Merry Christmas!

It's just after 11:00 p.m. on Christmas day. I haven't uploaded new pictures, but I have about a zillion. It was a great day with family and snow (!!) and I really enjoyed not being pregnant this year. Mind you, seeing Nate holding Sophia was enough to want maybe, potentially, eventually, possibly... do it all again.

My boys were both spoiled today, but not by their parents. We counted 13 presents under the tree and not one said "Nate" or "Sara". Sad, isn't it? Jericho was rather into the whole "Let's open presents" thing, seeing as he now has a bit more experience. Kai was content to let Jericho open his new toys, and play with his toys. He kinda liked the old ones.

Our little Pork Chop (Malachi) actually stood up for the first time on the 22nd. He did it quite a few times, then fell and won't do it again. But I figured I'd rather have him crawling than running.

Speaking of pork chops, Jericho sat down to breakfast this morning and said, "Oooooooh, bacon!" We sure love pigs here.

Anyway, I'm tired and looking forward to maybe sleeping in tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to Michelle tomorrow!!! Merry Christmas for the next 44 minutes!

Sleep Baby Sleep

I feel like an idiot. Malachi has now slept through the night two nights in a row and all it took was some white noise in the form of a humidifier. Duh. He even had a three hour nap yesterday. Seriously. Why did I not think of this sooner? Did I enjoy waking up two and three times a night to soothe my little one? No, not really.

In other news, Nate and I are working on a little Christmas letter we're hoping to have in the mail soon... and we were looking back on some blog posts I've made this year to jog our memory. I really couldn't remember much besides him finishing his Masters and me having a baby. Turns out back in February I had a dream that I would give birth on a Tuesday, sure enough Malachi was born March 11th, a Tuesday! I guess I have the gift of dream prophecy or whatever, I just didn't know it. Isn't it sad that I didn't even remember that and I had to look back on my BLOG to realize it?

Tonight is Nate's work Christmas party so I'm going to get out the flat iron and work on my hotness factor.

Toodles!

Miss Us?

I've been on a break lately, one that I wasn't aware I was on. I looked at my blog the other day and realized it had been almost a month since I posted anything. How sad.

Things in general have been busy at our house since I last took time to blog. Jericho is just about potty-trained. He is in underwear unless it's naptime or bedtime. He's not 100% successful, but he does very well for just starting. I thought at first that he was still a little young, but one day he just decided he wanted to use the potty and we haven't looked back. ( Okay, I lied.. I look back all the time. Are diapers REALLY that bad??)

Malachi is officially 9 months old and has mastered his "Soldier Boy" crawl. He basically just pulls his entire body along the floor at a cut throat pace. He also pulls himself up to stand on a regular basis and can walk behind a push toy. Where has my baby gone? The one who just lays in my arms and coos?? Okay, he never really did that for long.

I have been busy with work for Matt and we moved my office downstairs. Our tenants moved out and we're going to try and make things work without having the extra $$ for the mortgage.It makes a huge difference on what I'm able to accomplish, being down here. The boys stay upstairs for the most part with Danielle (their babysitter) and play. Usually I work about 12 hours per week, but this time of year is year-end and I have a lot on my plate. Last week I almost put in 20 hours! I wouldn't be able to do it without the extra help, however. As a matter of fact I think I'd be half-insane by now.

We had a great time with Crystal as she took a bunch of pictures of us a few weeks ago and then again last weekend. I couldn't believe how amazing they were. She's really talented and clever in dealing with little men. Especially my Jericho. I'm getting her to order some for Christmas pictures which may turn out to be Valentines pictures, but it's all good.

A friend from high school who wasn't my friend in high school and is only now becoming a friend online messaged me this morning that she found our former English teacher. He was a serious nut-bar. We would spend several afternoons in English and Socials 11 playing trivia. He also gave us this assignment where we had to build our own country. He never gave much more direction than that and whenever we asked what the entire project entailed, he would only answer, "more is more". He also gave us all journals to write in and would have us say anything and he would respond instead of marking work, he was giving input into our lives. Overall, he was a cool guy... if only a little eccentric. I've sent him an email and am curious to see how he responds.

Anyway... (I always say 'anyways' but my friend Lisa has informed me that it is wrong to say anyways..it's ANYWAY.) here are some pics of the boys. Enjoy.

Win some, Lose some.

I've officially kicked Malachi out of our bed. I know, I know... he's 8 months old for goodness sakes. I blame it on fatigue and sheer laziness. In the middle of the night I just have not taken the effort required to develop good habits with this child. I just pick him up, cuddle him in my arms and nurse him. He seems to like it. Now I have to break all those bad habits and move him and keep him in his crib. Should be fun.

