Read the previous post first...

For some reason blogger didn't like to post my novel of a birth story.
If you want to read it start below and come back after.

So I got back in the tub and the midwives hurried to get prepared. I had been so calm and quiet, other than singing along to my music, that the birth moment came as a surprise to us all.
I didn't feel completely open and relaxed so I continued to hold her head for a couple minutes. Once I felt completely retracted I delivered baby Fiona out and up to my chest.

That moment was one of the most awe filled and natural moments I have had as a mother. It felt exactly like what I should do, there was no second guessing or wondering. It was perfect and beautiful! Fiona gave us some good cries, we finished out the labor process, and cut her chord then we all went to the bed to try and nurse.

She didn't nurse much at all but we got to be skin-to-skin for an hour. Then she got weighed and measured. I got a shower. Then the midwives left. And we got to go back to sleep.

 Fiona slept for 6 hours! During that time the kids woke up. It was so right, to have them just come in to see baby sister. No separation from the situation really. Just waking up one morning and have baby here in the home and family. My parents came and got the kids. They enjoyed a day with grandparents and cousins! And Mommy, Daddy and baby girl got to recover from the four hour blessed interruption to our night.

Looking back at it now, I just love the contrast to how it would've been in a hospital. Mostly the fact that so much time was able to be kept ours- we didn't have to essentially waste 8-12 hours in a hospital. And I got to labor exactly how I wanted and birth exactly how I felt I needed to. There was practically zero stress. There were no interfering hands or words, no suggestions...just confidence in me and my body to do what I had prepared to do. And do it beautifully if I may say so myself. Yes I am a bit smug.

I'm so grateful to have had this experience. So grateful for the joy I find in pregnancy, labor and birth. The majority of my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive and enjoyable. I'm so grateful to be able to welcome my children here with such wonderful anticipation. It truly does bring me joy.

Another beautiful experience from early days of Fiona's life, was having my sweet Aunt come do massage and cranialsacral therapy for Fiona. Watching her hands work and seeing Fiona so completely relaxed and happy was a perfect moment of peace. We definitely needed that time as nursing Fiona was not an easy road to navigate. Lots of hair pin turns and pot holes in that journey. But we came through it. Again, thanks to my Aunt.
Not everything goes smoothly : )

Hello again!

I've been thinking about posting for a while. I'm almost positive no one looks on here anymore but there were a couple of things I wanted to share virtually but not on a Facebook type site...

For one, 

I saw a post about the hours of in school + hours of homework for stressed high schoolers, and it noted that outside of school teens need time to socialize, for correct development. This made me laugh- whenever people have concerns about homeschooling it's Always First about socializing. But this post, that all the comments agreed socializing needed to happen OUTSIDE of school, was commonly accepted and normal. 

So socializing doesn't happen in school, it should happen outside of school...So my kids "socializing" outside of school is in fact normal

but not commonly accepted- ugh
I honestly don't know why homeschooling still gets a bad wrap, it's the way the elite have always been educated- they brought their education to them, tutors and individual interests pursued...sounds like the best should be good enough for everyone.

I guess what people are really concerned about is socialization for my kids, that they should conform to group mentality, but I don't want them to. They are individuals and I want them to think for themselves about how to act. And hopefully I'll guide them in correct/considerate/contributing to society ways.

We live in a Bizarre society!

And two,

Now you know I'm a crazy hippie Mom

 who homeschools , I also like to bake homemade bread for my family rather than buy it, I tend toward a vegan diet- definitely staying away from dairy, and I'm gonna broaden your horizons and make  you aware of even more weirdness....

Chad and I welcomed our fourth child into our family two months ago... that in of itself is becoming extreme to the more of society. But what's even more exciting is Her birth was a homebirth!

 N o w I hadn't ever considered homebirth for myself until about 34 weeks along with this baby. Though all my deliveries have been unmedicated, our experience with our first birth had shown us how Necessary hospitals can be. But my pregnancies and births following were so low risk and uncomplicated that when I heard about my friends experience I was considering homebirth too.

