one week, a good week

so, i was supposed to be heading to the hospital to be induced tonight. my plans to have my hair cut and highlights placed, michael's plans for preparing for his message on sunday, a date night with my husband had been arranged with a dear friend asking to watch our kids, two more 12's working in the er...all changed in a moment. who would have guessed that last wednesday would start as usual, then shifting rather dramatically with my water breaking with a few "cramps" (i suppose they were coming in regular intervals of 5 minutes, but why should that keep me from going to work, right?) at 9am and having a baby 4 hours later. our sweet new bundle surprised us over a week early... Levi "Thomas" arrived april 18, 2012 at 1:13pm, 7 lbs 9 oz, 20 in long and is perfect, absolutely perfect. the Lord has been gracious to us, not only with a healthy baby, but with a transition that has so far been so smooth, a big brother and sister who cannot get enough of thomas and an infant who wants to eat every 4 hrs, not any sooner, making those early morning feedings not quite as bad as i remember. now that doesn't mean i haven't had my moments and that the kids have forgotten how to melt down, but at the end of the day, when all three sweet kiddos are tucked into bed michael and i can honestly just look at each other and marvel at the blessing of God.

happy 2nd birthday, joseph

The Hippo and Hello Kitty party was a success...complete with Kitty Fruit Kabobs and Hippo Hammies, Hello Kitty cake pops and a beautiful Hello Kitty cake (thank you, Auntie Li, we couldn't do it without you), hippo cupcakes (thanks to a great friend who took a tremendous load off my back by making the adorable cupcake toppers, which by the way, Joseph ate most of his cake by using the toothpick from the bottom of his hippo topper) and colorful pom-poms to brighten the room! Thank you to all who came and were a part...Kate and Joseph had a ball and are set with more than enough fun to last quite some time!









JoJo, you have the best facial expressions, the best cuddles at night, the silliest dances with your little legs, we love when you say "c'mon" and "mote" (remote for your remote control car). Our family is blessed to have your kindness mixed with your boyish fun. Your grin makes us laugh, your determination keeps us on our toes. Thank you for being a fine combination of brave little warrior (tackling your sister, playing "hoop ball") and compassionate comforter (rubbing our backs when we get hurt). Happy birthday, son! Daddy and Mommy love you more than you will ever know!

happy 4th birthday, kate!

katie bug lady bug, mommy and daddy are so proud of you! you are finally 4, just like you have been talking about for the past few months! your sweet, adventurous and joyful and determined disposition keeps us on our toes as well as laughing at your "kate-isms". sometimes your clothes are to buggy (aka: bulky, itchy), at times you may test our patience, but you write the most loving and thoughtful notes, give hugs and kisses that make us melt. We tuck you in each night and love that you promise us that we can still rock you no matter how old you may be...we love you, Kate, always and forever! Happy 4th Birthday!

happy easter 2012

spring is a wonderful time...a time of "new"...this year we not only have new weather, but a new job and new baby soon to arrive, joseph is in a regular twin bed (he beams whenever you ask him about his big boy bed), kate is talkative as ever.

opening easter gifts from papa t and mama lynn, easter egg decorating, opening and telling the story of our resurrection eggs (kate takes pleasure in telling the whole story by herself. wherever you are today, have a happy easter remembering the He Is Risen!