lucky birthday girl

Our birthday season is drawing to a close. With 4 kids and my birthday in between mid February to April, it becomes a constant party. Whitney just celebrated her number 7. Crazy that in a year she'll be getting baptized. Whitney was a trooper with the family only party.

On her birthday I brought a happy meal to school and had lunch with her. Then we visited the book fair. It's really fun to catch a glimpse of her life at school - since so much of her time is spent there now!

After school we went bowling. I'm glad I had an excuse to babysit rather than bowl because I think both of my kids would have beat me. Whitney has some of the best luck I've ever seen. . . she bowled a 107, nearly beating her dad :) Then after bowling I finally caved and let my kids play a quarter game. It's the lame one with the claw where no one EVER gets anything. It might fool you and bring it up but is sure to drop it before the end. So I figured this would be a good teaching moment on what a waste of money it is. On the first attempt Whitney won a zebra. We spent 4 more dollars on the dumb thing and didn't win, but it didn't matter. We got pizza and bread sticks (I include bread sticks because I think my kids like them more than the pizza!) for dinner. Her dinner of choice, with spaghetti in a close second.

blowing out the candles.

Loving every present. I felt like we were re-enacting the beginning of Harry potter when she kept counting how many presents she had. Over, and over, and guessing . . .

Heavy Heavy hang over thy poor head . . .

Happy birthday Whitney. You have grown up so much this year! You are still my best helper, cleaner, and chatter box. You love your friends and playing. You are the most architectually creative girl I know! You can build just about anything you think of. You love to tell me everything you will dream about followed by what you want for breakfast EVERY night when you get tucked in. You are becoming a good reader, and are still the sweetest girl! Thanks for setting a great example to your siblings. Love you so stinking much!

Hailey hit 2

Hailey has become quite the independent woman since Ashley came. She has explored even nook and cranny of our house. She has destroyed plenty. But she has also been hilarious to watch. Fitting, since she just turned two! We started the day doing her favorite thing - playing outside!

We got some baby time in :)

Made our minions. Her favorite movies are despicable me, toy story, and tinker bell. Although her attention span lasts 3 minutes on a good day.

Blowing out the candles. Which equalled half spit/ half air

She loved opening her presents. There was no hesitation to rip right into them.

She loved her new dress-ups, swimsuit and towel.

All ready for the surprise activity!

Since we are homebound with Ashley only being 2 weeks old I decided to have some fun in the unfinished basement. I think the kids had a blast!

Halfway through the swim Hailey ran up the stairs stating that she needed her "new one towel"

Things I love about Hailey:

-She calls herself Hailey Hoopes

-"Hold you me" means pick me up

-She knows every nursery rhyme - especially Sally go round the sun, itsy bitsy spider, hickory dickory dock, humpty dumpty, and twinkle twinkle.

-She loves to sing songs, especially if they have actions. I'm shocked how much she has picked up from nursery.

-She loves running around, doing crazy things, water, and being outdoors

-She's a tease

-She loves to talk

-She is a serious actress/drama queen

-Her eyes light up when she smiles

-when she blows me a kiss good night

Happy Birthday Hailey! Our family is definitely more exciting and chaotic with you in it!

She's Here!

So, three weeks ago today I started feeling like it might be my lucky day. After my doctor telling me he wouldn't induce me I decided most activities were now free game. On Saturday me and Travis played almost every sport for a big tournament. Basketball, soccer, football, tennis. I think it was the football that did it :) My stomach was tight the rest of the day. Around the middle of the night contractions started. Which made me happy :)

I took a long walk with the kids Sunday morning hoping the contractions would continue . . . and they did. By 1:00 I went to church with contractions about every 15 - 20 minutes for around 40 seconds. I was happy it wasn't back labor and the contractions were very doable. After church we visited a YW and I decided to walk home - that did it! Boy did I feel it after that. About an hour later we called a friend over to watch the kids until my mom could come and headed for the hospital.

Everything went amazingly well and smooth. My epidural was the best yet. Ashley did awesome. She arrived at 12:55 am monday morning. 7 lbs. 8 oz. 19.5 inches. It feels so great to have her here - healthy and happy!

We had fun visitors that made the hospital more exciting. My personal favorite being my kids coming - although Lindsay and Jared bringing me candy was a close second :)

Whitney was anxious to hold her and is still my second mom.

So glad you are here Ashley!