My chunky monkey...

Willow wanted to hold Roman this morning and these were the silly pictures I was able to get. He is a wonderful baby so far. He eats super, sleeps great and burps/poops like a champ. We are loving every minute with him! He is growing a little and is now 9 lbs and 2 oz!

Leaving for Seattle...

Late Wed afternoon, I was sitting feeding the baby when Daisy came up to me and asked, "Mom, when are we going to see G-ma April again?" I looked at her and said" I don't know sweety." I sat there for a few seconds and my brain started twrilling- why not leave tomorrow and surprise her??? We didn't have anything going- no plans, no Dr appointments until the following week- just lots of time. I called my G-ma to see what the likelyhood would be for us to stay with them, and it was good! Trav came home and we had several talks about it throughout the evening, but instead of surprising her, he wanted me to talk to her first and make sure it was ok. He was thinking of their end and didn't want to impose on anyone. We knew it was going to be a busy weekend with them moving- but that's exactly why I wanted to go- to help them move! I had been telling Mom for months and months how I wish I was there to help her dejunk, and then help with her yard sale, and then pack and then move- but everytime, I was pregnant- until now! We were just sitting at home doing nothing, so why not take a spur of the moment trip and help? It made total sense in my mind. I was feeling ok after 6 days of resting & Roman was perfectly healthy. Everything was lining up for us to go. After talking to Mom and surprising her, and then rechecking with G-ma- we had the green light to start packing! I stayed up as late as I could packing but collapsed into bed before I could finish. In the morning I resumed the lengthly process of packing for 7 people and by 10:20 AM we were on the road! 13 hours and almost 500 miles later we arrived at G-ma's house after 11:00 PM. We stayed 4 days and made it home last night after 11:PM. It was a long drive home as well. After 1,143 miles- we were tired. Traveling with 5 kiddos was eventful. Roman was perfect and just slept and ate- but the big kids drove us crazy with all their fighing and arguing. We made it though. Thank you Lord! We had a wonderful time and everyone loved our little man. I'm really glad everything worked out for us to go home, now I think I'll rest a little...

G-ma holding Roman for the first time...

At G-ma April's...

We had a great time helping G-ma get settled into her new place!

Moving Day...

We moved into this house when I was in 6th grade- 1992. It was a little sad saying goodbye, looking at the silly mailbox I painted when I was in Jr. High and then driving down the street to leave, knowing it would be my last time there. I am thrilled for my Mom & Brent to be starting a new chapter in their lives though with a new house!

Staying at Grammy's & G-pa's house...

When I called my G-ma Wed night to see if we could stay with her for a few days, she did what she always does- welcomed us with open arms. She did laugh a little when I told her we wanted to leave the very next morning though. It took 13 hours to get there and we showed up after 11:00 PM. We had fun, the kids played BINGO, went for walks, helped in the garden, played Nintendo, ate pancakes & waffles and visted with G-ma & G-pa.

The drive home...

We are realizing with 5 kids- it takes a little while to get out the door, so although we wanted to leave by 9:00 AM, we left at 10:15. The trip home was 480 miles and took us 12 hours. Nursing a newborn, taking potty breaks, stopping along the road to let Grace throw up, stopping for food, getting gas, changing diapers, rearranging the kids so they would stop fighting and letting the kids run around and play all added up to a few hours of extra time. We made it home safe and by midnight everyone was asleep (there is a hour time change too)

Unpacking...

What is it about unpacking from a trip that seems so awful? This I guess...

Day 5...

I guess I haven't been blogging very much the past few days! We've kept busy but we've been relaxing a little too. We've been taking the kids to the park, the library, out to run errands, the Doctor's office & Trav's softball game last night. We've been sleeping as much as we can, watching movies, reading, arts & crafts and building lots of forts. Yesterday Roman had his Dr, appointment and he's now 8 lbs 9 oz. He looks great and healthy and he had his "boy procedure" done at the same time. He has been a little trooper and is doing really well. The kids have been adjusting perfectly too. There has been some pouting when one hasn't been able to hold Roman, and some arguing over who held him longer, but it's mostly been out of love, so it hasn't been bad. We are trying to spend time with all the kids and so far- so good. I'm feeling pretty good, I'm getting some sleep which has been wonderful and very needed. I'm a little more crampy today than normal and my milk is kind of out of control- but we are getting there I think! I still look 9 months pregnant and am still walking a little slow- but hey, I just pushed a baby out, so I'm trying to be realilistic with what I expect from myself. Everyone has been so kind to help with meals (which has been 100% unnessary, but very sweet) and DeArley even brought over an ice cream cake last night which was about the best gift ever! We are doing pretty good over here, just trying to enjoy this little man as much as we can. Thanks everyone for making us feel loved and cared for!

Day 2...

Yesterday went really over here. I stayed home with the baby while Trav took the kids to church- and I slept! It was wonderful. I just needed a hour or two, and thank you Lord for bring it my way! We just relaxed and fought over the baby for hours. We had dinner come in again from my other visiting teacher (and it was Heaven!) and then G-ma & G-pa came over for a few hours last night. I laid on the couch and talked with Edith while waiting for another dose of Advil to kick in. She held the baby the entire time while the kids kept trying to steal him away from her. After they left, Andrea & Lisa stopped by to bring flowers and brownies. We visited for a little bit and then it was time to get the kids ready for bed. After they were down, we gave Roman his first mini bath and he was not a happy camper. He ate really well, we watched part of a movie and then Trav took him for awhile so I could sleep. He slept great last night and I feel a little better getting a few hours! Roman is doing great, he's pooping, eating and sleeping- so he's right on track! I take him in today or tomorrow for his 1st appointment so hopefully things look good from the Dr's end. The kids are still fighing over him, Trav has been an amazing help and I'm feeling a little better. Everything is still sore and aching, but Advil helps alot. My milk is definatly here which is nice and we have setttled right into life. As much as I would love to stay in bed and rest for days- that's just not how the story goes... any Mom knows there is little rest, but that's ok. I'm used to little sleep and messes that never end- so it's not that bad! We are doing well and so glad that Roman is finally here. I love to just snuggle him. I love being a Mom. I saw a quote that said: The best job is the hardest job- how fitting for us Mama's. More pictures to come...