Sunshine + Babies

Today was filled with 2 of my most favorite things...sunshine and my babies.

This afternoon, after a walk with the 3 turds, we decided to play out front for a bit.  We built a [pretend] fire, climbed a [pretend] mountain and collected all kinds of fall treasures.  

I hope our kids remember all the times Brian and I get down and dirty and play with them.

And then the twin-turds asked to take pictures of me + my Colt.  

(Lincoln took the first and third,  Lila the 2nd and 4th.). 

Colt was so well behaved all day, until it was time for me to make dinner.  

Man, it was loud in my house. 

He was one sad/mad dude.  

You'll never hear me complain about how busy life is right now.  

This is the life Brian + I dreamed of, and created, together.  

There are wonderful parts.  And there are messy parts too. 

 I'm sure I'll get to sleep again someday, 

or maybe get a freaking second in the bathroom without a visitor.  

Perhaps I'll even be able to make dinner without holding a screaming baby.  

Until then, I'll be the girl with the spit up in her hair, 

sparkly silver nails that match my daughters, 

a plastic sword in my hand cutting down spider webs with my son, 

milk stains in my bra and gigantic smile on my face.

Weekly Colt

Da' Belly

This post is for my kids...someday.  

Actually, every single blog post I have ever written is really for them.  

I sure hope they appreciate it!

This is just a photo documentation of my growing belly with Colt.  

(I did it for the twins HERE you might remember.)

Pregnant here, but didn't know it for another week. 

The kids 4th birthday party.  

Only Kelsey + Kathy know we are pregs, but we told our families this night.

 Feeling as good as I look right here.  

Terrible.

Morning/All-Damn Day Sickness is no joke.

 Probably thinking I was reallllly getting big.

I think 19 or 20 weeks here.

After a workout the week before Mother's Day.

My friend Loretta + I in my first maternity shirt.

We were oyster picking.

Teaching Linc to ride a bike for the first time.

Going to a party. 

At the party.  On a boat.  

(*wink, K)

Can't hide it now.

 All the self-pics were for my sis. 

I'm so glad she made me take them so I can remember this belly. 

And my messy room.

4th of July hike @ Mt Rainier, Grove of the Patriarchs.  

Doesn't that sound sooooo cool?!

Whippin' your daddy at badminton. 

Alderbrook Resort for our 12th anniversary...7 months.

Mason Lake

7 1/2 Months preg in a swimsuit.  

I love my kids THAT much.

Definitely bigger than the last time I was in this outfit.

Month 8

It was a hot summer.

Very hot.

That shirt is working HARD for me.

Big belly, messy room.

Again.

My lopsided belly.

All 3 of my kids just love the right side of my belly.  

8+ months preg in a swimsuit at Suncadia.

(That will get you some stares at the pool.)

Last vacation as a family of 4.

Suncadia.

My crew at the shower.

9 months

39 weeks
Over it.

September 8th, ready to pop.

A personal fave.  

My prego prom pic with Kels the day before my Colt was born.

The last pic of the belly.

Forever.

9.9.13

Goodbye belly, hello Son.

Worth it.  

So very worth all 23 pounds of it.

*I gained 50 lbs with the twins.  

I know you were curious.

:)

Bedtime

Why, oh why are our children so irresistible, so dang beautiful while they sleep?

Every night, after the twins fall asleep, I sneak in and turn off their reading lights.  I remove the random books, flashlights, various treasures and occasional toys that were snuck in their beds.

And then I just stare at them.  Amazed by their long eyelashes, humongous hands, Lincoln's red lips + Lila's pink ones.  Amazed that their ours.

 I touch their soft cheeks and breathe in the smell of their freshly washed skin.  I usually have to make sure Lila's pony tail or braid isn't wrapped around her neck.

And then I pray for them.  Prayers of tremendous gratitude.  And prayers seeking wisdom for the future + patience for tomorrow.  Because parenting is no joke!

And then I kiss them again and again and tuck them in tight.  Anxious to do it again the next night.  

Tummy sleeper since birth.  Cozy tucked under her cheek.

Back sleeper always.  Sweaty with rosey cheeks and lion swisher close by.

Who Loves You?

Colt, my man, do you ever wonder who loves you?

Your daddy do.  

And you know, your mama does.

Oh Champ, your mama loves you so much.

Lila + Lincoln can't get enough.

Linc can't wait to teach you all about superheroes, gladiators, knights and football.

And Lila, well she just loves helping you.  

She wakes up, and your the first thing she talks about in the morning and the last thing at night.

Smile

Lincoln started smiling early. Like at 2 1/2 weeks!  And everyone was like...yeah, RIGHT first timers, it's probably gas or dream-smiles.  

That is, until they witnessed it.  

And guess who wanted to be just like his big bro?!  

Colt did the same dang thing. 

We have been enjoying his sweet smiles the past few weeks. Oh, how we have enjoyed them.

Ahhhh, it's the little things.

Weekly Colt

Football Family

The family that Seahawks together, STAYS together.

Go 'Hawks.

Weekly Colt

5 weeks.  

Growing more handsome + squishy by the minute.

For Real

Things we never said last time...

'Who wrote on the baby's head???'

Growing

My man, the past four weeks have been pure joy.  

You are such a perfect fit for our family.  Keep doing your thing Colt, and we'll keep loving on you hardcore.  

Swoon City

Excuse me while my heart explodes...

Their daddy's face is the only thing I love more.  

Feeling blessed is an understatement.

Weekly Colt