Gracyn Faith is One Month

I can't believe that my baby is already a month old. Time flies and it feels like she has just always been here. Although, we of course have had some crazy, chaotic moments, it has been so easy bringing her home. She just fits into our family. My big girls have done great with their new roles and they just can't get enough of baby sister. Here are a few things about my girl at one month.

~She has the sweetest little rolly-polly legs and arms. She is getting rollier everyday!

~She WILL NOT take a paci, and Mommy doesn't know what to do with that! I have tried every trick in the book and it is not happening. She actually gags when I put it in her mouth!

~Gracyn takes her best naps on the go, in her carseat. This works great for me and my morning outings with Addison and Reagan! In fact, just this morning, starting at 6:00am, we were all going a little crazy, think constant discipline, poop on the floor, big girls fighting and baby crying. I finally loaded Gracyn in her carseat and took the girls to the mall. She slept the whole time and we all came home happier!

~She IS NOT the "laid-back" third child. At least not yet! Baby Girl is assertive. She knows what she wants (Mommy to hold her) and she doesn't give up easy. My dad was quite impressed with her stamina! He nicknamed her "Soldier".

~There is no little cry with Gracyn. She goes from perfectly quiet to shrill, high-pitched screams in a single second. When I first brought her home it would scare me to death because I thought something was seriously wrong with her. Now I know, it is just her cry.

~In the last week or so, she has transitioned from "Somebody hold me" to "Mommy hold me". She is definitely a Mommy's girl. That makes me three for three, and I love it!

~Word on the street is that she looks like Reagan. I see characteristics of both big sisters in little Gracyn

We are so in love with this precious girl and look forward to knowing her personality more and more each day.

Addison's New Hair-Cut

She got a bob today and it is super-cute!!! Hopefully this will cut down on the craziness on the back of her head every morning.

Butterfly Pavilion

Checking out a butterfly up close.

Gracyn is growing too fast! See her little toes sticking out of the sling!
Photography by Addison.

Sweet Sisters!

Reagan is examining the butterfly on the ground.

Pappy pointing out all the pretty things.

Addison petting the tarantula, "Rosie". Reagan is like her Mama, she was happy to look,

but not about to touch.

Yesterday was the last day of my Dad's trip here, so we decided to take the girls to the Denver Butterfly Pavilion. The girls were up and going at 6:00am and I started getting everyone ready right away. THREE hours later I had everyone dressed, fed, fed again (Gracyn), and ready to go!
I unfortunately forgot that the pavilion is kept at a warm and muggy 90% humidity. It was reminiscent of my Houston days. I realized after stepping in there that I could have saved the 20 minutes I spent blow-drying and straightening my hair.

When we got to the pavilion, we headed right to see Rosie the Tarantula. Addison was thrilled to hold him. She is fearless! Reagan was more like me. She quietly observed from a safe distance, but was not about to touch it. We also had the pleasure of seeing roaches the size of my feet. This is also reminiscent of my Houston days, at least here they are in cages. Once we had our fill of the bug room, and my skin was starting to crawl, we headed to the aquarium area. The girls saw fish, jellyfish and crabs and they got to pet a starfish.

Finally we made it out to the butterflies. They are so beautiful. There are hundreds of them along with beautiful flowers and ponds. Addison grabbed my camera and happily snapped away. She loves taking pictures and is even learning a little about it. She took a picture at one point, and then turned to tell me that there was too much sun. We got to watch as several butterflies were emerging from their chrysalis and unfolding their wings for the first time.

After we left, we grabbed a quick lunch and some ice-cream (know that I use the term quick VERY loosely, we aren't too fast at anything right now). We got home just in time to give Reagan a quick one-hour nap and then headed to a birthday party. It was a busy day, but lots of fun!

Weekend Review...

We had a busy, fun weekend around here! We started out Friday, picking Pappy up from the airport. Pappy didn't even try to get all the girls smiling for a picture. He went with the whole, if you can't beat-em, join-em idea!

Saturday morning, Tommy and Dad headed out for a freezing cold day on the golf course, while the girls and I went to a birthday party. We celebrated Clara's fourth birthday at Arts on Fire and both girls painted a unicorn. It was lots of fun. Reagan painted her unicorn and most of the table around her she would run out of paint, look at the girl working and say, "Lady....I need some more!". She was too funny!

