New Baby Jerni!

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Abbie

My bestie Tracy had her baby in April. I was supposed to doula again.

I missed the birth by ten minutes.

Tracy came over the night before because she was overdue and we were both overdue for some visiting. She was contracting but talking and laughing in between and through them so we didn’t time anything and enjoyed our visit and homemade mocha frappucinos that Mark made us.

She left the house about 10:30. I went to bed and woke up to the phone ringing at 1 and her telling me they were getting ready to go to the hospital. I told her I would nurse Emmie and then be right over or meet them there.

Twenty minutes later, I put Emmie down and went to get dressed. The phone rang and it was Tracy’s husband, Kevin. He told me the baby was coming and he had called the ambulance. I just knew he was telling me a story. His urgency made me realize real fast that he wasn’t. I finished getting dressed, kissed Mark and ran out the door.

But I was too late. Kevin had delivered the baby just before the ambulance arrived.

I went from being the labor doula to the postpartum doula. I have been so blessed that Kevin and Tracy have allowed me to be a part of each of their labors in some pretty unique and, this time, unforgettable, ways!

Two weeks after Jerni made her memorable entrance, the crew got to meet her.

Emmie was thrilled at meeting her first baby.

As always, Uncle Mark was smitten.

Park Fun

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Abbie

Park day turned in to Emmie’s first time at the splash pad. Mama was totally unprepared but sometimes you have to live in the moment.

And those smiles say it was totally worth it!

Josiah was my photographer for most of these. And for most of the others too.

Going on an Egg Hunt

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Abbie

This year is a delayed year…but at least we are doing things, right?! Thus, our delayed egg hunt. The kids could have cared less when we did it. As long as we did it.

Better late than never.

Emmie, obviously, enjoyed being outside more than looking for eggs.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Abbie

This was our first official Easter at our church’s new property. While it was super chilly, we all enjoyed the fellowship and the worship of our risen Savior!

Well, these are the hot cross buns Zoe made. We always have an amazing breakfast that a family from our church provides and these were supposed to have been eaten on Good Friday (just as tradition) but Zoe didn’t get to them until Friday evening so we had them Saturday. They were still very good.

Pastor B sharing God’s Word!

Everyone gathered in the youth room for payer before breakfast. One year, I’ll remember to take pictures of the feast. It is so good ya’ll. We are so blessed that their ministry is to serve some awesome breakfast foods!

After worship, an impromptu gathering to sing more praises to God.

Zoe and friend. Zoe made her skirt. Thankfully, it warmed up quickly.

I made Ceili Rain and Emmie’s dress. We had to go with a quick pattern because mommy let the day creep up on me.

It was a beautiful day spent with some pretty awesome family and church family.

March Randoms

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Abbie

Be prepared for picture overload! These kids are too cute not to share.

Emmie actually sat with Granddaddy…okay, so he bribed her with animal crackers.

Papa visits. Games come out.

We ordered from Lowe’s website and the things we ordered came in these really cool boxes that could be converted in to a house. That house was well played in for over a month. Emmie enjoyed peek-a-boo in it.

Selfies with dad…and a photobomb.

Raising NF Awareness in the cutest way possible.

Beautiful weather meant lunch outside.

Zoe braces, before.

Zoe braces, after.

Emmie loves the mirror at Dr. B’s office.

That baby is too cute.

Malachi showing off his birthday gifts.

It’s a beard.

Yummy food. Goofy faces.

Every time I look at this picture it just cracks me up.

Emmie decided not to eat the chicken nuggets I had given her and just went for the full on sandwich.

This is our pastor. For the past two years he has been Liam’s listener for Awana. That means he listens to Liam recite the verses he has memorized the previous week. When Liam has a rough night and can’t focus, Pastor B understands and has been a great encourager. I just love this picture. They work so well together and totally get each other.

Ge and Granddaddy sent these inflatable hammers. They were a big hit (haha. Pun intended).

Twinsies!

Ceili Rain’s first pedicure.

Back Home

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Abbie

When Emmie had her appointment with Dr. C at the end of March (this was the brace appointment), we also got to squeeze in some much needed visiting time with family.

Daddy & Emmie selfies…always important.

Liam convinced Papa to play chess.

Aw, you know, just relaxin’ and chillin’.

We also got to get in a visit with Aunt Yaya and Uncle J. They were at the ballfields running a “league of their own” game day. This league is for all children and they have this amazing field that makes it easy for all kids of all abilities can participate in.

Uncle J kept Ceili Rain warm. It was quite a cold morning.

Antics

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Abbie

While the four oldest were in our annual standardized testing for three days, the rest of us had a few adventures.

Playground at the mall was a hit.

And our local Chick-fil-a has a Wednesday morning activity called Biscuits and Buddies. They typically have a special guest come in and do a craft or talk about something fun with the kids. They do this every Wednesday and, of course, with the four oldest around it’s harder to get to. But the four youngest, loved it! They got to make fun whoopie pies and noise makers (which Emmie promptly ate the tape off of. She’s fine and I think I got most of it out before she swallowed it).

Wednesday was a big day too because we were doing another Atlanta run that Friday. We went to get the oil changed after testing and we were informed that the tires absolutely needed to be changed. Quick calls and we got in to our usual tire place (they don’t sell our size tires at any ol’ tire place) and we were set. But we had to wait for the tires to be changed…so we did this:

And “elfed” our selves. Yes, it was March.

The Bunch and the Oobleck

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Abbie

With all the fun of MRI month in March, we failed to properly recognize the good doctor’s birthday on March 2nd. The kids knew and begged most of the month to make our traditional birthday oobleck. By the end of the month, I finally obliged. This time we got a neighbor to come over and join in the fun.

Just an FYI, I did four boxes of cornstarch total and put one in each tub with some neon food coloring.

And to make sure it was fully school time, we discussed non-newtonian liquids and watched a video on why cornstarch and water did what it was doing. So, we also watched a video of people walking on cornstarch/water combo…got to keep things balanced around here.

Put ’em to Work

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Abbie

People always want to know how we do it around here. I guess I’ll share my secret.

We put them to work early washing dishes.

Not really.

Emmie was sitting beside me on the counter one afternoon while I washed a few dishes. She saw the water and was ecstatic. So, I ran some clean water and we let her go to town. It was such a delight seeing her kick and squeal even if it meant our counters (and shirts) were soaking wet.

Happy Wedding Day!

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Abbie

One of our pastor’s daughters got married in March. It was such a beautiful wedding with a beautiful bride!

Photo bomb, anyone?

Ceili Rain just had to see the lovely bride immediately after the ceremony and of course, J willingly obliged. J was Ceili Rain’s cubbies’ teacher and has always remained dear to her.

And, my boys were super thrilled about the wedding. Mainly because of the food at the reception. This reception did not disappoint either.

The beautiful new couple (photobombed by our table mate P).

Trying to complete the wedding scavenger hunt before we gave up and just enjoyed visiting.

At this point, the kids had grabbed my phone (with my permission, of course). Apparently the groom, S went in on the charades. I’m pretty sure all the rest of these pictures are from the kids escapades.