Baby wearing

Ya, I am one of those.  You may have even seen me at Costco, Winco, taking the kids for a walk, or even just around the house.  I love to wear my babies.  There is something about having them close to your heart, smelling their hair, and just plain being together.

After Zech was born, I happened on a website, www.raisingarrows.net Amy talked about wearing her babies and I thought, oh another granola girl, little makeup, all natural, oober healthy, you know the type.  Of course she would be wearing her babies.  But that is just not for me. 

Don't get me wrong, I tried in the past with lots of uncomfortable contraptions, which only hurt worse than holding the baby for hours.  Amy suggested a wrap out of a long piece of fabric.  Again, I only half heartily read her blog.  Until she talked about her baby girl who passed away at 7 months old.  She referred to her smell, the hours they spent together, the closeness they shared.  My eyes were opened.  There is something about being close to death or even experiencing it that makes you value life more.

There I sat reading her blog, balling my eyes out, and starring at my Zech.  You see with his heart problems, I held him alot more than I did the older kids.  I knew exactly what she was talking about.  Zech and I shared this common closeness.  So I thought why not.

I stopped into Joanne's, grabbed some fabric and well gave it a try:)

Zech loved it!  I mean he really loves being right there next to me.

Now the whole family is baby wearing.

Kayden and Zech toting around the house.

Nothing like bonding with your brother!

Hannah had to have a wrap for "Tiny"

Hannah actually asks to be worn most of the time.  I am trying to figure out how to put her on my back and Zech on the front.  She loves it.  We call her my little gorilla.  I call out gorilla check and she replies with a "EEE."   

The best part is in the grocery store my toddler is not touching everything, she is snuggling with her momma. Happy as can be, no tantrum, no wanting in and out.  She is just close to her momma which is right were she wants to be.

So, for this momma.  I am officially a baby wearer!!!

So, Fast!

Those blue eyes have been mesmerizing since she was tiny!

I am going to go cry now:)

You forget how quickly they grow.  I truly feel humbled and blessed that I listened to God, even when it seemed crazy to start over.  The world said, "Are you Nuts?"  at this time I say,"Yes!"  How could I have waited this long for such an amazing gift.  Hannah Gene you forever changed my world for the better.  And I shutter to think I would have missed out on you.  Thank you God for allowing me to care for this little one.  Even in my imperfection you have given me the greatest gift! 

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Hello Cupcake...Yes, I am 2!

We decided to have cupcakes for my little cupcakes birthday!

I can hardly believe she is 2.

It was love at first bite!

MMM!!!

Manny!!!

Oh yeah, it's that good!

All Done!

She loved her cupcake.  Since we don't allow her to eat like this normally, she ran around the house like a wild woman afterwards.  Followed by a nice little nap:)  Can you say sugar crash!!!

This year our Bible curriculum is going to be on Martyrs and Missions. This is our Theme Song.

I pray God will work through our family to impact nations.

Art!

The eyes say it all!

Who me?

Hannah will be begining Tot School this year and boy oh boy is she excited.  So excited, that she thought she should share her artistic abilities with everyone.

When I went to clean her up she had even colored on the back of her thighs.  This girl has a future in creative arts!  I am sure we will need to tap into some friends for resources.  I am artistically challenged and yet God gave me two incredible artistic girls.  Again I say, praise God for artistic friends.  You know who you are.  Please continue to share your wisdom with me:)

Hannah's Canvas!

Good Eating

Most of you know I like to cook at least 2 weeks of meals at a time, sometimes even a months worth if I can make time. 

I thought I would share with you all some of the great new foods we have been trying.
Mexican Lasagna
Birds Nest Pie
Meatball Sandwiches (kids favorite)
Fried Rice
Tacos
Farmer's Casserole
Pulled BBQ Chicken with Hawaiin mac salad
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies (I thought it would be fun to share with the neighbors!)

So as you can see some classics and some new.  Not all went over well with the family but, they are learning to stretch and try new things. 

For me I love the fact that I can cook for a day and then not worry about meal prep for 30 more days.  I love getting the kids involved.  They are learning basic cooking skills.  Today Brooklyn was 3 lbs deep in Shredded Monterey Jack:)

I would love for you to share any of your families favorite recipes.  Please share:)

And we are melting....

Nap time... Have I ever mentioned how crucial they are in our life? 

Walmart opened in the town next to ours and I thought how fun we will venture out and get some new plates.  My plans always seem to go astray.  It sounds so simple.  Get in the car, venture to the store, shop, and then head home, smiling faces and all.

Oh, let me wake up:)

I may have forgotten we had to stop and pick up Becky, run to the post office, make that two post offices, and we finally made it to Walmart an hour later.  I load the kids in the cart and head through the store.  I remember Walmart being cheaper, not true now.  I ended up deciding to wait and head to Fred Meyer after I dropped the girls off at volleyball. 

We head home, grab some food, and then off to volleyball.  Things were going great.  Hannah and Zech were in a silly mood, playing in the car.  We drop the girls off and hit Fred Meyer.  Hop out of the car, load up in a cart, and well you know me, I stop at the bank and by the time the last check is cashed, Hannah has hit full melt down. 

Everyone is starring.  I find myself negotiating with a two year old.  Knowing she is tired.  I mean really what was I thinking.  It takes all of my strength to strap her in.  Everyone looking at me as if I am kidnapping her.  We drive home and I take her straight to bed.  Wouldn't you know she is out cold in 5 minutes.  Surprise, surprise! 

Ah quiet!!!  Thank you Lord for helping me through this one.  I felt myself hit the edge in the middle of negotiation but, I made it.  I didn't go over!!!  God is so good!!!