My friend Kristen had had a baby two months before I heard about her homebirth. When she told me her story and how amazing her experience was, I couldn't help but want that for myself, and I started seeing it as a real possibilty for the first time. I'd had cousins and aunts have multiple homebirths but I'd never thought of it as an option for me. Once that changed I was pretty much set on it. I gave Chad veto power but he agreed that if we covered all our obvious concerns then we could do it!

So the hunt for midwives ensued. I have a favorite doula who I have complete confidence in, and an Absolutely divine Aunt who, among her many talents, is a lactation consultant and she's studying to become an infant message therapist with cranialsacral therapy training as well- they were my go-to resources to find a top notch midwife. I googled a few as well. But of course I found the perfect midwife on their recommendations, and plans were made by the time I was 36 weeks.

Now I was prepared to labor unmedicated again. I had done hypnobirthing class and had a goal or vision for how I wanted this birth experience to feel and proceed. My previous births I had vocalized( low decibel and pitch, thank you very much) but this time I wanted a quiet even more peaceful birth. I made a playlist of relaxing songs that I practiced with. I had my big exercise ball to rotate on during contractions. Chad is a wonderful labor support. He so willingly does what I ask.  We have a huge tub, so we planned to fill that for labor , though my heart w asn't set on a waterbirth , I liked having the option.

My labor didn't start until the early morning of my birthday. I was 40 weeks 2 days. Just before 1AM I rolled over uncomfortable and as I tried to adjust, realized I was feeling not just uncomfortable, but labor contractions. I tracked my contractions and they were 5 minutes apart. We thought I might deliver quickly, so after half an hour I texted our midwife. After another half hour and no response to my text, I woke up Chad and let him know I was calling the midwife. After the call we woke up a little more. I got out of bed and we turned on some low lights. I started rotating on my ball, and we just settled in. The midwives( ours brought another along for help) arrived 45 minutes later and started  an iv  for group B strep antibiotics(really our only concern). The midwives checked on baby and my heart rates initially , then checked baby,'sheartrate about every half hour. We started the iv  in bed and finished in the bathroom where wee took it out and I hopped in the tub Chad had filled. The tub was perfect! I was in and out about five times. At the risk of being too graphic, I void a lot during labor, so up and down to the lu happens frequently. We guess that i  did the in and out routine 5 timess, with some intense contractions. I was bracing my legs against the tub during them. Then needed to hop outagain and while above the basin my water broke and simultaneously baby girls head fully descended. I caught her to stop her exit and got back in the tub while the midwives came in.

Still here : )

Today I got to reconnect with a high school friend I probably haven't seen since we graduated. And we mentioned our blogs and how we've abandoned them.
So while I was thinking about it, I thought I'd look mine up again and while I did I felt like posting!!! I hope that makes someone excited ; )

... Since I last wrote we added V( baby girl turns 1 next week) to our family!
And Chad started working as a real estate agent!

I am loving this holiday season! Most of all I enjoy spending time with family, but I love the music, the goodies, the anticipation, the giving hearts, bundling up and turning on the fireplace ( not our own, our parents have nice fireplaces but ours is ventless and stinky, bleh), drinking chocolate,
and lately I am relishing the way my kids love this time of year!
Watching them sing carols and making goodies with them, it all just fills my heart! Today we made homemade marshmallow creme and it was phenomenal and ruined our lunch appetite! We made fudge with it and are going to make cookies from the egg yolks leftover!
Right now Chad's out gift shopping and visiting with the kiddos so I have a minute to dawdle on the computer. I enjoyed catching up with those of you that update your blogs- sorry I'm not good at updating here! While I'm here I wanted to wish all our dear friends a Merry Christmas, may you feel the Saviors love this season. And happy holidays! I hope you all enjoy them!

Happy!

It's been a while since I've experienced a day and then felt like, "hey I should post about this on my blog!" So since today was one of such days I decided I better follow through with it!

Happy Valentines! Usually at our house, we don't make a big deal out of valentines, not much hooplah or pizzaz. Today on the other hand was extraordinary! 

I dont know, as I describe it, if you all will feel the same way, but really its not about how you feel about it. It made me happy!

