lisa and joey

beach blues

There was blue sky, blue waves, Josiah's blue hat, even a blue chill in the air, but the babies were in cozy slings, the kid's feet were in dry boots and our faces were in the warm sun. I think it was worth all the craziness of actually getting out there!

scattered mama

We went on a little beach outing yesterday, me and my three kids. (I'm still trying to get used to that number.) Yiayia, Lisa, baby Josiah and Lisa's friend Rachel, who drove up from Georgia to see her, were all there too. It was quite a production getting out of the house with the babies and all their accompanying gear. I would share the crazy details of the day but I think it would just wear me out all over again. I know it's only been a week since Kate joined us. I know eventually I'll get the hang of being mama-to-three. I know. But I don't think I'm there yet and I am so incredibly grateful that my own mama is here to help out till I am. Thanks to her (and Grandad and Aunt Lisa too) I have been able to rest my tired body, to sit and snuggle my sweet baby while the big kids are happily entertained, to read an entire book, to go on a date with my husband and to crochet this scattered mama hat (that's what it's called -fitting don't you think?)

From my lazy corner of the couch I have watched the playing-baking-dance partying-laughing craziness happening around me and I am grateful, so grateful, for my big, scattered, amazing family.

(photos by yiayia...more from the beach to come)

getting out

While Kate and I rested at home (not without a little reluctance on my part!) the rest of the family enjoyed a Saturday afternoon on the boat. My parents are here from Kansas and my sister, Lisa, braved a flight all the way from Washington with her three month old cutie, Josiah.
Looking at the faces in these pictures, I'd say everyone had a good time (myself included...once I got over missing out on that fresh air and blue sky, I made the most of my quiet time with a good book and a cuddly baby).

sweet sleep

We may not be getting a whole lot of sleep but Kate is and we so enjoy watching her. I can feel the fog beginning to lift from my brain a bit today and I hope to get more pictures taken and posted soon. Thank you all for your heart warming comments and well wishes over these past days. It is a joy to be able to share this special time with you.

our Kate

She's here!
Kate Alexis Campbell was born February 17, 2009.
She is perfect.


More pictures and thoughts to come...
we all need a nap.

what a great dad

Last night Shawn made a quick stop at the store for a few essentials. You know, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit and veggies...remote controlled cars. He came home excited as a little boy with new toys that he wanted to share with his buddy right away. So he did. He woke Tristan up at 9pm from what was apparently a deep sleep so he could share the fun. It took Tristan about ten minutes to wake up as he sat in Dad's lap nodding off at first then taking to the couch to watch with eyes barely open.

After a while the sound of those cars racing around the house finally got through to his sleepy little head and realizing what was happening, he began to wake up and play. What a pair, those boys and their cars. After a while, even Kenna was brought down to join the fun. She chased the cars like a kitten after a ball exclaiming, "I got it!" every time she caught one and then bringing it back to it's driver to play again.

After a late night of spontaneous fun, you'd think the kids might have slept longer than usual this morning. Nope. Not a problem for me though -I let Dad get up with them!

happy valentine's day

yep.

Still pregnant.

winter warm

The past couple of days have been beautiful. Open windows have filled the house with fresh air. We are wearing short sleeves and taking walks. A new scooter is being ridden. It is not-quite-spring but far-from-winter perfect and we are soaking it up while we can.

The nice weather is supposed to continue for several more days which means we get to share it with my mom who arrives tomorrow! Happy Birthday Yiayia -we can't wait to see you!

mach 5

That's how fast it feels like he's growing up. We had a fitting Mach 5 Speed Racer party on Saturday and today it's official -Tristan is five. I will try not to cry.
I am so proud of this little man. He has an incredible, sweet nature, a brain full of smart questions and clever ideas, and an excitement every morning for what the day holds. He has no idea how much he has taught this mama over the last five years about life and God's love.
Happy to be able to celebrate in person with his son, Dad went out and chose the best Lego set he could find and these two spent the whole evening building their fire station. They sat down to work, Tristan with blue icing on his face, at 6:30 pm...

And at 9pm the building had lasted well past bedtime, as did the blue icing...

Tristan, I can't imagine life without the joy of your smile and your questions and your love of pancakes. I am so thankful for you and the blessing of celebrating five years with you. You are a gift, son, and we love you so much.
Happy Birthday!

at the park

...yep, I'm still here posting. No baby yet! I am prepared to enter month ten.

as I wait...

In the last two days I have made three baby hats and eaten all the yellow candy hearts out of the bag. Shawn has had a busy week of night flights. It makes me nervous, him working very long days over an hour's drive away...not to mention the fact that much of the time he's in a helicopter somewhere. If I go into labor while he's in the air, can't they let him just fly to the hospital? That would be a story for the baby book.

some days...

Joy is in the little things.

not yet

See? I told you it's frightening. At almost 38 weeks, this baby is happy to stay put even though this mama feels like she's falling apart at the seams. We've had weeks of no sleep, antibiotics, sinus troubles and serious pain meds for a pulled muscle in my tummy (from coughing so hard -I know- seriously?) There were a few hours over the weekend when we thought something was happening but a quick trip to the hospital to get checked out was all it took to scare those contractions away.
So, the wait continues. I will try to be patient but I am just so ready to find out who this little person is. Also a picture of a baby would be so much cuter than a picture of my belly in the bathroom mirror.