Easter Egg Hunt

Last Saturday our church had an Easter Egg Hunt at a park in town. It was a gorgeous day. Ella had her hair up all week while Chip's mom was here. Chip later said he didn't like it b/c he couldn't see her curls. I don't know what was wrong with Streed in the picture of us. He perked up once the hunt began. Ella was enjoying her corn dog.

One week old

OUR new baby

Streed and Ella are in love. Streed likes to hold him for about 10 seconds but they always like to know where he is, what he's doing, what I'm doing etc. They seem to be adjusting well.
We like to feed him...even when he's not hungry.
We like to sit by him and mommy.

And we like to sit in his swing. (The other boy is our friend Pete from down the street.)

Guess Who's 18 months?

Sweet Ella bug turned 18 months this week. She is just so precious to our family. She is full of energy, super independent and is trying so hard to talk. From very early on I noticed she was passionate and determined...I started praying then that the Lord would use these traits for His Glory and Kingdom. What she loves--making funny faces, all things food, her brothers, sleep, her baby and paci, being with people. Enjoy these pics from the past year and a half. Notice that she hasn't gained a whole lot of weight in the past year. She has just gotten taller. I mean, just feast on the rolls of her 6 month picture!

1 week
3 mts 6mts
12 mts
18 mts

Yummy

Our church is providing meals for us right now. I think we have them coming for about 10 days which is such a blessing. People cook a lot of food too so we may actually have left overs for the whole month! Since people were bringing dinners, Jill brought us breakfast the other day. I just dipped into the sausage and cheese quiche this morning. Yum-O! After I had warmed it up I made the comment that I would really like an iced coffee to go with it. Chip scooped up the toddlers and went and got me one! So sweet. He has been such a great help this past week. He said last night that he doesn't feel like he has gotten much time with Nathan because he has been with the others so much. I told him that that is the need right now. During the middle of the night is just not Chip's strong suit. He would agree to this too. I however am fine. And, with nursing, there isn't much for him to do anyway. I remember one night in the hospital him sitting up in his "bed", head propped on hand, eyes closed, asleep. I finally told him to lay down and sleep. I need him to help with the other two right now. He goes back to work Monday but Chip's mom is coming today and will be here for a week. So, I am not totally on my own yet. I think I would be freaking out at this point if I was.

Day 7--A Schedule is Heaven

Nathan has seemingly settled into a 3 hour eating schedule. I am trying to start it at 7 or 7:30. Two nights ago he slept for a 5 hour stretch and last night a 4 hour stretch. Big babies are a blessing because they are generally good sleepers. Knowing when he is going to eat is so helpful as far as planning out my day.

Day 6--This Latch Needs A Fix

I visited the lactation consultant. Nathan is eating well but he is killing me. It was decided he is doing something not quite right so I just have to work with him at each feeding.

Day 5--With Help I am Feeling Alive

My mom and step-dad came in town and HELPED for a few days. Mama played with the kids and kept the kitchen and play room clean. They watched them while I had my staples removed and took Nate for his check up. I feel like a new woman now that those staples are gone. Nate is back up to 10lbs. He was 9lb 11oz when we left the hospital. My church is providing meals for 10 days! It is so nice to not have to think about dinner. All you have to do is wonder what you are having that night. It has been such a blessing.

Day 4--Family of Four No More

We came home on Sunday to an eager older brother and sister. They were so excited to see Baby Nate. Streed and Ella both LOVE him so much. They are intrigued by him. Ella was struggling the first day he was born, as is evident in this picture. When Chip brought them to visit there were a lot of people in my room. Ella would have nothing to do with me. She only went to Chip or Jill. She was much better the second day they came to visit.

Day 3--Mommy & Me

Even though we had GREAT help with the kids while I was in the hospital, Chip went home a good bit each day and helped with dinner, bath, bed etc. My mom and Robyn helped the first few days I was in the hospital and then my dad came and kept them by himself for two days and one night. I had very few visitors at the hospital which was what I needed. I was really sore and didn't want to entertain. So, Nathan and I got good time together. I took LOTS of pictures of his sweet features.