Babies, Babies!

Last fall, I mentioned how fun it was to be pregnant with so many friends that were due around the same time as us. Now that spring has arrived, it's been wonderful to see these sweet miracles make their way into the world and watch the blessing of life unfold. We are forever grateful to share this journey with such wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ and pray our little ones grow to love the Lord and increase in His knowledge in wisdom through their years!

Kiyah Lael - born March 20

Caroline Rose - born April 5

Hayley Elizabeth - born April 9

Cade Elias - coming soon (April 14!)

Eve Amelie - due May 12

Yep, Cade's the only boy in the midst of these precious little ones. I say that just gives him more choices for a lovely future bride!

I also HAD to add these pictures of Cole visiting Hayley Beth at the hospital on Sunday. He was mesmerized by her and absolutely ADORES babies. He immediately began talking in a sing-song voice and sang her the sweetest lullaby. I can't wait to see his reaction to his baby brother!

Puppy Playtime

Saturday evening, our friends Barrett and Brittany brought over their two 'babies' to play while they headed to church. The puppies had a blast, as did Cole as he watched them rough and tumble around the yard.

Baby #1 - Betsy the basset hound

Baby #2 - Biscuit the bulldog

Our first baby - Tank the boxer

Hoppin' Around

During our warm weather front a few weeks ago, we broke out the sidewalk chalk and had a blast drawing on the back deck. Michael had to head to an appointment, but before he left, he drew a hopscotch design for Cole to enjoy. Cole had seen one, but didn't really know how to play - Mommy was left to her childhood knowledge and tried to do the best explaining I could.

Fast forward to today and my sweet boy is a hopscotch pro! He loves to play and tries to consistently land his rock on #10 - simply because he wants to jump a long way :) I tried to play, but let's just say that it wasn't a pretty sight. (Maybe I should do a few jumps. . . might induce labor?!).

Hope your family is enjoying this beautiful sunshine as well!

Daydreaming. . .

of what this sweet blessing will look like as he enters my arms. . .

Will you share your brother's features or have a look all your own?

Say goodbye to my heart if you share your brother's sweet cheeks!

Whatever the case, I know that you have been fearfully and wonderfully made and will be perfect and precious in my eyes. I love you sweet Cade!

Just Strollin'

Today's to-do list item was to clean and disinfect Cole's current car seat as well as the infant carrier/stroller combo we're using for Cade (which was also Cole's and praise the Lord doesn't expire until May 2012!).

Cole was a GREAT helper and wanted to use them as soon as we were finished. He picked out a puppy from his room, strapped him in, and took him for a stroll around the house. I must say it was the cutest thing ever. . .

He was so gentle as he fastened/unfastened the belts and lifted his puppy in and out. Just another display of the love his heart holds for his soon to come little brother.

Checklist

Sometimes I amaze myself at how Type A I've become. I LOVE lists of any kind and love making lists of my lists - I may need therapy.

I can finally say that the agenda of things to do before Cade's arrival is almost complete which makes this OCD mama very happy.

The room has been done for quite some time, but now. . .

- all the sweet, teeny-tiny clothes are washed, hung, and put away (I LOVE this sight in my laundry room. . . it's been too long!)

- blankets, burpcloths, bibs, etc. have been washed as well and tucked neatly in his dresser

- diaper bag is packed for the hospital

- I finally picked out the "coming home" outfit :)

- Pack-n-Play is assembled in our room complete with napper, changer, diapers, and wipes

- My bag is ready except for the last minute essentials

- New pajamas have been bought for the hospital stay :)

- Nursing bras, cover, etc. have been taken out of storage and washed

- Car seat and stroller have been cleaned. . . thank the Lord they didn't expire until May 2012!

- Thank you notes have been written (now to actually mail them)

- Cole's Big Brother gift from Cade has been bought and wrapped

- Big Brother/Little Brother shirts have been purchased and are ready for hospital picture snapping

- Easter basket goodies have been bought awaiting the Bunny's arrival

- Easter outfits for the boys have been purchased

- Easter/spring crafts are on their way from Oriental Trading to occupy my sweet four year old when Mommy needs a quick idea or break :)

- Plumbing has been fixed and new kitchen/bathroom faucets installed. Amazing what a little 'deadline' will do to get things moving!

- All bedroom closets have been organized, deep cleaning done, sheets/pillows washed, etc.

- Weeds have been pulled, shrubs trimmed, lawn seeded - let's just say the hubby has been nesting too!

- Vehicles have been cleaned; both inside and out

- Groceries have been purchased and freezer meals have been made

- Haircuts are complete

- All April bills have been paid

- MOPS duties have been delegated for the remainder of the year

- Meal sign-ups are being planned (praise the Lord for sweet friends and family!)

- Gifts have been bought and wrapped for upcoming showers and birthdays

Whew!

I could go on and on, trying to get every last detail complete; BUT I'm not so naive to think that just because a list is coming to an end that everything will be peachy when we bring our new blessing home. I know that there will be trials, adjustments, and probably a few tears as we transition from 3-4. Hmmm. . . maybe I could make a list about that. . .

Big Brother Class

Cole likes to visit the hospital. Actually, he LOVES it. He's been to a few doctor visits with us and is the life of the office. . . the nurses beg me to bring him and are disappointed if he's not there :) He calls Dr. Piper (my OB/Gyn) Dr. "Peter" (hey, Peter Piper. . . who can blame him?) and always thanks her for delivering him. Hilarious boy!

He loved watching the ultrasound of Cade, listening to the heartbeat numerous times on the doppler, and using the tape measure to make sure Cade was growing on track. He also got to watch Mommy be brave as I got a shot (didn't know that was coming!) to counteract my Rh negative self. Yep. . . the boy thoroughly enjoys Baptist.

Now if I could just get him as excited about HIS doctor visits. . . hmmm. . .

A few months ago, I found out through a friend that most hospitals in our area offered special classes for Big Brothers and Sisters - to - Be. Don't know how I missed it, but Michael and I both knew we wanted to take Cole, and knew that he would love it. We signed up for Saturday, April 2 and had a BLAST!

At the beginning of the 1 hr. class, all the boys and girls sat in the floor with Daddy (or other caregiver. . . mamas wouldn't be able to get up!) and a nurse began to talk about babies. How they will look (size, weight, umbilical cord, etc.), eat, etc. Mrs. Jill did a GREAT job and kept all the kiddos very engaged. Being his social self, Cole answered most questions and was proud to announce that he weighed 40 lbs. when he was born - news to this mommy! :)

The kiddos were asked to bring a doll or stuffed animal from home to practice changing a diaper. Cole brought a teddy bear and surprised us both with his diapering skills. I was also impressed at how much Michael remembered - I'm gonna have TWO great helpers!

After the 'talking' time, apple juice/water was given and we watched a short video about new babies. We then took the tour of the L&D room, postpartum room, and nursery. Many kiddos were distracted or disinterested, but Cole hung on to every word that Mrs. Amy said. It was PRECIOUS! He wanted to know all about the equipment and was especially interested in what shows were available to watch on the TV. Love. this. boy!

Of course my favorite part of our morning was the nursery. So many sweet miracles to behold! Michael and I said they looked like little glow worms all in a row. Although there were just a few present, the hospital was actually FULL with 40-50 babies that weekend. Thanks to the storm (the drop in barometric pressure really does cause water to break and labor to begin - who knew?!) the doctors and nurses had a BUSY few days :)

We are so glad that we took Cole and hopefully prepared him a little for Cade's arrival. We also enjoyed the one-on-one time with our precious boy and can't wait to see him interact with our new blessing. He's going to be such a fantastic big brother!