Let me start  with a bit more background. So a few weeks ago, my Mom and sisters and I decided to make valentines dinner for our hubbies.  We'd been getting together, discussing and decorating for Valentines since the end of January. We got the menu all agreed upon and found great deals on yummy goodness to share with our beloveds. We planned to meet the morning of Valentines to do prep work and gather ingredients, so that the evening of Valentines all we'd need to do was cook it up and enjoy. Really, Mom got it all together and then sent us home to make it; thank you- you truly are the most wonderful mother!

Then this past Monday, Chad told me that (though he'd planned it to be a surprise) he had taken the day off for Valentines! The surprise part kinda fell through when all the things he wanted to schedule with me didn't pan out, and then I was making plans of my own not knowing he'd be home to spend time with. So with this new knowledge we adjusted plans with my Mom, I would get all our dinner fixings the night before and then I could spend the day with Chad. 

Also on Monday, as Chad was looking at the weeks weather, and seeing the large amounts of snow forcasted, he voiced a wish to go skiing. Now, I'm not much of a skier. It's probably been 10 years, judging by the dust on my  skis, since I've touched a slope, but I thought, "hey what a good idea, I'd much rather go do something fun together- 

that I  know he'll enjoy, then try and think up a romantic something." 

So we planned out our Valentines Day. And it was fabulous!

Last night the prep work got all done, including some cleaning around the house, so we didn't have much to hassle us today. We got the kids in order and packed all our ski gear up. Chad's parents were so wonderful and willing to watch the kids for the afternoon, while we hit the slopes. We spent a few hours at their home before skiing. It's always so nice to visit them and Chad and I just enjoyed hanging out and relaxing a bit. Then off to the resort!

We had a beautiful drive up the canyon, just a bit of rain near the top. Then we parked and got all our gear on. We went and got our tickets and then as we tried to put on our skis, I found that my bindings had been moved like 3 inches back too far! Nothing like having a man who's quick to fix-it, Chad found a screw driver and what, for a second seemed to me a deal breaker, became a good joke from our skiing experience. 

Now I have to admit that I was fairly comfortable in my skis... it was my boots that were an issue. I probably complained a time or two about how tight they were, but I survived. I took a few tumbles but Chad gave me good advice and after fixing my form I could manage a lot easier. We took 3 runs down the slopes and they were so fun! I loved the exhilaration of the speed, the biting wind and snow, the chance to regroup and relax on the chair lifts, being somewhere having fun with my love!

We didn't ski side by side or have a constant conversation going on, but we knew the whole time that we were each having a great time! I felt such a joy in knowing that Chad was doing something he enjoyed and I got to be there watching him and participating with him! I had so much fun, I did have my issues but overall it was such a positive, marriage strengthening time that I cant begrudge the troubles.

Dinner was so fun too! Chad helped me cook it up and though we made messes and... some smoke : ) 

it was so yummy and so enjoyable! The desserts my Mom made, are still making my mouth water! 

Goodness, I just feel so contented and happy with this day! With our life! 

and you know what I think made the difference for me this year, more than ever before? I wanted today to be about Chad and our marriage. Not about me, or how he shows his love for me, I wanted him to feel the love! And you know what, I felt it too!

 Just as our leaders and prophets tell us, love is selfless, 

and when it is sefless, its true! I'm learning a bit about that truth. I have a lot more to learn but today was a fabulous example for me of how I can change my perspective and attitude about love, and how doing so blesses me.

I hope you all felt loved today!

i made these chocolate strawberry hearts for Chad

us on the slopes!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas 

The Snow Family 2013

Chad Emily Camilla and Patrick

 I decided to update my blog rather than send out Christmas cards! So here's a years worth of update for you!
Chad's year has been good. He rode with a 10 man team in the Saints to Sinners bike race again this past July. In their category they placed first! So he has more trophy's for our future wall of fame! He's starting to get a bit more serious about biking and wants to get a new bike with all the bells and whistles! He got a promotion at 3-form, and he still enjoys the people he works with there! He's also been studying up on real estate, so if you're ever on the hunt look him up!
Emily's year was full of laughs with Camilla and Patrick! I stay home and get to be with my two little ones through all our ups and downs. I attempted to do some serious singing this summer and was successful in helping my kids memorize some hymns and vocalizes, but other than that just got to enjoy some fun singing! This holiday season I was asked to play my cello in church, so after about 10 years I dusted off my skills and after a week of soreness, I'm still pretty rusty, but enjoying it all the same! Other than those few things, I have tried to be more creative, not read too much for myself but more with my kids, and continue to love making and eating too many desserts!

