Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Mark Hellen

This past weekend Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Mark Hellen came for a visit. They arrived Friday night and played with the kids for a few hours before it was time for bed. Nathan was so excited ALL day to play with Uncle Mark, he would change his mind every 10 minutes with a new game to play with Uncle Mark. Madeline tried to stay awake for them, but she fell asleep about 5 minutes before they arrived, after having been awake for 2 hours.

Saturday was a busy day which started with everyone (except Madeline and myself) going to the pond to fish. Madeline and I took a nap on the sofa while they were gone fishin'. The fishing trip was an uneventful one as they caught perch and not much else. Nathan keeps going with the hope of catching an even bigger catfish or even better, another turtle. After the fishing excursion everyone went to the pool for a dip. I was even able to swim this time!! HOORAY!! Once we were all cleaned up we took off for Goodson's Cafe to celebrate Mark's 29th birthday. Mark ordered the chicken fried steak, which was larger than his plate and he was unable to finish. The rest of the day was spent in the house playing games and just relaxing. Sunday started with church and then home for a LARGE breakfast of biscuits and gravy and eggs for the kids. Then it was a lazy day of just playing in the house until it was time for dinner. Grandma Hellen made dinner, I am unable to recall the name of it, but it was comparable to meatloaf on a loaf of bread. She also made a fruit salsa to go with it. It was very good and I enjoyed not having to have to cook. Thank You for cooking!! After one last bite of birthday cake it was time to go to the airport. It was a very nice visit and would have only been better if Sharla Curt, Amy and Avery had been able to make it as well.

Gram and Pop Cook visit

Gram and Pop Cook came to visit last Saturday and stayed through the week. It was GREAT to have them here. Pop kept busy running to and from Wal-Mart and painting a cabinet for us and. Gram kept busy cooking and entertaining the kiddos. She was even allowed to get in some cuddle time with baby Madeline. It was a nice way for the kids to get to know their grandparents and for my parents to get to know their grandkids. Since we have been out of the country for the majority of Nathan's life and all of Kayla and Emily's lives it will be good to be close to the grandparents and for all to bond together. This was also the first time that I was able to have my mom come and help out with the kids after I had a baby, and I loved it!! I do not know if I am going to be able to cope next week when I have to actually cook a dinner. In true grandparent form they came bearing gifts. Two were Nerf toys (a small football, and rocket thing) that Emily was quick to break and tear a hole into within hours of arrival. They brought a fishing game that was a BIG hit with Emily. She eventually gave up on the fishing pole and began to noodle for the fish with her finger. Nathan had Gram playing everything that he could think of. They chased butterflies from the elephant’s trunk, played baseball, played Robin Hood, colored and a variety of other games. Kayla enjoyed reading books, helping Gram cook, and few games of grocery store where she was the check out girl, Nathan was the shopper and Gram was the stock girl, with a few clean-ups on aisle 3. Pop bought Nathan some new Nerf bullets for his gun and a second Nerf gun to play with. That was a big hit with some yelling at Emily to not eat the new bullets. Then there was the GIANT bottle of bubbles that they brought for the kids to play with. The bubbles were a good time and Kayla enjoyed blowing the bubbles while Nathan pretended to be a dog and try to eat the bubbles. I think the best part of the bubbles was when Gram got out a bucket of water to wash the kids feet from all of the bubbles that were spilled, and this turned into a water fight with the kids. Emily was happiest just pouring the water on herself.

playing catch with Gram Playing Robin Hood

WATER FIGHT!!!!

Painting toes and fingers!! Emily goes noodling Gram stocks the shelves at the grocery store

On friday night the kids were telling Gram and Pop goodnight and good bye (they left Saturday morning EARLY) Nathan got teary eyed and upset. We thought he was sad to say good bye, but it turned out that he just wanted to play baseball with Gram one last time before they left. So, Gram accomodated him and we went outside to play one last game of baseball.

As a full time stay at home mom I sometimes loose track of the important things in life and forget to just play with the kids and not worry about the mail, bills, and cleaning. Well, I was inspired by my mom this trip. She was always willing to just put everything on hold and be dragged up the stairs to play the fishing game with Emily, read a book with Kayla and Robin Hood with Nathan. I have been reminded of the important things in life, thanks for the reminder mom!!

Week 1

Madeline is now 7 days old and is waking for longer periods of time and is still sleeping well in the night time. The past two nights I have only had to wake 2 times to feed her, which is the best sleep one could ask for with a newborn baby. She wakes up to eat and then it is back to bed. She still does not not do very much. Her days consist of eating, sleeping, diaper changes, and an occasional cry when a sibling does not give her the space that she is after. Madeline has had a few cross eyed moments, and likes to look at bright lights. Any time she goes outside she will fall into a deep sleep and is only awakened by coming inside and making her cold. There is something about the heat outside that just puts her right to sleep. She is a very good baby and barely cries, I am hoping that she will remain this easy and has her sister Kayla's love of sleep. The other kids are adjusting to Madeline and not been too upset by her arrival. Emily had a hard time trying to find her place now that she is not the baby and has to share her mom, but she is adjusting. She loves Madeline, and likes to kiss on her and give her hugs, but does not like to have to share the attention. She has "taken" Madeline from me and given her to my mom a few times. Kayla would sit on the sofa all day and just hold Madeline. She is really good with her and just sits there very patiently with her. She does not like to share the honor of holding Madeline with her brother or Emily, but I am sure that will change as the new-ness wears off. Nathan likes Madeline, but in true boy fashion, he has better things to be doing than holding a little baby. I think that half the time he asks to hold Madeline just to make Kayla mad.

You Decide...

I have been asked which one of the kids Madeline looks the most like, well, you decide!!

Nathan David

Kayla Rose

Emilly Clair

Madeline Grace

Home again, Home again...

When we arrived home from the hospital yesterday we were surprised with teh house decorated in pink balloons and streamers. It was so nice to come home to the happiness. After lunch it was time for Madeline and I to take a nap. After our 1.5 hour nap I thought I was going to loose it!! Nathan and Kayla did nothing but argue about who's turn it was to hold the baby and who asked first. This lasted all day and into bedtime. Kayla wanted to hold her ALL the time, she is not very good at sharing. Nathan has lost interest, there are too many other things he would rather be doing. He likes to give her kisses and hold her for a little bit, but would rather be playing some game or getting attention of his own. Emily likes to kiss the baby and wants to help with her, but is not interested in holding her. Emily makes sure that whenever anyone is holding the baby they have a pillow, even if you are standing up. They are all very sweet with her and are adjusting to the changes in the house. I am also adjusting to the changes in the house. Paul has been a great help and I know he is tired, but he keeps going and going getting things done and entertaining the kids. I could not have asked for a better husband.