Holy cow, April went fast! So fast, so busy, and so good. I wouldn't change a minute of this life. But man is it going on high speed with no signs of slowing down. The pictures really tell our story, so let's get to that.
All three kids made an Easter bunny board sign together. We never got the final picture (woops) but this was the halfway picture I have evidence of. We also added baby chickens to our flock and I only have one picture for that as well:
Jayden is holding one of our full grown girls, lovingly named Jayden. Guess who named her?
We've pulled out the bounce house for some entertainment with the nice outside weather as signs of summer start to appear.
I tried to squeeze dates in with all 3 of my children and my husband did the same with the kids as we approached baby's arrival. Some dates were with 2 kids instead of 1, like the picture of the kids at dairy queen after we attended church.
We also attended the library for free Easter crafts:
We also finished out the soccer season:
The kids are so fun to watch at soccer and all 3 really enjoy this game. Riley even got to play with Payton's group a few times and really loved the challenge of being with the older kids.
And then, baby #4 came and we slid into a routine with her that makes me wonder if she ever wasn't a part of our family. She is so loved and we have worked hard to find balance as we start this new chapter in life. But, really, our family is so very glad she is here with us and we just love her so much!
While I was in the delivery room with Avery, both grandmas watched our children. I will always be grateful for them to show up and serve our family when needed:
And coming to the hospital to meet Avery, they also greeted mom:
Daddy has been home with us as he gets 6 weeks of paternity leave, so he did lots of the schooling and reading with Jayden while I attended to Avery. A change well received by Jayden:
I captured a few smiling pictures, but mostly just lots of sleep pictures of this sweet baby with the occasional alert picture:
This girl has strong muscles and is holding her head up so well and so steady. She loves to sleep and spends most of her day sleeping. The kids all want to hold her all the time and I think they are a tad disappointed by how much she sleeps. But, that will change quickly and won't last forever. They love telling everyone about Avery and showing her off.
Joining us for an outdoor picnic!
And everyone taking turns feeding Avery:
A picture of our sweet girl sleeping:
Baby with mommy:
She arrived:
Riley has been taking extra good care of me:
And we all love Avery so much, we can't get enough of her:
She loves to sleep:
Just like that, she hit the 2 week mark:
Then, we celebrated our oldest turning 10. 2 whole hands! I can't believe how fast the years have gone. We did a family party and the grandparents traveled to our house and then to another town to attend the trampoline park to celebrate our girl. It was such a special time. On the day we went to the trampoline park we also stopped at the mall and let her pierce her ears for her present, something she had been asking for.
Singing happy birthday and blowing out the candles:
Her pierced ears:
Payton,
Happy Birthday! You were the one to make us parents and we simply adore you. You teach us so much about empathy and love for others through your own actions and approach to life. You are simply the best big sister and God truly made you for the role of the oldest child (even though there are times you wish you had fallen in a different birth order). Thanks for being you. You are enough. You are loved. You are truly a part of our team. Don't ever try to be anything other than yourself. You are made for big things.
I love you more than you will ever know.
Love,
Mom