Camilla turned 3 this year! Her little mind amazes us with what it comes up with and we constantly find ourselves speechless by her memory! She still loves to greet everyone and know everyone's name. She's a singer, in nursery she asks to sing the same two songs every week- I Am A Child of God and I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus. She loves nursery, but this month has been transitioning into primary and this last week she got to say the closing prayer, and she expressed how grateful she was to soon be a sunbeam! She's a great swimmer and loves to play in the pool! She found a love of 4-wheeling this autumn, her Snow Grandparents have a kid size low speed one that she zips around their yard in! She is a persistent little bugger and knows how to wrap us around her finger! She still gives the sweetest kisses and is a great big sister to Patrick.

Patrick's almost 2 (on December 31st)! He's learning to talk and his little voice and sayings crack me up! His version of yes is "Da," so he's our little Russian boy. He pretty much follows Camilla's every step, but is also a very independent player. We love seeing him break out and do his own thing! He loves being read to and that's about the only time he'll sit still! He's a great helper and is always willing to put things away. Like his Mom and sister, he loves to sing and dance, but he'd rather not play prince and ballroom dance, he's more of a freestyle soul. Also like Mom and  Camilla, he loves to swim and would play all day in the tub if we let him! He is a snuggler and we hope that never changes!

Disneyland in March

New house in March

New Year

Bear with me I have a lot to catch up on....

So Patrick is 1!!!! His New Years Eve birthday was filled with fun and family and fabulous weather! I'd love to share photos but my pc is not hip enough to get photos off my ipad.
He thoroughly enjoyed his first cake ball! And all the attention, the new toys weren't half bad either!

Spur of the moment we decided to be house hunters and happened to find an amazing house that is perfect for us. So we got with our favorite realtor and put an offer in the end of February. Got accepted and put our house on the market the first of March. 3 days later we were under contract for our old house and we're moving a bit closer to my parents in a little less than half an hour(j/k, couldnt resist finishing the quote once I got started)...two weeks. I am SO excited! I am basking in the idea of so much more space and a more permanent settled situation! We've been told by inside sources that the area is the best, or at least pretty wonderful. We might need to invest in some 4 wheel drive vehicles to reach home in the winter, and Mobi will need a fence, but otherwise this whole package is the perfect fit!
So we're moving from 3 bed 1 bath, to 6 bed 3 bath and several other rooms that I have yet to encounter in married life. I tell ya, its an amazing feeling to move from the village to a starter home, and then buy a starter home then a family home. The change in perspective is liberating! I cant wait to live there and raise our family there. I keep thinking what a wonderful thing it is that I have a hubby who feels like a realtor in his spare time, otherwise we might've missed out on this amazing experience!