Saturday evening, I took Addison to see a local high schools performance of Beauty and the Beast the musical. It was so much fun. The kids were really talented and I was amazed at the level of show they put on. Addison was so entertained by it all. The highlight of her night was meeting Belle at the end. For the first time in her life, she was speechless! She just gazed admiringly at her and gave her a big hug! Later she asked me if we could invite her to our house sometime.

While we were gone, Reagan got some fun one on one time with Daddy and Pappy. They painted and played play-doh. I think Miss Gracyn also kept them pretty busy. I haven't left her for that long before and she is already quite the Mommy's girl. I think she may have cried most of the time! Dad keeps saying that she is a fighter!

Today we went to church then went to Toy's R Us to let Pappy get Addison a birthday present. Finally this afternoon we took the girls swimming! The girls are sound asleep and Mommy is getting geared up for Monday!

PS....

Notice several pictures lately, with all my girls smiling, no one crying, and no nose picking? Candy, the answer is candy. I give it to them shamelessly each time they cooperate for a picture!

From Blizzard to Beautiful

Gracyn's first zoo trip.

Reagan shared chedder bunnies with the peacock, until he got a little aggresive.

She clearly saved plenty for herself.

We love watching the sea otters play!

My Girls!

With all indication of the blizzard just days before gone, we hit the zoo on Tuesday. The weather was beautiful, although it actually got a little hot with our blazing CO sun! It was a bit of an ordeal to get us all there and around, especially since Mommy made a fatal mistake and forgot Gracyn's sling. Had I had it, she would have curled up and slept away, but without it, we were juggling, bouncing and trying to keep her shielded from the sun. She really wasn't thrilled about it. The girls loved the animals and they loved the stuffed flamingo and sea otter that Grandma and Pampa got at the gift shop. We didn't stay long, but I was just happy to be outside soaking up sun and walking around.

Grandma and Grandpa came to Visit

I am back!!! I know I don't usually go so long without posting, but my hands are full right now!!! I usually have at least one of my sweet girls in my arms, and when I don't I am either rushing around to do a few chores or jumping in my bed to sleep! Tommy got sick last week with a bad sinus infection, but the poor guy kept right on going. I think he took a nap the first day he felt bad, and we quarantined him to the guest room until the fever was gone, but for the most part he has been Super Dad as usual!

Tommy's parents visit started off with a bang Saturday when we picked them up from the airport (in two feet of snow) and left them with the two big girls. I had a bad toothache that had been hurting for days, and I had an appointment later in the week to have it looked at, but over the weekend it got so bad I ended up finding an after-hours dentist on Saturday. Tommy drove me through the blizzard, with his sinus infection, to the office. He sat patiently in the waiting room for two hours, holding Gracyn, in case I needed to feed her. Apparently, 10 years ago, I got a bad root-canal, and it is now infected. They couldn't do much for me, just prescribed me antibiotics and pain meds and gave me a referral to an oral surgeon to have the root canal redone....good times! Thank goodness Grandma and Grandpa where here so we didn't have to take the whole crew with us.

We had a great time having them visit. The girls couldn't wait to get downstairs each day to "wake them up"! I tried to hold them off until at least 6:30! They were lots of help with the girls. Pampa plays and plays and Grandma did lots of sewing for Addison....she had some dress-up clothes in need of repair. We were happy to introduce them to Gracyn and they got in lots of good snuggle time with her. They even took us to Red Robin one night, because in the haze of sleeplessness, Mommy put a rotisserie chicken in the oven in its plastic container. We had to evacuate until the plastic melting fumes were gone!

Thanks for coming! We will miss you.

Little Executive

Gracyn was helping Daddy do a little late night work, but apparently she didn't find the workings of the Coca-Cola business to be too interesting!

An Elevator Crisis

Today, I had my two week follow up visit with my doctor. I knew that it would be tough to take all three girls with me. Among other obvious reasons not to take 3 children 3 and under with you to your appointment, there simply isn't enough space in the exam room. Gracyn, obviously goes with me, since she can decide at any moment that she needs to eat. And, Addison needed to be dropped off at school shortly after my appointment, so I took those two and asked a neighbor to watch Reagan. I fooled myself into thinking that without the busy two-year-old I would have it easy.