I've been continuing my weight loss journey... After I lose those first 6 lbs I started going to Weight Watchers with my Mom. I've now lost 9 lbs there. There are clothes from early in my pregnany with Jericho that now fit. I have a little more to lose before I'm my pre-babies weight.. but I'm on the right track to my goal of 30 by 30! It's been difficult lately as I'm not always in the mood to go for a walk. And I've been craving bad foods... but whatever. Some weeks are good and some not so much so we keep going.

Only a month and a half left until Mexico!! My parents have bought plane tickets for EVERYONE. There won't be any holding of children on laps, unless they cry.. which is likely... But it was a very generous Christmas present and I can't wait!!

The other day I had to write a very direct and almost nasty email for work. There's this gentlemen who owes us money and it's been fun trying to convince him to pay. I honestly think he just doesn't have the money, but what do I know?

I'm not sure this is a good idea...

Will someone please tell my 8 month old son that the dishwasher is not a toy?

I have a theory about Malachi that I've been testing since yesterday. I'm a little ashamed I didn't try it out sooner, but we all know what happens when you assume stuff. Well, I was assuming that when he was waking up almost every night like clockwork and screaming and writhing in pain, that it was just gas. I would give him gripe water and soothe him, and sometimes it would take awhile.

After a particularly bad night, I went on the internet yesterday to investigate just what it could be. I had been cutting out certain veggies, watching that I didn't eat anything to gassy, etc. The weird thing was that he hardly complained about it during the day. Anyways, the theory I'm testing and what I found on the internet (not always a good thing to do - I'm planning to talk to my doctor about it at his 8 month check up) is that he may have baby acid reflux.

The reason I think he may have it is that he has a number of the symptoms - cries sometimes when I try to feed him, has 'wet' burps, hiccups a lot, writhes in pain in the middle of the night, arches his back when I try to nurse him, etc. There's other symptoms that he does not have, like loss of weight (mind you, he isn't gaining as fast as I expected him too)and frequent vomiting (he throws up, but usually only after accidentily eating oatmeal - which I think he's allergic to.

But I've been really frustrated because I have not been sleeping as he keeps waking up. I thought that if I fed him lots before bed that he would sleep right through, but if this is what he has, that just may have been making things worse. If he does have it, feeding him too much at a time is making the acid from his stomach come up his esophagus and it's causing him severe discomfort.

So, yesterday all day I fed him small amounts, but I fed him more frequently. Last night he slept from 11:30 to 5:30 which is the longest overnight stint in over 2 months. It's still just a theory, but as Nate says, "It's a good one."

As I'm writing all this down though, I'm currently awaiting news on my nephew Deacon. He's having surgery at Childrens Hospital today and I was supposed to have news around 1. My dad called and said they haven't had any update yet on how it went, so all this stuff about my baby seems trivial. I ache for my sister and the stuff she's had to go through with this little guy. I just hope it all turns out awesome and his little body works the way God intended.

Happy Birthday Jericho!

Two years ago I gave birth to a little boy who has been one of two of the best things ever to happen to me.

Happy Birthday to a sweet little man!

Malachi The Cutie Pie.

And Then There Was Five...

My Third Niece

First there was sweet Ashiah, 8 months younger than Jericho. Then we met little Daveigh Olivia back in September. Now there is the beautiful Sophia Grace who was born this morning at 8:31 am. She weighed in at 8 lbs, 13 oz, just an ounce lighter than pudgy Kai.

To Distract Me

I'm consumed with thoughts of Matt & Christa's baby, so instead I'm going to focus on where I'm going January 5-12.

Christa... where is your baby?

My sister-in-law was due on the 13th, and she's just been induced a few hours ago. My brother called to say she was sleeping, good girl! Hopefully very soon I can let you all know whether I have another nephew, or niece.

Here's the last pic of Christa in one piece, as my mom likes to say. It's of Kai and his cousin.

Jericho's Favorite Airline

Some funnies that have actually happened on West Jet flights:

West Jet is an Airline with head office situated in Calgary, Alberta. West Jet airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

On a West Jet flight (There is no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
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On another West Jet Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
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On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."
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"There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."

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"Thank you for flying West Jet Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
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As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at the Vancouver Airport, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
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After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Ontario, a flight attendant on a West Jet flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."
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From a West Jet Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard West Jet Flight
245 to Calgary. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
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"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
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"Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than West Jet Airlines."
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"Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."
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"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants.. Please do not leave children or spouses."
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And from the pilot during his welcome message: "West Jet Airlines is pleased to announce that we have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
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Heard on West Jet Airlines just after a very hard landing in Edmonton : The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."
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Overheard on an West Jet Airlines flight into Regina, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Regina. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"
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Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
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An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the

passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?"