We decided to do one huge celebration this March instead of 3, for birthdays and anniversary. It just happened to coincide with a discount rate to Disneyland, so that's where we celebrated! My Mom joined us in Chad's parents "perfect for travel" vehicle and off we went. We stayed a few days in St George at the
Snow family condo. Camilla loved going to the "condo."  We went to the crack and enjoyed the clubhouse.
Then off to Anaheim. We stayed with family friends (Thanks again!) and spent our days thrilling it up in the happiest place on earth. Camilla's favorites were Ariels Underwater Adventure, which was a new ride to all but my Mom, and getting pictures with all the characters. My favorites were World of Color and of course Soarin over California (will always be a favorite!), and the child care centers- what a perfect retreat they are! Chad's favorites were getting a kiss from Minnie ; ), and World of Color. Patrick enjoyed the Heimlich ride, or so I'm told- my Mom took him on it while Chad and I did all the Cars land fun. Just for information, the Radiator Springs Racers are super cute and a fun ride but not worth the wait, if you're planning to go this year or next I recommend the single rider line or at least fast pass.
I wore my vibrams through Disneyland which my hips thanked me for but my feet sure took a beating. I thought that I'd take a chance and wear regular shoes for a couple hours and within that time I got several blisters and tired hips! I started doubting my vibrams toward the end of the days but they truly are lifesavers!
Before we headed home we spent a morning at the beach. Patrick took all of 2 minutes to warm up to the idea, but Camilla was a lot more sceptical. The sand, sound of the waves, and temperature of the water all received her disapproval for a good 20 minutes. Then she dipped a toe and started burying everyones feet in the sand. We had a fabulous trip and I wish we could go again soon, but realize these memories will probably have to do me for several years!
So to update- Chad is 30!
Camilla is 3! and we've been married 6 years!

beach day!

the crack!

Fairy Godmother

Tigger!

Goofy

Tiana

Mulan

Snow White

Merida

Playin in the sand

Family on the beach!

readin with Daddy back at home!

2013-03-17

Click here to view these pictures larger

It's Beginning to

Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!!

I was so excited with the huge storm we got a month or so ago, lately it's been pretty brown and warm, but I still look forward to this Christmas season! Maybe next weeks storms will end up getting the season started on the white foot.
Even if there's no white Christmas, our house is all festive, we listen to Christmas music, and anticipate Christmas concerts and spending lots of time with family! Here's some of our Christmas cheer to share with you!

our little elf

we have this fake tree and a great real tree too! notice the lack of ornaments around the bottom...

this was at Thanksgiving at my parents, just too cute to leave out of this post!

This display case/ entertainment system was given to us by my fabulous in-laws. It is beautiful and we love it in our front room!

The finished product

So it took us a few months to get all the little details put together but now we're done! It's just about the best lookin house around! Guess the next project is the yard...

And here's how the kiddos have grown

Enjoy the view!

Apparently we're crazy.

I believe all our family will agree.

You see, we decided to paint the exterior of our house on our own- not hire someone to do it.

Thus the whole family was coerced into slave labor to help us accomplish our crazy goal!

So after 5 days of intense physical labor, our tired old sad house looks beautiful fresh clean and young again!

We still have little details to finish(shutters and stuff) but the main event is over.

We feel an incredible debt of gratitude to our families, we can never thank you all enough.

I'll let the pics do the rest of the talking.

Before...

After...

Tag you're it

Blogging has become one of those things I think about doing and never get around to doing.

So I'm trying to make up for it by posting.

The highlights:

I turned 25 in June.

Patrick is now 7 months old

We went to lagoon with Chad's work. It was fun, hot... Camilla loved it and went on a few rides on her own and with Chad and the merry-go-round with me.

Chad had an ER visit following a bike crash. His right hip and hand were really torn up but otherwise he was mostly fine(road burn on his left hand and chest). He got 7 stitches to fix up his hand.

2 weeks after his crash Chad joined his work team to win a bike race from here to sin city!

2 of my sisters-in-law, Patrick and I went to pick him up when he finished, it was a fun quick trip to break up the normality of our summer.

Patrick has cut his first tooth, a second to follow shortly. He says Dadadad and rolls to get where he wants to go. He's a solid guy, not chubby or rolly but definitely big. He's also just about the most adorable thing out there; when he gets excited, his whole body starts movin, and I just cant help but want to grab him and kiss him all over all day long!

Camilla is constantly making us laugh with her adorable phrases; "Hey guys, check this out!""I hold you me?" She's doing well with potty training at the moment, knock on wood! She loves the free play set we found in our neighborhood in June. It has a tramp, see-saw,2 swings, and a slide.

We are loving watching the Olympics and mourn its end tomorrow. What an amazing event our world joins together to create! I am always impressed with the countries that are represented and of course by the athletes themselves- what they're capable of is truly remarkable. Isnt it crazy that records are made and broken every year? When do we ever meet our full potential?