All was well throughout the appointment. Gracyn slept quietly in her carrier and Addison chatted away with the dr and all the nurses. We got a good report, got stickers for all the girls and headed on our way.



Our crisis occurred in the elevator on the way back to the car. It had a hand rail all the way around the inside, to hold on to. Addison jumped on the elevator and looped her arm around the rail. Seconds later, she was SCREAMING! Her whole arm was stuck behind the rail. I tried to pry it out, but that only made her scream louder. We went up and down at least once all alone, while I tried to work her arm out. Then, another lady stepped in with us. She may not have been around a 3-year-old girl before, because she was quite alarmed by all the drama. I think she was sure Addison had broken something. And, while I knew this was possible and I know her arm was hurting, I also knew the decibel level of all the wailing was probably more fear and embarrassment related. The lady, however, was convinced that we needed to call the fire department. I told her I didn't think that was necessary and reminded her that we were in the hospital building, surrounded by doctors. She remained sure that we needed help, and then left, I presume to call 911. By then, we have attracted quite a crowd. Someone was kindly holding the door open, so we didn't continue to ride around, while trying to free her. Someone else, had pushed the help button, so a loud alarm was now sounding. Finally, some sweet person, did what I wanted all along and went to grab the nearest dr and nurse. They calmly looked us over, went back to their office and returned with lubricant. The dr. gooped Addison's arm all up and wiggled her around a minute until she was free!

Crisis ended, people began to clear out. Addison just held onto me and cried and cried. Her arm was really red and will probably be bruised, but she is otherwise just fine. Her tears stopped immediately when I offered ice-cream. So, our crises ended nicely. We went to Chick-Fil-A on the way to her school. She had a cone! I had a shake! All's well that ends well!

Happy Easter

Easter Egg Hunt, Round 1

This morning we braved chilly weather and cold winds to head outside for an Easter Egg hunt with the neighborhood. It was originally planned for last weekend, but we ended up postponing because of snow and cold. I think a warm, sunny Easter is just not meant to be this year. You can see from the pictures, though, that several of us, me included, have strong-willed little girls who were determined to be in dresses regardless of the weather! I was at least able to persuade Addison out of her Easter dress and into one that had tights and a sweater.

Gracyn and Baby Lila hung out in their warm carseats on the dining room table and made squeaky noises together while everyone else headed out to the Tot Lot behind our houses for the hunt. Gracyn actually made an appearance outside, but Penny rescued her from the cold and took her back in to hang with her buddy!

There was no shortage of eggs out there and the kids had a great time running after them. Addison was of course an expert this year, and Reagan caught on quick. I had predicted she would find one egg and then stop to eat whatever was in it, but she surprised me by sticking with the hunt. Everyone came back in with full baskets!

The kids ate a ton of candy, got lots and lots of stickers, and spent the next hour blowing whistles that someone had thoughtfully put in the eggs! We had a great time. I always leave these things thrilled that we ended up in the neighborhood that we did and so blessed to have such great friends.

My Girls

I read a blog a few days ago, where the mom spent some time complimenting each of her children. Since, it is often too funny and easy to write about all the craziness, I wanted to borrow her idea and share some of the sweet things about my little ones.

Addison is such a natural nurturer. She is always the first to help a smaller child in need. She has a gentle way with them, that makes them attracted to her. She is so helpful to have around. She has great leadership qualities with kids her own age, too. We had a conference with her preschool teacher a few days ago, and while she didn't tell us anything we didn't already know, it is always nice to hear from someone else how smart, sweet, and kind your child is. She loves learning, reading and making crafts! And, I love seeing how she she improves at each of these things everyday.I am always so impressed with how much growth you see at this age, in just a few days time. She knows so many bible stories and loves learning about Jesus. Addison is as outgoing as a person can be. She lights up a room with her smiles, stories and outgoing personality. She can start up a conversation with anyone...anywhere! She is anxious to play with her friends every chance she gets. I love this little one with all my heart, and I am so excited to see how her personality develops as she grows.

