Well, it's been 3 weeks now that I've been a mother of 4. I hope you can understand why I haven't had a chance to blog lately, but don't worry...I've been taking lots of pictures and trying to remember sweet stories to share amidst the fog I finally feel like I'm coming out of now! It's been a crazy time to add another little life to our family with John starting school and Marching Band season, and the boys both starting school. Thankfully my mom was here for a month, and joined by my Dad for the last few days of her trip to help us adjust. Here's a recap of the last few weeks in pictures...
...WEEK 1...
We had as good a first week as you could expect with a new baby in the house and 3 older (but still very little) siblings :) She had a rough time adjusting to having to wake up to eat, but after great advice from nurses at the hospital, she's eating well now, every 3 hours. Things always seem way more intense when you're in the middle of them, but after finding out we both had thrush, we're on our way to recovery now with the medicine we need...we'd still love your prayers for full recovery though!
Rylee after her first bath...of course all the kids wanted to help :)
This is her little nook in our room, right next to our bed. Once she's sleeping a bit better at night, she has a place all ready to go in her sister's room.
They are all enamored with her :)
I love this picture...this is the 2nd day we were at home with Rylee after two rough nights of sleep. Daddy was determined to keep that pacifier in her mouth so he could get a few minutes of much needed sleep!
On Gramma's lap with the blanket she made Cora.
Sisters!
So gentle with her...
She has the sweetest brothers!
Gramma, Ryder and Rylee :)
...WEEK 2...
You're in for a treat now! My Dad and brother arrived right as Rylee began her second week of life. Here are some of my favorite pictures taken by my Dad while he was with us and a few of my own...thank you Gramps!!!!
Off for a bike ride to the park...
Gramps and Cora
Gramma and her girl :)
They bonded so well while Gramma was here :)
...The boys love climbing trees at the park...
Resting while the others play with Daddy, Gramma and Gramps :)
Cole's new favorite way to swing :)
The boys love taking turns pushing Cora...
She LOVES the sand!
Ryder has been loving throwing the frisbee lately :)
The boys love taking turns pushing Cora...
She LOVES the sand!
Ryder has been loving throwing the frisbee lately :)
The new family of 6!
...Trip to Allerton...
Snug as a bug :)
Walking through the gardens
Inside, we found this bench..it was too cute to pass!
My favorite picture of my little big girl...
Family of 6...once again :)
Gramps and Gramma and the oldest 3 :)
Pancake break! My favorite "Sneaky Chef" pancakes make great snacks for the road!
...Curtis Orchard...
Another "Family of 6" picture...we had to take them while we had the chance!
Gramma, Gramps and their "train" of grandkids :)
Buddies :)
Yes...I actually pulled the "train" all by myself! I guess the Lord is right...He never gives us anything we can't handle in His power!
...At Home...
First up...Cora's Photo Shoot :) She is SO funny!!!
Lately, everyone wants their time with our Rylee-girl :)
Okay boys...your turn!!!
And this is a little bit how our lives are right now...a little upside down and turned around but with smiles...most of the time, anyway!
I'll leave you with a little glimpse into WEEK 3 with Rylee with a couple pictures and a video of Cora and her new sister, whom she can't get enough of!
I just loved that they were both looking!
Here's a video of Cora and her new sister...
So...how are we doing???
Happy, thankful, excited, tired, and still adjusting :)
I think that's sums some of it up in as few words as possible!
We know, though, that the Lord has incredible plans for us, not only in the future but also right now as we live out THIS stage we're currently in. There is no growth that can happen in our character and hearts without being stretched farther than we ever thought we could handle on our own. We've experienced a lot of stretching in the past 2 years and also grown more than we ever though possible. We are closer to each other as a family and know more of the strength of our God than we ever would've without having gone through all we have.
Lord, we praise you for this new season for our family...we are honored by the call to parent these incredible children and pray you empower us with everything we need to do it according to YOUR plans for them. Give us strength to endure this season when Daddy has more to do outside our house than inside and give us perspective than goes beyond the 4 walls of our home. Your plan is good and your call is perfect. We acknowledge YOU as the purpose for which we live, giving us all we need to wake up to another day. May you be known because of the way we live.
AMEN
I love you, Danice!!!! Thanks for sharing the pictures - they are so sweet - and the video too!
I think about all of you often!!! I join you in your prayers!! I was so excited to see these updated pictures and to look at all 6 of you together is amazing. It feels not long ago that I met you sick while carrying Ry and now 4 sweet, precious children!! I love 2 boys 2 girls, 2 blondes, 2 brunettes, it's all just adorable! May God grant you peace and grace as you mother. You truly are amazing! Praying for John too in this very full season!! We love all of you!!!