Family Photo

My parents made the long drive here this last week. It was SO WONDERFUL to have them here! They were able to take our first family photo. It is perfectly indicative of how tired Paul and I are these days. This little baby does not like to sleep at night.

One day, my Mom and I were sitting downstairs staring at the baby (why can you stare at a baby for so long?) when Ellie announced that she needed to go upstairs to go potty. Potty trips are always preceded by detailed announcements. She left....and never came back. Knowing there was probably some sort of trouble brewing, I called up the stairs. "Ellie, where are you?" She called back, "Upstairs." "Come down here. We miss you." Interpretation - 'Come down right now because I know you are doing something you shouldn't and I am not in the mood to clean it up.'

She called back in the sweetest voice ever. "Just a minute Mom. I'm just wiping some pooh off my jammies really quick."

I sent my Mom up to help her.

Dear Rachel

I made it through the first two weeks. We're almost all better and Brooklyn seems to have made it through with no sickness.

Still no great pictures. Brooklyn gets concerned every time the camera comes out.

The kids are very excited about their little sister - constantly wanting to hold her (now that they can) and saying "Hi Brooklyn" at least 1 million times a day. They are even so helpful that they'll shake a rattle in her face to "keep her happy" even when she is sleeping and especially when she is nursing.

I'm tired, but happy.

I'm overwhelmed, but grateful.

My house is messy, but full of laughter.

And I am in love with one amazing man and three energetic little children.

Love, Rachel

PS - Peyton wants to know why I still have a big tummy even though the baby came out.

PS again - Ellie doesn't like our house anymore. She likes our neighbors house. Why? According to her, Bob the Builder didn't build our house, but he did build the neighbors.

One more - Showers and sleep and sanity are not necessary for a happy life.