The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
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After a real crusher of a landing in Halifax, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Captain Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we will open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
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Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of West Jet Airways."
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Heard on a West Jet Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing. If you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."
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A plane was taking off from the Winnipeg Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from Winnipeg to Montreal. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!"

6 Things

6 Things

Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. List 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post


6 Random things....

1. I'm lefthanded, lots of people know that... but some still don't. That was for them.

2. When I was 15, I travelled to Bolivia with my dad for a 3 week missions trip. I actually turned 15 there which in the Latin American culture is a huge deal. My most vivid memory of the entire trip is getting stuck on the top of this huge chain link fence and having my dad tell me to just jump and he would catch me. Still makes me laugh.

3. Nate owes meeting me and getting into his line of work to an old lady I've never met and don't even know her name.

4. I lived in Mackenzie, BC for 6 weeks when I was 8.

5. I used to do a wicked Pavel Bure impersonation.

6. I was actually married on the same day my grandparents were, but didn't know it until afterwards.

I tag: Christa, Sam, Michelle (though you've already been tagged in Rachael's), and Amanda. I don't know six who update enough.

Happiness

Happiness is watching the Canucks first game of the season and seeing them SCORE GOALS!!!!

Weight Loss

I've lost 6 lbs in two weeks. That sounds fast, but I've just been sticking to it and not straying too often to foods that make me gain weight. For breakfast I've been sharing smoothies with Jericho, and once in awhile adding some egg whites with low fat cheese and mushrooms (SO GOOD!). Lunch is mostly a salad..all sorts of veggies, but with some cheese and always with plain balsamic vinegar. Dinner I usually eat a fairly normal meal, meat and some form of starch with veggies. In fact, one night we had homemade gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce which was out of this world amazing.

I think the difference has been the walking. This week alone I've walked 18 kilometers. Not bad I say.

Emily

On Monday I received an email that broke my heart. Quite a few years ago at Burnett Fellowship we had a pastor by the name of Terry Stauffer. It was kind of a funny coincidence that a few years later we had another pastor named Terry Stauffer, but that's an aside. The email I received was a urgent prayer request for Terry #1 and his family as his oldest daughter was assaulted in her town of Edson, Alberta and died of her injuries. She was only 14. Even though I don't remember meeting her, I am devastated for her parents and siblings. May they feel the arms of Jesus. Words never seem enough at times like this.

My son, the comedian.

Jericho says the funniest things, granted... he doesn't always know they're funny until we laugh out loud. Here are some gems from the past few weeks:

1. "Geegee Ide Tuck!" (GG - Grandma Grace Ride Truck)
What's funny about this is GG is almost 80 and the truck can barely be ridden by Jericho.

2. "Horsie sleeping? House sleeping too?"
He's just started adding 'too' to sentences and 90% of the time it is used correctly.

3. "House's House?"
Nate plays "Here We Go To Grandma's House" with him.. after they 'go to Grandma's' he gets to pick who's house they get to go to next. One day he decided he wanted to go to House's house.

Tidbits.

My niece's name is actually Daveigh Olivia, not Daviegh as previously announced. It's pronounced "Davie" after her late Grandpa.



Kai now weighs 17 lbs and is the 50% percentile. He also 'creeps' and sits up. He's pretty awesome that way.

I had a cupcake today, it was SPECTACULAR. Actually, that's a lie. I bought two, but I've only eaten one. Still spectacular though.

I went to the Aquarium as well, it was fun.

My in-laws are staying with us right now as they wanted to meet their 4th grandchild.

I leave for Seattle/One Night Cruise in 6 days. I'm not taking ANY children. Inside or outside my body.

It's really nice not to be pregnant.



I, along with my MIL, made 12 jars of peach jam... canned 12 jars of peaches... froze 4 bags of peaches.. and last night I made my very first peach pie. Quite tasty.

I want to encourage everyone reading this to spend at least one day this week completely focused on blessing someone else. My challenge to you.

I've lost 2 lbs.

Jericho said "Dada" around the time he was 6 and a half months. I'm waiting for Kai to say "Mama" soon.

Just over 6 months until I turn 30.

I have a new babysitter, she watches J & M while I do work for Matt. Her name is Danielle and she's nice.

Kai was really sick last week... vomiting. But I realized it was only after he had baby oatmeal. Uh oh. My doctor told me to just give him rice cereal for one week, then try the oatmeal once more. He actually doesn't really like baby food. He's a true boob man, that one.



