Four

Luke is four today. Four. Four whole years have passed since my sweet firstborn entered our world. When he got up this morning (EARLY - thanks, time change. You may be excused.) I had already gone outside for a walk, and Kris called me back in because Luke wanted to tell me it was his birthday. As if I could forget. I so remember. I remember the moment I first realized I was pregnant. I remember the first time I felt him move. I remember the first time I saw his face on an ultrasound and found out that he was a boy. I remember going for a walk with Kris the morning of his birth and thinking, "Hmmm...these contractions aren't stopping." I remember that even through the pain of labor I knew I would do it all over again just to meet and love this little boy. And I have so many other little memories collecting in my head and my heart attached to becoming and being the mother of Luke.

Luke, thank you for being my big boy. Thank you for your sloppy, wet kisses and all the fantastic hugs you give. Thank you that you never hold a grudge, even when I get it so wrong with you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for telling me my eyes are beautiful and letting me know you really mean it. Thank you for always wanting me to be your playmate and friend, even in the moments when I get too busy to appreciate it.

You are a smart cookie. (At this point, you would tell me, "I'm not a cookie, Mama, I'm a boy.) You have a love for learning that pleases my academic brain. You love to work on your letters and your numbers, and you always want to know what things are and how they work. You are also an athlete, which pleases your Daddy's athletic heart. You have your Daddy's sense of humor. You make us smile and laugh all the time.

Eli adores you, do you know that? You are a fantastic big brother. The way you share, help, teach, kiss boo-boos, include and comfort him, most of the time without any prompting, blesses me. It lets me know that, while much of who you are gets shaped by me and your Daddy, who you are is born from a heart fashioned by a God who chose you before the foundation of the world and has a plan that reaches far past the hopes and plans of your parents. You are a gift to us, but you belong to Him.

Happy Birthday, my big boy.

Pumpkin Patch 2009

We finally made it to the pumpkin patch this year, and we got lots of cute pictures. Just wanted to share a few!

I asked Luke to pick out a pumpkin that matched my belly, and he got the biggest one he could find. Just about right, I'd say.

Luke cut off my head, but he didn't do too bad of a job taking our picture.

And what kind of an outing would it be without at least one moment like this?

More Disney Pictures

Day 2 at Animal Kingdom

Poor Tigger getting pummeled by some very happy kids

He was a trooper about it; he just kept smiling.

Sweaty, happy cousins!

We ate lots of snacks.

On our safari ride

Lunch at the Rainforest Cafe'
Two cute little monkeys

Okay, I know Kate had this baby because I was at the hospital when she was born, but does it not look like Daddy spit her out?

More sweaty cousins waiting for the tram home
Day ??? at Hollywood Studios (It's all a blur by this point.)

Luke at the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" playground -

Can I just tell you that if you are the least bit nervous about losing your children, DO NOT take them here! It's a maze, and they can roam for hours and never cross your path. Great fun for them, not too fun for Mama whose belly is too big to haul herself into small spaces.

And that's about all the pictures I took. Like I said, HOT and a little hectic, so I felt proud to have this many quality photos.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I can't decide if Disney should change its slogan to "The Germiest Place on Earth". Although it probably wouldn't do anything for business, it would certainly be accurate. Which is why Luke, Eli, Mama, Raeanna and I ended up with the flu at the end of our vacation. Eli and I are now on antibiotics for sinus infections, and Luke has learned a new fun trick of how to suck snot from the back of his throat. Disgusting, you say? Spend a few moments in our house, and you will be begging for someone to scratch their fingernails down a long chalkboard. The sound would be melodic in comparison.

Enough whining. Now I'm ready to show some pictures!! We had a great time, and everyone had a great attitude in spite of the heat and chaos that is inevitable with seven children ages four and under. Our two nights out with just the adults were yummy and fun. There were a couple of other nights of fun game playing and hanging out after the kids were in bed. I can't remember the last time we've all been together just to hang out like that. Maybe never? Before the first baby was born? Anyway, it was lots of fun. I'm looking forward to being able to do again one day.

First Day at Magic Kingdom

A Week Worth Forgetting

The title pretty much speaks for itself. After all having colds and then the stomach bug, numerous meetings, appointments, visits to the lab/doctor/hospital, we are all glad this week is over.

Eli was up all night Monday night, Luke threw up Tuesday night, I was in the bed all day Thursday and ended up having to go to the hospital due to contractions (apparently my uterus and stomach have been competing for room and irritating each other, thanks to the stomach bug) and Kris threw up Thursday night. I was in the bed again yesterday, but I feel much better today and think I'm on the mend.

Which is good because....

We're going to Disney today! Mama, Daddy, brothers, sisters, spouses, nieces, nephews, self, children. We're all going to Disney for the whole week! Kris and Mark, unfortunately, have to work but will join us later in the week. We're even getting a sitter two nights so we can go out to dinner without children, and then Friday night the adults are going to see Cirque du Soleil. And we are so excited!

Expect lots of pictures and maybe some video next week!

I Wouldn't Have Believed It If I Hadn't Seen It

I've read several times in parenting magazines that you can get your kids to eat vegetables by calling them fun names. I didn't totally reject the idea, I just didn't think it would work for Luke. Well...

As you can see, broccoli is still not a favorite. However, at least he didn't push it off onto Eli's tray without even trying it like last time. When Luke did that, Eli simply picked it up with two fingers, wrinkled his nose and very ceremoniously dropped them over the side of his highchair. So, we've made progress. I can't blame them, though. I don't like broccoli either. I did eat a couple pieces so I wouldn't be a complete hypocrite.

Encouragement for Mamas

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9