14 things I love about Eric

1. He takes great care of the yard in the summer and it always looks perfect.


2. He can build things with wood like decks, picnic tables and benches.


3. He is the best father to the boys. He wrestles with them, takes them to the pet store all by himself and puts them to bed every night.


4. I love that he can tow, set up and breakdown our camper without any help from me. He takes care of the outside stuff, and I take care of the inside stuff. He is my perfect partner.


5. I love his hazel eyes, mischievious smile and nice butt.


6. He has the ability to apologize, which not all men have.


7. He has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh.


8. He watches American Idol with me, makes the best biscuits and gravy, and cuts the boys' hair like a pro.


9. He is thoughtful and surprises me with gifts sometimes. The latest gifts were khaki shorts he picked out all by himself and a bottle of peach schnapps. Now that's a good man!


10. He is a kid at heart.


11. He encourages me to get out of the house since I'm often trapped here for days.


12. We share common goals and morals.


13. He is smart and witty.


14. He takes great care of his family and is an amazing husband.

Progression of life with babies

As you can see from my blog, there are lots of babies in my life and even more to come. I still have two friends expecting babies soon, so expect a lot more baby pictures. All this baby talk has made me think about how each baby experience is different. Here it is from my slightly jaded point of view...

First baby:
The nursery is set up with every detail perfect... every baby book on sleep, parenting and pregnancy has been read... there is nervousness about the birth and much anticipation on meeting the baby... the new parents stay in the hospital the recommended two nights.

Second baby:
The nursery is set up with the essentials plus some new special things for the baby... the books have been glanced at, but never reread... there is anticipation to meet the baby... there are lots of worries about the older child... the new parents rush home from the hospital after one night so they can be home with the older child.

Third baby:
The nursery is full of hand-me-downs and well worn clothes... the books have been in the top of the closet for years... there is anticipation to meet the baby... the parents think of the hospital stay as a vacation and are looking forward to it... the other children will be fine!


I love this time in our lives when we are growing our families and building our futures. I feel very lucky to have so many friends who are going through the same stage of their life with us. There is lots of hope and together, we just may survive it!

Georgie's 1st birthday

Our old friends George and Adrian came in town from New York to celebrate their son Georgie's first birthday. Eric and I met George and Adrian at the Gristmill before any of us were even couples. They moved to New York over a year ago and we were really glad to see them again. Their son Georgie is such a cutie!






The kids had a great time playing together. There were five boys and one baby girl. They ate entirely too many cupcakes, went for wagon rides and pretended to be tigers.


We really enjoyed the perfect weather and spending time with good friends!

J. Henry

I saw baby Jacob tonight. He is so sweet! Sammy and Chris are handling parenthood very well as expected.


Jacob is nursing great and Chris is a pro at soothing him. He has a slight case of jaundice that should clear up soon. He loves his pacifier and his Miracle Blanket. I loved holding him and I can't wait to see him again!

Baby Madelynn is here!

Madelynn was born yesterday morning! She weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 20 inches long. She is so sweet and pretty! She looks a lot like her older sister Charlize's newborn baby picture. I loved holding a tiny baby girl!






Jennifer is doing great too. She is such a good mommy. Charlize visited her baby sister at the hospital and was very gentle with her. She is going to be a great big sister! Jennifer and Luis have a beautiful family and I'm so happy for them!

Focus

Photography really helps me get my life in focus. It's so easy to rush through my day taking care of the boys and not really taking in every moment. Between diaper changes, eating, napping and drinking, our days get pretty full of routines. Seeing the boys' happy faces playing makes it all worth it.

The boys climbed up in the swing and swang together this morning. I grabbed my camera and captured these pictures of them. It really helps me to see just how precious they are. Before I know it they will be all grown up and I won't have to change diapers all day long. While I look forward to that, I know I will miss their chubby cheeks and sweet kisses.

Introducing Jacob Henry!

Little Jacob Henry was born this morning at 5:48! He weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. He has light hair and light blue eyes. He is very cute and has a sweet little cry.



I have now seen three babies be born and had two of my own. I cried every time at the amazing miracle of it all! It was easier to see the first two births before I knew what it was like to give birth myself. This time it was harder because I knew what she was going through. I wanted to switch places with her and take away her discomfort. She did so great though and is the best pusher ever! I'm very proud of her and so thankful they let me share such a special moment with them.

I am so happy for Sammy and Chris. I know the joy they feel now meeting their son and I can't wait to see all the happiness he brings them. Jacob is a very lucky baby to have such great parents!

Ethan's Cowboy Party

Ethan absolutely loved his birthday party! He rode a pony the entire time they were there. The only time he got off was to lead the pony by the reigns. I have never seen him so happy!








We had pictures setting out of Ethan's grandparents on ponies when they were little. We noticed my mom's horse looked a little funny, but we figured there were slim pickings for horses in the valley. Later we found out the horse was stuffed! No wonder it looked so pathetic and scrawny!

I think Austin and Madison are in love.

I have the best father-in-law ever! He was such a great helper and he even scooped up horse poop!

Austin loved the ponies too and he did not get off one the entire party! Eric's mom brought the boots Eric wore when he was a toddler and Austin wore them at the party. They are so cute!

Ethan was very sad to see the ponies go. He gave them a hug and waved bye. The only thing that kept him from getting upset was the thought of birthday cake!

We had a great time at the party! Good food, family, friends and ponies! Who could ask for anything more?