Reagan is at such a cute age right now. She makes me laugh over and over again throughout the day. She is one smart little girl. She is curious and observant. She likes to take things in for a while, before she jumps in herself. I can just see her brain working as she studies new situations. She is strong-willed and won't easily be convinced to do something she doesn't want to. Reagan's vocabulary blows us away. She is speaking in full sentences all the time! She has a great interest in learning is always asking me "What is that called?" or "What is that for?", when she encounters something new. Reagan loves her friends and has usually asked me to call them by 6:45 in the morning. She is great in her new role as big sister! Gracyn just makes her smile. She is so in love and can't get enough of holding her sister. Sometimes I see her with her baby-dolls and she folds her hands to pray with them. She also keeps us in line at the dinner talbe and never lets us forget our mealtime prayer, these moments are so precious. Finally, Reagan has such sweet compassion and concern for others. She doesn't like to hear anyone crying. This gets her worried and she will tell me, "They need their Mommy." I love to see this empathy in her. She is such fun to be around and I am so proud to be her Mom!

Finally my little Gracyn, we are just getting to know you, but we love you to pieces. You are such a sweet snuggler. You smell so good and you are just the perfect size to curl into a ball and nap on my chest. I love all your sweet little sounds and even your sad little cry. You love to be held! I honestly think if I could hold you all day, we wouldn't hear a peep out of you! You have captured not only my heart in 12 short days, but also your Daddy's and your two Sister's. We can't wait to watch each day as your personality emerges more and more. I know God has big things in store for your life. We love you little one!

Sweet Baby Days

Gracyn Faith ... 11 Days Old

Clean-Up Crew

My girls were "helping" me around the house, and before I knew it they had thoroughly "cleaned" our flat-screen TV with baby wipes. She isn't looking so good since then. There is major streakage all over the screen! Anyone know how to fix this?

Thanks Mimi!

My mom was here last week, holding down the fort at home, while Tommy and I were at the hospital. She had a busy week getting girls to gymnastics, preschool and back and forth from the hospital! She helped me pull of the birthday party 6 days post c-section, helped around the house and ran errands for me. The girls had a great time with her and have missed having her here. She went home Sunday morning and I think she needed some rest!

This picture is the best we could get! In the first few tries, Reagan was picking her nose. Then, I got on to her for picking her nose, so she is crying in the remaining pictures.

Happy Birthday Reagan!

Birthday girl is blowing out her candles.

Cute little Teddy Bear cake

Daddy is posing for a picture...Reagan is all done posing!

Our sweet 2 year old!

Great group picture of 12 kids 4 and under! Look at Lil' Charlie, he is escaping on the left.

They are playing "Hot Potato" to see who gets to stuff the next bear.

Waiting patiently for a turn.

Here they are walking in line to pick out their animals.

Reagan LOVES her best friend Ava, she can't get enough of her lately.

Yesterday we had Reagan's 2nd birthday party at Build A Bear! We had a great time. It was so sweet to watch her interacting with her friends and following her leader's instructions. I wasn't sure how she would do as the center of attention, but she did great!

The biggest laugh of the day for us, was when the leader asked them if they liked peanut butter and jelly. She wanted the kids to yell "jelly" every time she said, "peanut butter", so she could get their attention. So, when she asked if they liked PB&J, Reagan screamed, "I want lunchable!" Can you tell what we eat for lunch around here?

We are so thankful for our sweet 2 year old girl! She is precious in every way. She makes us laugh all the time. We are often blown away by how smart she is and how well she communicates. We also love to see the compassion she has for others! We are so thankful to be her Mommy and Daddy and can't wait to see what the next year holds.

Snuggle Time

Reagan just can't get enough of little Gracyn. She wants to hold her and check on her all the time. She pushes her in her swing, tries to give her a paci (which she doesn't like) and tells us she is poopy. Reagan gets so excited about each and every little sound Gracyn makes. Her face just lights up around her.

Addison loves Gracyn, too! She is such an expert the 2nd time around. We put Gracyn in her lap and she will stay forever, just holding her on the couch. She is such a big helper for me. I love to see them all so in love!

Welcome Home Gracyn!

We brought sweet Gracyn home from the hospital today! The girls were so excited to have her at the house, and I was glad to be home. It was nice to relax at the hospital and have some time with Gracyn, but I missed my big girls! The first few weeks are going to be interesting! Addison and Reagan can't get enough of the baby at this point, so my time is spent sitting next to them while they hold her! She is being showered with tons and tons of love!