We went to a wedding in the Okanagan last weekend. I forgot how many people live up there who I adore. We're considering going again the end of the month.

I want to do something with my hair cause it looks like crap. Not literally though, cause that would suck.




My little sister, Nina and Nate went skydiving together last Sunday. It was fun for both of them. Nina had wanted to do something awesome and came up with skydiving, but there was no one to go with - so I suggested Nate because he's wanted to go for awhile and I've always poo-poo'd it. I don't know why I encourage him this time. Something about wanting the two of them to have some fun. I got some pretty amazing pics too.



I think I want to start going on regular dates with my husband. Nothing fancy, but maybe going for walks on the dikes by ourselves... going to see a movie... visiting friends... etc. I just need to get a regular babysitter. And I don't mean one that doesn't need Metamucil.



I can't believe I ever had a life without my boys. Doesn't that sound weird?

My New Niece!!!

Welcome to Daviegh Olivia!! She was born yesterday to Dave and Noel and weighed a healthy 10 lbs, 9oz. She's gorgeous, as you can see... CONGRATS!!

Only a month or so til I get another niece... or nephew!!!!

This is pretty much what I said...

Derrick:


When I heard the news you were leaving, I wasn’t surprised. I knew it was coming, but that fact didn’t save me from feeling heartbroken. You are a man who I have come to admire and respect greatly for the past 8 years. Someone I have worked with in close contact and someone I love as family.

I could continue, but I love you to much to make this sad for either of us.

Instead I want to remind you of some of the highs of our time together. Some ways that you were special and unique

1. Humor - You always knew how to make me laugh, and when I needed someone to help pull a prank on Brad, you were in like a dirty shirt. I will forever remember fondly the times you used to hide behind the corner of the office hallway and throw whatever candy you could find at my head.

2. Wisdom – You have a way with words and with people. God has gifted you with this ability to help people find solutions; to speak wisdom into their lives. You have spoken Words that were true for me and for others countless times at just the right moment. Your wisdom makes you someone I respect, honour and look up to. Your wisdom is also evident in your diligent teaching. You have brought truth in the word of God to our pulpit; to teach us, but also to be real with us. To share your heart and change our lives for God

3. Great Taste – Is something I know you have! (Beside your impeccable taste in woman). I know you also love good food. Food has been a place where we have shared many memories. A place where we have been blessed. I’ve been out for lunch with you more times than I can count. Lets see….

a. At paliottis you’d get Cajun chicken penne (tomato sauce extra spicy)
b. Kings kitchen – war wonton
c. Haney Dragon – curry chicken
d. Swiss chalet- quarter chicken dinner

Food, has also been one of the ways that we have come together. We have had fun
and built real friendships over countless meals. Are you looking forward to grits
and possum?

4. Care and empathy – I have seen so many families in our community who have come to Burnett when they have been experiencing tremendous pain. You seem to reach them in their depths of hurt and be real in your grief for their loss. You are an vessel of healing. Used by God to change our lives. This is a gift more precious then you know and a legacy that will continue to thrive in us .

5. Depth and authenticity – I love how we can see you honestly care about how I and others are doing. You never come across as false or fake in any way. Never better then me, always there for me. You wear your heart on your sleeve and that is what endears you to us. You touched us.

I’ve been attending Burnett for 21 years now and there has not been a time where saying goodbye to a Pastor was more difficult. Instead I am going to say see you soon; Watch for flying candy and FedEXed Paliotit’s. I wish you all the very best in Alabama. I’m glad it is your turn to get blessed. Your turn to get to have time with your other family now, cause to me.. You will always be another addition to my family. Leave us knowing that our lives are better because we new you. You are a true blessing.

300th Post!

Who knew I could write so much about my boring little life?


Tonight our church says good-bye to an amazing Pastor. It's going to be a sad day for me. I'm really happy for them, that they get to move down South and be with their kids, but a part of me is still selfish and wishes they could stay. I hugged him last night and cried like a baby. *sigh*

I'm also a little over-tired as my little one is cutting two bottom teeth at once. He hasn't been himself for the past 4 days. Poor little guy!

Vacation or Plot to lose the women for a week?

So a few months ago my Dad called me and asked me to arrange a vacation for my sisters, Mom, and all four babies. He recommended finding a rustic cabin in the Gulf Islands. Sounds fun! Well, we had a few logistic nightmares. We tried to arrange it around everyone's schedule... Nina works at White Spot, and my Mom works for her stamping friend. Megan and I were fairly wide open, and we tried to include sister-in-law Christa, but that woman is really busy getting ready for her little one and is booked! We had arranged to go Sept. 4-11 and just needed to find a place.. we had a facebook thread about 5 pages long talking in a circle about what kind of house we wanted to rent. Then my baby sister had a vacation plan fall apart that she had previously arranged. Plans were altered to make sure she could be included since she had already booked the time off. Megan found a really great looking place in Sooke. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, ocean side, hot tub, beautiful fenced gardens, etc. We booked it and counted down the days.

