Lovin' Life with Luke

I don't think this little guy is going to have a hard time getting attention in our house! He is the sweetest little thing ever.

He has Barrett's feet, for sure.

And so far, is very calm and mellow.

I caught a moment with his eyes open.

The spike...it's natural...no hair product needed.

I thought it might feel strange having a boy after two girls, but he's definitely got us all smitten.
I just wish he didn't ever have to grow up. I was thinking of that poem the other day....

"Quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep;
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

...and couldn't help the tears. The swollen feet were worth it. I'd do it a million times over again. And a huge THANK YOU to all of our amazing friends and family. We have felt very loved and taken care of this week. It's been wonderful.

The Lil' Man

Here he is. He was born Monday, November 26th, at 9:15 am. Mother and baby are doing great. Labor and delivery were quick and painless, for the most part. Nicole may have a different story. Everyone is home, so we have a full family again--plus one. Life is good! Here are some pics from the hospital.



Here's his weigh-in. 8 pounds, 9 ounces! The little chunk!!! That's light heavyweight for sure, maybe even cruiserweight. (I know, what father can talk about his son without throwing in some sports analogy. I considered the overused "perfect for a fullback" quip, but went with boxing instead.)


And yes, he does have a name. We decided on Luke. Luke Samuel. Welcome home lil' Luke!!!

Turkey Trot

When Anna first started preschool, we were given the opportunity to sign up to help out with one of the "special" classroom days. I thought it would be really smart to offer to help with a celebration as close to my due date as possible. ;o)

A few years ago our friend Joni brought us these adorable (and tasty!) little turkeys, so another friend and I decided to make them for our kids' preschool classes.

Aren't they cute?

I think Anna enjoyed being the snack helper.

Mmmmm.....good!

And I had to add this.
I started wondering if fall would ever come here.
This is the view out one of our windows....I LOVE it!
It's just sad they have to fall off.

Thankful

My sister sent me an email the other day after a humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic. She took some beautiful pictures of the kids there, but there was one picture in particular that really stood out to me. Talk about an immediate and overwhelming sense of gratitude. I have much to be thankful for, and certainly could not just limit the list to physical things.

I'm sure because of the pending birth of our little one,

this was particularly poignant.....
a disposable diaper drying on a clothesline.

And I am always impressed that in these settings,
you find so many happy people amidst the lack of "stuff"....
and maybe as a direct result of it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Belated) Halloween Costume Pics

We were supposed to have dual "Mulans" this year for halloween, but in a last minute upheaval, Kate opted to go with the chicken costume instead. The little cheese! So here's Anna in her full geisha glory...and our funky lil' chicken.

Christmas is Coming!

In our house anyway. For us, Christmas starts the day after Halloween. Barrett took some pics while we were putting up the tree.

More "Just Pictures"

I think it's pretty obvious which of my kids LIKES having their picture taken and which one just acts like a goof-ball (see header) I don't think Kate can make a normal face if there is a camera within ten feet of her. And if you ask "can I take your picture?" she'll tell you flat out, "no" and walk away! She still looks cute even if she does have to contort her face.

Just Pictures