Swimming has been a joy in this heat! Camilla started "swimming" to Chad on her own. She jumps off the kid's step and floats(maybe with a couple kicks) to him while holding her breath. Its so fun to watch her be so comfortable in the water! Her backfloats are hit-and-miss still but she loves the water so much that I really have no worries about how she'll progress skill wise. Patrick just kicks and splashes the second his toes hit the water! He loves the water too. Yay for water babies!

We plan to paint the outside of our house this weekend! The yellow will retire and green will replace it! The trim will be refreshed and we'll darken up the door and shutters! I think it's gonna feel and look like a bran new house, I certainly hope it does. I'm kinda tired of looking like the sore thumb on our street.

Now for the pics

yummy peaches!

hail the conquering heroall clean!
wahoo for amusement parks!

A Fun Evening

Tonight we went to the grand opening of our Millcreek Community Center! It is amazing! The floor plan is open and fun. I loved the library, of course, and the toddler section is perfect. I cant wait to take Camilla over for storytimes and this fun reptile touch&hold activity at the end of the month! I am just feeling so blessed to have such an awesome community center just down the street! And no more having to drive over to the holliday library!

Out of Office

Blogging's been on the back burner for quite a while, so let me try to catch you up on our adventures.

In March Camilla turned 2, Chad turned 29 and we rejoiced in our 5th year of marriage! We had wonderful get togethers and celebrations for each event. Chad even stayed home from work the friday before our anniversary, which was absolutely fabulous!

Something not quite so fabulous but which I still enjoyed( this will sound funny) was that Chad stayed home from work yesterday, because he was sick. I love having him here with me even if really all he's doing is resting in bed. It's just so nice to be all together. Apparently Chad got his bug from Camilla who was sick a few days before. Hopefully the spreading stops there...

Patrick is now 3months old and feels and seems bigger everyday. So far he's a pretty solid little guy, no tank by any means but he holds his own when Camilla's trying to pick him up. Last measure = he's more than half the weight of Camilla and almost half of Mobi! He is still such a smiley little guy and one of our favorite things about his grins is the grin he gives when he gets what he wants- he will lie in his bed talking and when your face comes into view he gives this grin like, Ha you heard me and I got you to come get me! I also love when he pushes his blankets up past his nose, and then when you pull them down to take a peak, he grins!

We loved conference weekend! My sister and I agreed that its like a stay-cation with more than just relaxation benefits! I loved having the words of the prophets penetrating my mind and heart all weekend and letting the glorious music uplift my soul ( Anytime the Tab Choir sings Come Thou Font, I feel like the angels sing along and every soul listening as well).

I so didnt want it to end! When the last session was coming to a close I felt so disappointed! I loved so many of the messages shared and learned so many good things. I needed the reminders to have a good attitude and depend on the Lord. I feel strengthened and renewed and still am trying to apply the things that I heard that I know I need to do better.

It snowed today! I love snow, really I do, but I was getting used to being warm and I truly miss it.

Yesterday I tried something, something that I thought I'd never voluntarily do after playing soccer at age 8.

I ran.

I thought that it'd be a good experiment and so with Chad home yesterday, I put Camilla in the stroller, let Mobi emerge from the back yard and we walked up our street then ran down it. At the time it felt good and even all evening I didnt regret it. Today's a different story, every ache I have, I'm blaming on it. My back, right hip, right knee and calf are all mad at me. and I cant blame them,

Running?

What was I thinking?

love yall!

Toddlers are Funny

So the other day, before the cold front blew in, we spent most the day outside and loved it! Even when Chad got home from work it was still nice outside so we all went out together. As we're playing, Chad points out the moon to Camilla and she says, "Ball! I get it!" And then she walks over "closer" to the moon and reaches up like she's gonna grab it and give it to Daddy. Chad and I loved it, and I knew that I had to record this moment and share it with all of you!

short and sweet

Thought I'd follow up my last post with a short one, since that's what it was first intended to be.

Here we go

I was playing with Camilla and also dodging super slobbery kisses, when I stopped myself. I realized that I'd been wishing I were sitting alone reading and not really enjoying those kisses.

