Gracyn Faith

Gracyn Faith Guess arrived yesterday at 2:12. She looks a little like each of her sisters. She was 7 pounds 4 ounces, my smallest baby! We were all so happy to meet her. We are all doing well! Thanks so much for all your prayers.

The picture of both my big girls in the hospital bed with me reading Fancy Nancy and Gracyn in the bassinet next to us makes me laugh....that is my life!

Baby Day!

We had a nice last weekend of 4 this weekend. We picked my mom up from the airport and all the girls went for pedicures and manicure. This was a first for Reagan and she loved it. We went to a small nail salon, and as I looked down the wall of pedicure chairs, I realized that if a few years, when Gracyn is older, we will fill up every chair! The girls had a birthday party, Tommy and I had one last date night, and we had a great church service and playtime yesterday.

Today is the day. We are scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 11:30 for a 1:30 C-Section. Right now, I am up at 5:00, trying to force myself to eat a big breakfast, since I have to be finished 8 hours prior to surgery and I can't have any other food or water until after....Yuck!!!

This morning it is business as usual, funny how that goes with the 3rd child. My mom, Tommy and I are taking the girls to their gymnastics class, just like I do everyone Monday morning. I am looking forward to one more "Mommy and Me" class with Reagan, while I am not keeping one eye on baby in the carseat. They will be up soon and I am going to snuggle in my bed and love on them and watch cartoons with them for a little bit.

My mom will have them in the waiting room when Gracyn arrives. They will get to meet her right away and go with Daddy in the nursery to take care of her, while Mommy finishes up surgery.

Today I an thankful for a healthy, easy pregnancy and I am praying that we have a smooth, safe delivery and recovery.

Blizzard Pics....

The pictures are pretty grainy, because they are from Tommy's Blackberry and it was still snowing when he took them, but you get the idea. He measured 15 inches in our backyard and it is still coming down!

Blizzard

Well, I am safe at home, with all my family under one roof. But, just a few hours ago, we were all in different parts of town when a massive snowstorm hit. Who knew that in 20 minutes time the weather could change drastically!



The weather issued a blizzard warning this morning through 6:00am tomorrow. I was bummed to wake up to this, because I had the girls all scheduled at a babysitters house for a few hours and I had planned to clean my house and run a few errands. I never leave my kids with a sitter, but knew I would have last minute things to take care of before Gracyn. I was pretty determined to continue with my plans and being the eternal optimist was also certain my Mom's flight tomorrow morning would turn out fine.



So, after dropping the girls off at 9:00 and coming home to clean for a few hours. I headed out to the mall at 11:00. It was snowing a little, but not sticking to the roads at all. I have driven in much worse several times this year, so I wasn't worried. Tommy called and told me he was headed for the house to finish work from home. I was going to do my shopping and pick the girls up at 1:00.



I hadn't been at the mall for 20 minutes and was eating lunch with my neighbor, Katy, and her baby when Tommy called and said, "You need to come home, Now!". He said the weather was getting bad quick, but I didn't really take him seriously because it was fine just shortly before. We were finishing our lunch and I was thinking I would get a few things quick and then head home. Tommy then called back and said, "I am serious, leave now!" So, Katy and I packed up and headed out. There was some discussion about following each other, but we were parked on different sides of the mall, and again, didn't think the weather was bad, so we left each other.



I quickly realized when I got to the parking lot that Tommy was right. In 25 minutes time, the parking lot had filled with snow, the wind was blowing like crazy...making it impossible to see anything, and the temperature had dropped...turning the ground to ice. This time a year ago, I would have headed back to the mall and curled into the fetal position and cried!!! But, I have had a little practice now along with snowtires and sandbags. So, I said lots of prayers and set out to pick up the girls and get home.



It was really scary!!! I watched as cars slid all over the place and several bumped each other. I made my way about a mile and called Tommy to go get the girls from the sitter. I soon found out that he ended up sideways just trying to get out of the driveway. I was creeping along at 10 miles and hour and putting my snowtires to work with every stop and start, when my other neighbor Penny called to check on me. Her girls were with mine at the sitter and she quickly made arrangements to get us all home.



Long story short, Tommy got in the car with Penny's husband who has a 4 wheel drive and lots of experience driving in the snow. My car is parked at a gas station near the mall and they came to my rescue. I spent the whole time waiting for them on the phone with Katy, who was completely stuck in stopped traffic and not sure why. She thankfully got through a backed-up intersection and made it home safely. Brian and Tommy delivered me safely home and then installed carseats and made two trips to pick up all our our girls.



We are glad to be home and safe. Today I am thankful for God's protection over all of us, thankful for amazing friends and thankful that I just booked my mom a new flight for Saturday, that should work out okay. I am indoors for the duration, and I think it will be awhile before I head back out in the snow!