Going on a vacation with 4 adults (one of whom couldn't stay the whole time and had to leave with Dad after 3 days - MOM!) and 4 babies isn't all relaxing and can be quite difficult at times. The boys were all VERY good and we had more laughter than tears, but there were some hard experiences. One involved a bad decision in letting the two older boys play in the cooled-down hot tub with life jackets with us. For some reason, we didn't take his diaper off and it fell apart. I know, it was silly... but you always lose brain cells on vacay right?

Turns out it was a big deal, next time we went to go in it was not appealing. We called the owner right away and she recommended we call the hot tub repair man. He was there within 3 hours. He never came to the door, but promptly went to work. He emptied the tub, cleaned the filter, and filled it back up. After about an hour and a half he came to the door with the news that the one bad decision we made would cost us about $200.

This is a sampling of how the conversation went from there:

Pool man: So I talked to the owner and she said I could go about getting payment one of two ways. Either you guys pay me cash now and we can settle it out or...

Me: What's option #2?

Pool man: Well...

Megan: I don't have cash. How about we just go through the owner and she can take it off our damage deposit?

Pool man: She told me I could ask you for the cash.

Me: Well, I have cash, but that's all the cash I have.. if I pay you now I won't have money left.

Pool man: Well, I have a family I need to take care of too.. I have to go buy the filter with money out of my own pocket.

(At this point I had conceded.. I hate conflict and this dude was getting on my nerves. I went downstairs to get money while my wise younger sister described to the Pool Man the proper way to run a business... etc.. give a quote, invoice.. She told him she was a plumber and many trades need to pay for supplies before doing the work. I was unaware of this conversation)

Me: Okay, well here's $200 (I'm in tears at this point)

Megan: Are you going to give us an invoice? We don't know you, we need proof that we actually paid you!!

Pool Man: Well, I don't have any paper.

Anyways, it was a mess and I screwed up by paying him. We called the owner and explained we felt mistreated and that he had used his MALE-ness to force us to pay. The next day the basement was flooded because he did something wrong when filling up the tub. The owner also made him come back and give back the cash and told him to apologize for how he treated us. He brought back my cash, but not once did the word "Sorry" come out of his mouth. Needless to say, the owner insists she will no longer be requiring his services.

That was the bad part.. the good parts were: rolling down the hill in the garden with the babies, video-taping Megan and Nina jumping into the ocean, going to the beach, having a crazy Nate and crazy Joe visit us, Visiting Beacon Hill Park and having the boys go nuts in the petting zoo, watching Jericho and Riley play, taking gorgeous pictures of the nature and the babies, having all in all a great time with my family.

I came home really tired, even though my babies were really good... I missed having Nate's help. Nina and Megan were great, but Megan has her own kids and Nina had a hard time getting used to being around babies all the time - even though she did a great job helping... and stayed up super late one night to cut up potatoes for hash browns, make a fruit salad, and put together stuff for an amazing omelette.

The pictures blew my mind, Jericho and Kai have never looked so cute! Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

How did I get so lucky?

I get to hug and kiss these sweet boys anytime I want.

*sigh*

This isn't even all of them...

Malachi, Kai, Ty-Ty, His Royal Kai-ness...

This post is long overdue. It's one dedicated entirely to my baby, my Malachi. When we found out we were pregnant for the second time when Jericho was barely 6 months, it was a bit of a shock. It wasn't fun being pregnant (understatement of the century), but this little ball of happy energy has been a very welcome addition to our home and our family! I have never met a happier baby. He smiles and giggles all day, and eats up attention as if it was a lifeline.

This past Saturday night, we dedicated ourselves as parents to raise Malachi and to teach him about Jesus. We had Pastor Derrick pray for him and us as part of the church service and as I looked at him during that little 'ceremony' my most sincere hope was that he grows up to be a great man of God, and that he would have tremendous character and intergrity. That he would be well-respected, but also that he would show respect to everyone he meets.

Looking at him just brings me such joy... He's a very, very special little man and I'm glad God decided to surprise us with an awesome gift!

Just to let you all know what little things he does now - He loves his exersaucer, is still getting used to his Jolly Jumper, and this week he sat up!! Only for a few seconds, mind you... but he did it!

Here are some pics from the dedication - we did it the same time as Joe and Megan dedicated Deacon...