An Evenings Reflection

I just realized tonight, when I noticed that Ezra had lost his pacifier and was trying to suck his thumb, that my little girl doesn't really suck her thumb anymore. Now although in the long run this is a good thing (I can remember all the "remedies" my mom tried to get me to quit) it made me a little sad. She is growing up so quickly and becoming such a little girl and almost all the toddler is gone. I work at enjoying all the times I have of rocking Ezra and just holding him because I am realizing how fleeting that time is. So although the cleaning may not get done or I may lose sleep I remind myself it is all worth it and I try to soak up everything that goes with those moments--the sniffly sounds, the little cries, the deep breathing, that great baby smell, the feel of their skin. I pray it stays in my memory forever. It is so difficult to remind myself to slow down and enjoy each stage of my childrens' lives. Silas is a wonderful 6 year old that I can have great, deep conversations with. Mary loves her girl time and playing that we are friends getting together with our babies. Nehemiah is my cuddly little monkey that loves to get us laughing at him--even if it means putting a blanket over his head while walking, and therefore running into things. Ezra is my sweet little baby boy who is starting to smile and loves to be held and rocked.

Thank you Lord "my boys" and my princess and for "forcing" me to quit my job so that I can enjoy these moments. Help me to trust that you are going to provide because you have guided us to this place.

Pictures for Fun

The kids love it when I take pictures of them, so here are a few:

Mary is trying to keep the sun out of her eyes--her solution is to close her eyes and to have make sure and tell her when we get there--is she worried we will leave her in the car?


Here is our little space cadet with a colander on his head.

This is what happens when I try to take a picture of myself--my arms aren't quite long enough. Believe it or not, it took three tries to get it this good.

I am trying to remember to take pictures of me with the kids, so years from now they see that I was around, and I can lament on how young I was:), even though I always dislike pictures of me :)

Grandpa Stubbert and Nehemiah on Saturday when we celebrated Uncle Brian's and Scott's birthdays.

2 Months

Ezra had his 2 month check-up today--he is officially 2 months tomorrow, but let's not get technical!

I was very excited to hear that at 9lbs 6oz he made the charts at the 7%!!! Ok, so 93% of all children weigh more than him, but still he was on the chart. He is 22 1/4" long, which puts him in the 25%. At this age Silas weighed about a pound more and was the same height, Mary weighed slightly less at 9lbs 2oz, Nehemiah weighed less at 8 lbs 8oz, and I weighed the lest at 8lbs 2oz--so obviously, this low weight thing runs in the family :) Most importantly, he is healthy and doing well. We love all our "little" munchkins.

Apple Hill

Last Sunday, we took a family trip to Apple Hill (applehill.com). It is located up in the foothills of Sacramento. We had originally planned on going on Saturday but the forecast called for rain, so we rescheduled for Sunday. It turned out to be a beautiful day full of sunshine and with temperatures in the low 70's--a nice early fall day. We enjoyed a nice picnic on the grass while we watched a clown show--Silas laughed the whole time and Nehemiah was quite entralled as well. We took a little nature hike--an umbrella stroller is probably not made for "off roading"! For dessert we had apple wedges with carmel sauce and M&Ms--yummy! There were animals to pet, a tire swing, and lots of apples. The kids all did great and it was a great family time. This is a tradition we started when Silas was 2--just before Mary was born--and we try to go yearly. I brought home some apples and made a very delicious apple cake. Thank you God for a wonderful day of memories!

Fast asleep on the way home.

Silas on the giant tire swing--I was surprised he gave it a try, since he is not a risk-taker. I was proud to see him try something a little scary and enjoy it.

Nehemiah enjoying his carmel apple.

A tractor named after me--don't I feel special!


Mary and Scott did a trust walk with Mary covering Daddy's eyes and telling where to walk--not sure I would trust her.


Silas was a big help in pushing Nehemiah.

Update

Yes, we are still here. Ezra is now 8 weeks old and doing well! He has his 2 month check up on Monday--at which time I am sure I will hear how he is not gaining as much weight as they would like...at least, with my fourth I am prepared for this and not overly concerned. Scott and I made the decision to not have me return to work and I am not udjusting to being home. It is very nice to not be stressed about that and to be home with the kids. It has also allowed me time to start going back to the gym. So far I have made it everyday this week. I truly enjoy it and it feels good to be exercising. It takes some work to get all the kids dressed and out the door early in the morning, but it is worth it. Silas is enjoying 1st grade and becoming quite a good reader--I am so proud of him, but a little sad that my little boy is growing up. It makes me take more time to sit an enjoy my youngest, since they do grow so quickly. Mary is home with me and sometimes she gets a little bored without her big brother, but she is hanging in there. She loves having girl time, so I am working to make more time for her and me. Nehemiah is developing his own little personality and has adjusted to having a new little brother. I love the age that he is at! Scott has moved into a new position at our church. He is still the Singles Pastor but has taken on the role of Pastor of Recovery as well. This is a good fit for him. We are both very passionate about recovery. Well, a baby is crying and another one is due up from his nap, so I must go. Here are some pictures.


Fun in a Box!


Ezra at 6 weeks. His eyes are a beautiful blue and I hoping they will stay that color.




We took my parents to the Raiders vs. Chargers game on Sept. 28th. Ezra came along and was a great little boy--slept most of the time. A true Raider fan probably would have made a little more noise!


Father and Son at the game.


Back in June I took the oldest two to the beach with my mom and sister. We all had a great time! They loved the water. I had to keep a close eye on Mary--she doesn't have much fear and I could just see one of those waves taking her out. It was a beautiful day even though I got sunburned and was sick the whole next day.


Nehemiah turned 1 on June 29th. Happy Birthday little "monkey man"


This is from the 4th of July--before baby number four! Everyone loved the fireworks. We had all the family over for a bbq and homemade ice cream. It is such a blessing to have home to have people over to.


Silas and his friend Christian on the first day of 1st grade.