Ready for Sister

This morning I was playing "Storytime" with the girls. They held their baby dolls and listened as I read to them, just like at the library. Reagan played for awhile and then wondered off to do her own thing (Also just like at the library). After I finished reading the book to Addison, we set off to find Reagan. We found that she had gotten her stool from the bathroom and crawled into Gracyn's bassinet that I just got set up. She was snuggled in their reading to her baby.

We played with baby Lila again yesterday and Reagan couldn't have been more delighted with her. She must have gotten her inspiration for the stool at their house, because they have a stool next to the Pack-N-Play so the big sisters can see in.

It just occurred to me, that since Reagan is such a climber and can pretty much get anywhere I might put Gracyn, my daytime showers days might be over for awhile. I may have to wait until Tommy comes home and can safely hold baby out the way of all her sister's love!

What's Missing?

Look who decided she doesn't like to wear clothes anymore. Sharp family, this always makes me think of you. It is pretty funny, when you look up from doing something and there is suddenly a naked 2 year old in your kitchen. I don't fight with her about it. I figure we will start potty training soon enough, and this is how she will learn.

PS....We didn't let her eat dinner naked. I was cleaning up from dinner and they were coloring.

PPS..There is another glimpse at the back of Addison's hair on a day when Mommy didn't blow-dry it. She put detangler in and did it herself.

Practice!

Okay, how many of you just flipped-put and thought I was announcing baby early? Don't worry, this is sweet Lila. She is my neighbor's third girl. She is two weeks old and yesterday was our first playdate as a group of 5 girls. I can't wait to add Gracyn to the mix!

Reagan was so excited to meet Lila and she couldn't get enough of her. She asked Penny every few minutes, "Can I hold her now?". Penny was sweet to let Reagan get in a little practice. Each time Lila made a little baby coo, Reagan would smile so big. She patted her, watched her drink milk and supervised diaper changes.

She has talked about Lila ever since. This morning at breakfast she told me, "I want my Gracyn!" It blessed me so much to hear her asking for her baby sissy and loving on a baby so much. I don't think we have to worry about bringing our little one home. I just think I might need to have a timer on hand for a few days....the Big Sister's are going to be waiting in line to hold her.

Good Morning!

Here is the side view!
The back is always out of control.

Looking fairly normal from the front.

Does anyone else's daughter wake up with hair like this in the morning? I have no idea what happens to her at night, but anytime she sleeps, nap or bed, Addison wakes up like this.

We have tried everything....going to sleep with wet hair, going to sleep with dry hair, sleeping in a ponytail, combing it really good before bed, switching pillowcases. Nothing works. Despite all our efforts, this is just the hair she wakes up with.

If you are familiar with this sort of morning hair crisis, do you have any good solutions? The only thing I have found that really works is to wet it down and blow-dry it. At this point my 3 year old gets her hair done more frequently in the mornings than I do (lots more frequently). I just don't know if I will have time to keep up the morning wet and style once I add another baby to the mix.

We have tried all the detangler sprays and they work to smooth it out, but they leave it all stringy and messy. The Noodle and Boo works the best, but it still isn't great. If you know how to help....send me a note.

Every Girl Needs

A pink convertible! Pappy got this for Reagan for her birthday, and since we are supposed to have a week of beautiful weather, I couldn't resist giving it to her early. She loves it! And, Addison loves to push her.....the perfect scenario. Thanks Pappy!!!

Pictures

Saturday we took the girls to get a few pictures with Mommy's tummy. I didn't really feel like having it done this time around, but since I have "belly pictures" with the other 2, we couldn't leave little Gracyn out.

Tommy has never been to a photo shoot with the two girls. I generally schedule them during the week, and take them on my own, and few things make me crazier. It is always nuts getting them up there clean with hair in place. Then the studio is always late. Finally my girls don't necessarily follow the photographers directions or smile on cue that well. I am usually lucky to get one decent shot.

This time I make the appointment for Saturday, so Tommy could go with us. THEY WERE PERFECT!!! Picture People was on time, for perhaps the first time EVER, then my girls acted like posing and smiling was the most fun thing they had ever done. They were so sweet, cute and cooperative for the photographer!

We got great pictures of them, and for that I am thankful, but Daddy sure didn't get to experience what our usual picture taking outings are like.

On a funny note, I almost ordered Easter cards with a picture of the two girls. I had them all made up and then realized....oops, Easter is 2 weeks after Gracyn arrives. I better not send out cards without her included!

Tea Party

Addison's class hosted a Tea Party for all the parents last week. They sang several songs. Addison gave quite the performance. She was very dramatic in all her hand motions! My favorite was when they sang "I'm in the Lord's Army". Each time she salutes, her eyes follow her hand....it was too funny.

After their songs they gave us a special gift they made. It had her sweet footprint (which explains why she came home with green toes last week), a cute picture, and a little interview where she answered questions about us. I laughed the most that she knew our favorite show was "The Office". Clearly she listens to everything we talk about!!!

The picture at the top is with her four sweet friends. It makes me sad to think about moving to a new class next year, because she has had so much fun with these little girls. There are only 6 girls in the class of 18, so they have to stick together!!!

