope that somehow, at the end of this, we have raised children who love the Lord and make a positive impact in this crazy world. Raising children was never said to be easy. I wish I could pause time and soak it in longer, but I can't. Instead, I have to make the most of every minute of every day. While I have found myself super emotional with Anderson and as his newborn days tick away, I look forward  for what is to come also. We are blessed.

Anderson at One Month

The best adjective I can just to describe this sweet boy is chilled. He is such a cuddle bug, rarely ever cries, is so content, and lets his sisters poke, hug, and love all over him. Seriously, he's a great baby.

It's been a great month at home and I like to think that we have adjusted quickly to a family of 5. His big sisters adore him and are the best helpers around. We went to see Dr. Williams last week and I couldn't even think of anything really to discuss with her because everything is going well. His stats were:

Weight: 8 lbs. 3 oz. (8th percentile)

Height: 20.1 in. (3rd percentile...I have to wonder on this since he was supposedly 20 in. at birth)

Head: 14.6 in. (42nd percentile)

Like Dr. Williams said, we just have a little guy on our hands. She wasn't concerned about his weight since he was proportionate with his height. When he was a week old they were a little concerned because he dropped down to 6lbs. 10oz. but in four days had gained 4 oz when we went back. He eats great and isn't spitting up so I guess all is well!

Believe it or not, he actually was a bit fussy with some gas when I took these pictures so they're not the best. I just didn't want to forget to do them. He's finally filling out his newborn clothes now. Right at one month we bumped him to 4 oz. per feeding every 4 hours. Prior to that we were feeding him 3 oz every 3 hours. 

He is such a "talker" with his eyes. He will intently listen to every word that you say when you talk to him. I think his hair on top has started to fall out some in the past week or so.

He's a pretty good sleeper. Just like with Harper, we started him in his crib from night one at home. He sleeps swaddled and has gotten better about putting himself to sleep without someone constantly going in to give him his paci or help soothe him. He generally sleeps about 4 hours, fusses just a little to let me know he's hungry, we feed him, and he's right back to sleep for another 3-4 hours.

He's such a sweet little cuddle bug and can make the funniest faces.

I think since he didn't get a name until he was 2 days old, he has quite a few nicknames. Most popular is baby brother or brother. He also tends to be called little man or man baby by his daddy.

I have been asked quite often this month how different it is with a little boy since we have two girls. I can't say it's much different, we have just had to get used to saying "the kids" instead of always saying "the girls."

Anderson, we are loving having you finally here and trying to soak in ever minute of these newborn days. I wish I could just bottle them up! We love you to pieces sweet boy!

3 Weeks

Our sweet little man.

Preschool 2013-2014

The day after Labor Day the girls had "Meet the Teacher." Payton has been so excited and asking me every day when school would start. We finally made her a countdown chain so that she could grasp how many days it would be. Each morning we took a ring off the chain. We tried a little photo op outside the morning we were heading to meet our teachers.

You can see what Harper thought of it.

Payton's willingness to participate in photos has come so far. It gives me hope that one day Harper will also.

What a big girl!

Harper will be going Tues/Thurs to Mrs. Carmello and Mrs. Matz class. This was the  same classroom and teachers that Payton had last year so she loved showing her around. Harper and I talked a lot about school and had been practicing her teacher's name for a few days. When we went in she turned around to give me and Anderson a hug and kiss bye. I explained to her that we weren't leaving and she could just play for a bit. She made herself right at home in the kitchen pulling out every accessory I do believe.

Payton showing her the stamps.

Mrs. Matz

Mrs. Carmello

Next stop was heading down to Payton's classroom. She will be going 5 days per week. She has several friends in her class so she was ready to get down there and see them all. We met Lindsey on the way in.

Mrs. Etheridge

Mrs. Gard

Payton started school the next day on Wednesday. She was so eager and excited! I pray that her enthusiasm for school continues!

Showing off her big girl back pack that Anderson brought her when he was born. She was so proud!

Waiting to go in the classroom.

All smiles headed in her room!

She was so excited to "check in." 

Harper had her first day the next day. She was so excited and kept saying "school!" I left out that on Wednesday when I took Payton, Harper had a melt down when we walked by her classroom crying, "I want my friends! I want school." This sweet girl was all smiles as well and eager to start her first day!

They may argue some these days, but goodness these girls love each other!

Patiently waiting to enter her classroom. As soon as her teachers opened the door she was ready to run in. There are several kids in her class who haven't ever been in preschool so there were a lot of tears. Not for this big girl! She was ready to go.

Telling Payton bye.

As you can see, she went right back to the stamps. 

I hope that both of the girls have a fantastic year full of learning, friends, and fun!