Grandparents visit

We had a great yet busy 3 weeks with Grandparents. Unfortunately we didn't take a single shot with my Parents... things were just so busy those 10 days. We will be sure to take lots when I go out to CA with Liv in 4 weeks.

It was so wonderful to have my Parents in town. They came a few days before the baby came so that we could have some fun before I was out of commission. And it made such a difference having them here when I had the baby, we had no Family around when Ella was born. I got to enjoy my time at the Hospital and not worry about the kids. It almost felt like a vacation. I got to spend all day with Dave, be served lots of yummy food and  I got to lay in bed all day long in silence. My Mom was a big help with all the kids, taking Luke to and from School each day, running errands and even taking down wallpaper. 

Thanks guys for all of your help... it was invaluable. I love you.

Dave's Parents came the evening mine left. It was particularly fun because they've been on a Mission for 18 month and had just gotten home. We really lucked out on timing. The kids loved seeing them again and ran to them as if no time had ever passed.

It was so great to have their help as well. I have gotten really spoiled. Grammy even made Ella's darling Halloween Costume while they were here. The kids loved spending time with Grammy and Grandpa again, especially at the Park and the Denver Zoo.

Thank you Grammy and Grandpa for everything you did to help. We have sure missed you and are so happy to have you back.

Its nice to have things back to normal again but we sure loved having our special visitors and they are already missed by us all.

Our 2nd miracle in 2 weeks

I found this stuff online and thought it'd be worth a try. Its all natural, has a money back guarantee, a ton of positive testimonials, and it just seems to make sense. Plus when you have a tiny baby who's crying and seems in pain all day long... well, you'll give anything safe a try.

This little miracle bottle came yesterday in the mail and within hours was administered to Livvie Lou. It was astounding. She was pooping without being miserable, her stomach seemed less tense and the best part? The crying has diminished by about 75%. 

So here's to you "Colic Calm" Thank you for giving me back my happy and content baby. I love you... please, please. please, keep it up.

We missed you Autumn

I took some pictures of my Sister and her Family in the Fall leaves.

We got a few cute ones too. We really missed Autumn and are so happy to be enjoying it here in Colorado.

Ella Jane you have my heart

Lukie in the leaves

Sweet Olivia

she's actually yawning not crying

Char and I. Who'd ever guess we were Sisters?

Mom and her girl

She was getting a bit cold at this point

Ella loves her Dill

me and my Man

She was pouting

Are you kidding me?

calming down with a binky... she rarely takes theses :(

almost out... notice binky did not last long

And...... we're back to being wide awake. The crying started again about 5 minutes after this picture.

(These pictures are pretty bad because they're just shot with Photo Booth at night but  I still think she's getting so cute.)

What happened to my sweet little mellow newborn?

This is Olivia and me sitting at the computer listening to music, evidently she likes Iron and Wine, who doesn't? She finally calmed down in this position after 1 hour of crying. How is it fair that I get 3 fussy newborn babies? 

All deals are off.... this may be my last. Well probably not. You know what? Maybe so!!!!

Olivia is a tiny person, with tiny lungs. How can she make so much noise for such long periods of time? And why is she great in the day time and a bear in the evenings? 

To be continued........ wish me luck that she'll turn back into her quieter, calmer version. 

***** Addendum*******

I must have made Olivia feel badly with this post. She wanted to prove me wrong so she slept for 7 1/2 hours last night. 

OK Liv... I'll certainly take some nighttime grumps if that means you sleep all night long.

These un-known Newborn things drive me a little crazy. I wonder what Olivia will be like today?

Dear Olivia

I can not believe how fast this week has gone by. If only the last few weeks of pregnancy were this quick, I may have been a lot easier to be around.

I knew once you came that our Family would feel different. But I never imagined how complete you would make us feel. The first night in the Hospital they made you stay in the Nursery to monitor your breathing. Although it brought me great peace of mind I'll never forget how desperately I missed you. I kept having dreams about you all night and wishing it were time for them to bring you into me. When they finally did I was already awake. I had sat up just moments before because I felt like you were coming. The Nurse commented how you and I must be on the same page already. 

Having my Parents in town to help has been great for so many reasons. But, as much as I appreciate the help with your Brother and Sister, dishes and meals,  the best part has been how long I get to sit and watch you. I have loved holding you in my arms all day long and wondering why we have been so blessed. And how someone can love another person so intensely that they just met. I have loved looking at your long slender fingers... imagining what great things those hands will do one day. And your little feet... how fast they'll carry you to the places you choose to go. 

All I want to do in the entire world is to be your Mom. To watch you grow up and become the person who you're meant to be. I want to protect you and love you. Guide you and yet follow. It brings me so much happiness and makes my heart swell more than I could ever express to be chosen to be your Mother. Thank you for coming to our home.

There are many things I have learned about you in the last 7 days. Here are just a few.

1. You are already a Mama's girl. I know it sounds crazy but its true. 

2. You love to sit up. When you're sad and I prop you up in my arms you almost always calm right down.

3. You, like your Brother, love to sleep. All day and night. I feel so lucky to have a newborn baby who sleeps for 4 hours at a time. 

4. You love music. Whether in your swing or on the radio. You just love to listen and it usually puts you right to sleep.

5. You like to be in the car but if we stop for too long you get upset.

6. You love being in your Fisher-Price Motion Glider. So far its the best money we've ever spent.

7. You are a sweet natured and calm girl.

8. You love to be close. Skin to skin just melts you. I think you'll be a big snuggler.

9. You hate having a wet or dirty diaper. Its great because you always let me know when you need to be changed!

10. You make everyone around you melt!!!!!!

I love you baby girl.

Love,

Your Mommy

First bath at home

Just a few pictures of Liv's first bath.

She loved getting her hair wet but hated being cold. Who can blame her? I like getting my hair done too... and I also hate being cold.

Bell-arina

Ella started her very own Ballet class today. She has been dying to do this for sometime now and, clearly, she couldn't be happier.

She was the cutest little ballerina and  just the best listener in her class. She looked like she had been doing this forever.

Here's to years of pink and puff.