Table Manners....

Not Yet. Maybe Soon???

What Goes Around Comes Around....

When we were awaiting Reagan's arrival, Addison tried out every new baby item that came through our door. Nothing poor Reagan got was sacred. Addison put the paci's in her mouth, put the clothes on her babies and played with the toys. Reagan is getting her turn now.

Last Wednesday we got a sweet package from my Aunt Tressia and cousin Jennifer for Gracyn. Inside we found the Tigger and Pooh tie blanket (each of my girls has one Tressia has made them) and a cute pink giraffe. Reagan has been sleeping with the blanket (and 3 of her own) ever since.

The day the package came had been a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree day here and we had been to the park twice. We played outside for hours and hours and she was so tired when we finally came in. She spread the blankie out, got her paci and the giraffe and snuggled up to watch Dora.

What you don't see in the picture is that I called Daddy to pick up something for dinner and curled up behind her. 4 hours at the park may have been a bit much for the home stretch of pregnancy. I seriously thought I was in labor that night. I was sure we were going to have to go to the hospital, but didn't even have the energy to pack a bag. Thankfully, after the girls went to sleep and I rested for a few hours the contractions finally stopped. The funny thing is, after 2 scheduled c-sections, I had no idea what to expect. Tommy kept asking if I was in labor, and all I could say is "I don't know, I have never been in labor before!!!". I am crossing my fingers for lots more warm spring days, but I think for the next few weeks, I will do a little more watching at the park and a lot less playing!

"Sweet Mercy"

I am feeling rather huge in the belly these days. And although, people still tell me all the time, that I look small, I promise I am big for me. My dr. confirmed this at my last appointment, when she took my measurements with her little measuring tape and said, "Sweet Mercy!" I am not sure what that means, but I think maybe I was on the right track in my feeling large.

TIRED!!!

Someday she is going to get me for putting this picture on her, but look what a day of skiing and swimming will do to a three year old. She is usually really sweet when she sleeps, but not this time. Her eyes were rolled back in her head, she was sitting straight up in her carseat, and her mouth was wide open. We carried her into a restaurant like this and she slept in the booth for another 30 minutes.....not something my children would normally do!!!

Ski Vacation

Of course we had to take our picture with our favorite Coca-Cola bear! Thankfully they had lots of wagons to help get the kids and all their gear around.

Addison's first lift ticket.

Geared up and ready to go.

Swimming with Daddy.

Not a great picture, but I love how you can see the ski runs in the background. We had a great view!

We took advantage of living in Colorado, and left Thursday to spend the weekend in Winterpark. Tommy has found a new love in snowboarding this winter and Addison had her first ski-school. Most importantly, I just wanted us to have some uninterrupted time to relax as a family before our new addition arrives. It is always so nice to be away from chores, errands, Internet and TV and just enjoy each other!

The girls favorite things were probably jumping on the beds in the hotel room, packing their own rolling suitcases full of toys and swimming in the pool. They also loved the sky gondola that took us over to the base of the mountain. Addison's ski-school was okay, she had fun and learned to walk really well on her skis, however I don't think she had as much time outside in the snow as we would have liked. Tommy had fun snowboarding and learned quickly on his first trip down, why a helmet is important! I am not sure he was a believer, until he had a rather hard crash on his head. Poor Reagan, she just isn't that much of a cold-weather girl right now. She doesn't like the cold or the wind and she really doesn't like the clothing! She can't hardly walk in her snow clothes. She was much happier just playing at the hotel.

I am so thankful that we got to have some sweet time together! It was such a beautiful place and I loved just hanging out with my favorite people. Next year, without pregnancy as an excuse, I am sure Tommy is going to have me skiing....wonder how that will go?

Reagan's First Hair Cut

The finished product!

Getting started.

Not going to smile right now!!!

This is how our pictures usually turn out!

Are both of my girls looking at the camera and smiling?

We took Reagan to get her first hair-cut today. Her hair was beginning to remind me of Carol Brady on "The Brady Bunch". It was shorter on top with about 8 inches of curly, mullet in the back. I hated to cut it off, but I guess the sides have to catch up to the back sometime. She did great. She loved driving the pink jeep and did everything the lady asked her too. Blogger put my pictures in reverse order, so enjoy them backwards!

A few more things about our day. This morning, Addison cried for at least 30 minutes because "I did not fix her hair right, it didn't look beautiful, she told me how to do it, I didn't do it right, and now she is mad!!!" Does this happen when you have boys???

We went to Sweet Tomato for lunch and my girls were in heaven!!! Addison's lunch was $1.69 and Reagan was free! They ate macaroni and cheese, fruit, pizza, bread with honey butter, and then ice-cream sundaes. They were thrilled with the variety of their favorite choices and even more excited that you could just keep going back for more!

Playday!

Today was 60 degrees and sunny. We went to the early service at church, so we could head back home and get to the park. It was so nice to be outside playing! As of now, the weather is predicted to stay in the 70's all week. I can't wait.