Baylor is Officially an "Almost Teen"

Can you believe it? 12 years old! I know, I can't either. How does that happen, you wonder? Well, let me tell you-- somehow they keep getting bigger every year! Even when we don't get older...they still do! ;) The new baby has made me an emotional wreck. I was trying to smell all the kids the other night to soak it in and remember what they smelled like and looked like on this day. I know that won't work, and I won't remember, but on the bright side, they let me get close enough to cuddle and smell them! Happy Birthday, Baylor!

 

Birthday dinner at Ichibon!

 

 

His bedroom door!

Sweet Memories

Mommies and grandmas and aunts and maybe some daddies, too, do you remember those first weeks of newborn life? I'm trying to store memories, but I know this will be a very hard task for me. I rarely remember details like that. I barely remember when Adeline was that little. And Baylor? I remember even less! Having a newborn in the house again, however, brings back many of those memories and I want to hang on to them.

Do you remember that tiny baby breaths when they are snuggled close to your face? Or the way they limp themselves into a little ball of yumminess at your neck when you put them on your shoulder? Do you remember sitting in a chair rocking that tiny bundle and closing your eyes thinking to yourself  'I could sit here forever'...then in the very next thought,'This will end so fast'. Today my baby is 6 weeks old. She cooed some today and smiled a couple of times when I talked to her. I responded with such mixed emotions. She's no longer a newborn. Those precious first few weeks that I want to hold on to so badly are gone. Those are the weeks we want to replay over and over. And I was a lucky one. I had those first few weeks 3 times. Some people only have it once, some never. We are so lucky that those precious early weeks are replaced with smiles, and then coos,  laughs, lots of milestones, adoration from a child that believes you are the most important person in the world, games of peek-a-boo, "dada", and "mama"! Because, of course, what else would distract us so much that we don't notice those fleeting, sweet moments being replaced? I know why, my friends. It's God's way of distracting us so our babies can grow up.

Christmas Train and Santa

We have a new tradition of visiting the Christmas Train at my friend's church in Alvin. It's great-reasonably priced, not too crowded, pictures with Santa, story times and snacks, and a train ride to see all the lights on the property. Next year I think we are going to try to throw in Dickinson Festival of Lights. Pssst... I heard it was better than Galveston's Moody Gardens.
Adeline has turned into such a little diva. I can tell in some of the pictures. I have no idea where it comes from! Sometimes it gets her into trouble, and, let's face it, sometimes it gets her to get her way! Especially with daddy. Merry Christmas! Here's to the start of a fun Christmas season!

 Oh, and Santa came riding through our neighborhood thanks to the Seabrook Fire Dept!

Bringing Ollie Home

My mom came to stay with us a couple of days when we came home with Ollie. I appreciate it so much, and I love having her around like that. We had lots of visitors, too!

Newest Janese Addition

A big welcome to Olive Trace Janese.  She was born on November 26, 2013, 7 lb and 8 oz, 20 inches long.  We are so blessed to have another easy going, healthy, happy baby!  I adore being in the hospital with new babies.  I wish I could freeze time for a little while.  Don't we all? Her birthday was the week of Thanksgiving this year, so we stayed in the hospital for Thanksgiving, but it was all worth it.  Baylor and Adeline were excited. Everyone adores her. 

Pregnancy Glory

I think being pregnant is the best. I love the way I look and feel, and I would do it again if I could afford all of the kids. Sadly, this little one will be our last, but I've learned to enjoy every day and to not be afraid to be in front of the camera. Our kids need to see us in pictures, mommas! Get out from behind the camera.
Thanks for the great pictures Dizzy Bee Photography!

Halloween 2013

This was our first halloween in our new house and new neighborhood. We were so torn between going out trick or treating ourselves or staying home and letting people trick or treat at our house! We decided to do both.

 Scuba Adam

 Jason and Hula Girl

Our pumpkins from the pumpkin party!

Baylor's First Belt Color

We forced Baylor to take karate and stick with it. Yes, yes we did.  He hated it, of course, but after about 5 months, he's warming up.  We felt like he needed the confidence boost.  He had his first belt test and moved to yellow belt.  He did really well, and hopefully will stick with it. We're proud parents!

30 Weeks and Counting....

Baby girl has a painted room. Yes, this is a big accomplishment.  She also now has a bed and a dresser because I finally painted a cute new dresser for Adeline.  Still no name, still working on curtains, and still working on rounding up clothes for her.  I wish this pregnancy could last just a little bit longer. Lord, it has had its trials.  There were terrible varicose veins,  time in the hospital for blood clots in my leg, taking daily shots to thin blood, and I failed my 1 hour pregnancy diabetes test!  Even with all that, it's a healthy baby & would take pregnancy for just a few more months.  I feel like it got cut short with all the testing and waiting in the beginning.

1st Day Back at School 2013

First day of Intermediate School!!! Adam was the most nervous of all of us, I think, but it was a successful day. Adeline, of course, went back to daycare like a pro - no tears.

Family Beach Vacation

For the first time ever, our whole family had a vacation this summer!! So exciting, I know. We all went to the beach. Gran and Pawpaw got a beach cabin.  It was too short for me. I ended up spending a couple of nights in the hospital for blood clots due to pregnancy, but still so worth it!! I hope we continue every year!