Happy Father's Day, Clayboy!

When Clay and I were dating, about a million and half years ago, he and I talked about having kids. Since we both came from families with three kids, we agreed that three was a pretty good number. I even drew pictures of our future babies, all three of them:

Fast forward all these married years later, and I can't believe we have five children. FIVE. Five was never our plan, especially when we were dating with stars in our eyes at 21, but WOW. I'm so glad that all these funny and loud kids were a part of God's plan for our family that we didn't see coming.

Clay has always been a great dad, quick to change a disgusting, poop-up-the-back diaper whenever needed or to tuck our big herd in at night with prayers. He doesn't shy away from cribs covered in vomit or big drooly kisses. He's a good man, and I wouldn't want to share this chaotic journey with anyone else.

Happy Father's Day, Clay! We love you!

Four Months!

I cannot believe that it's been four months since Annalise entered our family. It seems likes she just got here AND that she's been a part of us forever. She has been such a sweet, laid back addition to our herd. I am so thankful that we have her.

During the last four months, Annalise

• Began sleeping through the night at two months old but gave me long stretches of time between night feedings when she was only a few weeks old
• Has gained 6 1/2 pounds and become adorably chubby with lots of creases and rolls
• Began to chuckle out loud, especially at Mommy
• Smiles really big smiles at her silly brothers and sister
• Found her hands and then her feet 
• Began making the /g/ sound
• Learned to track family members when we move around the room 
• Is generally content and happy as long as she can see someone
• Still loves to be swaddled and sleeps best when she is
• Has become baby Collin's twin...with a bow!

 

 

Love you so much, sweet number 5!