I told myself to live in the moment and enjoy myself. All too soon that little girl is not gonna prefer to play with me and I'll be chasing her down for all those kisses she gladly bestows now. I changed my perspective and didnt wipe off my wet cheeks! I love being a mom!

she loves her milkshakes!

and her baby brother!

sweet but not short

Just wanted to share with the world how disappointed I am in new TV shows. I know I shouldnt get my hopes up but I do- I wanted Smash to be this awesome show about the awesomeness of Broadway, with fun dancing, music, singing, and I got a sex-scene in each episode. Yuk.

But really, now that I know its not worth watching,

I can do something worth while instead of wasting my time watching TV. good intentions right?

Ok sorry for the complaint, now that that's over with:

Patrick is getting so big- I'm amazed at how much my little 7 and a half week old has changed! His face has filled out a ton- it helped that he gained a pound a week the first few weeks! He's so smiley! I love when he looks up and just grins! I could tell a couple weeks ago, when he first started random grinning, that he'd melt my heart once he knew why he was grinning and who he was smiling at! And he does! He's started grabbing more, I love seeing his little fingers holding his blankets. He's talking a lot too! Even with his mouth full- silly boy! and last night he slept for 6 hours! I never guessed how amazing it would be to have two kids, yes its hard, but such a blessing and sometimes so heartwarming too! I just cant help loving my little guy- I always have and always will!

Camilla is learning how to be a good big sister, slowly. She loves giving him slobbery kisses and touching his face, hands, and feet. She wants to hold him and be involved in everything concerning him. She's a great little helper still but she's learning that she can get away with stuff. She loves to color and so far has kept it mostly to paper. She likes playing with her playdough and helping mommy cook. She loves playing with Mobi outside and always tries to get him running with her, she loves to give him commands too- Mobi Come, sit, stay, shush! so funny!

She is constantly Singing! I love it! Times when I expect toddlers to be upset (past bedtime driving home, putting her down for her nap, boredom), she's singing the sweetest little ditties. The other day she grabbed our smaller ottoman, one of her colored-on papers, climbed up and started singing- holding her paper in one hand and waving the other in the air! I was laughing so hard! (I have to hide my camera or else she stops what ever she's doing so she can see the picture I havent taken yet...)

I love when she cuddles up to me, as if to say, now its my "mommy time." She still gives the sweetest hugs and lately super wet kisses (she's decided there's no need to close her mouth when she dives in for a kiss, blegh!) I love my little girl, who's growing up so fast!

Chad and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I am so blessed to be his wife! We made dinner together and just enjoyed the fact that we have each other, a wonderful home and family. He got me a beautiful rose and yummy tray of goodies(cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries and waffles)! He is the man of my dreams, I love everything about him, and being married to him brings me joy every day! Thank you for a romantic and happy valentines day my Love!

We're also going on a fun date this weekend, I cant wait to get out, be together and laugh together!

Happy New Year

Sorry its been so long! I guess I was busy or something, so here's to trying to catch you all up on our life. This is a picture of my Bro getting back from army basic training! It was so great to have him home for a few weeks!

This is a peak at our christmas. Camilla loves her booster seat, she enjoyed opening her gifts and Mobi loved helping out with the bows. We love our new bed and bed set and Camilla really enjoys her cozy coupe, tent, and dolls! We had a wonderful Christmas season, filled with lots of time together and with our families!

And now the BIG NEWS!!!! Patrick has joined our family! He came a week and a half early on the 31st! His birth went well and we're both really healthy- which is a great experience! He weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was 20 inches long, so his little limbs are sticks and his torso is so skinny! He's a sweet little guy, who seems to be fine with just about anything, he gets upset and d0esnt hesitate to scream, but mostly he's calm and asleep actually.

Chad took last week off work so we all got to spend time together welcoming Patrick into our family. It was wonderful, and we miss him this week! Camilla seems o.k. with it for now. She's mostly gentle with her baby brother, but she gets frustrated when we dont satisfy her needs quite as readily as we used to. She does give him the sweetest kisses though!