And The Role of the Sta Puft Marshmallow Man Will be Played by Audrey!

It snowed on Tuesday which was actually a big deal because it's hardly snowed at all this winter. So naturally, the girls wanted to go play outside. Audrey has never played in the snow before but we're at this stage where she wants to do everything that Siobhan does so she was totally on board. We had given Audrey a snow suit for Christmas so it was the perfect opportunity to take the tags off and try it on (seriously, not enough snow this winter to warrant it) and even though Siobhan's heavy winter coat had been left in the car that Carson took to work, we got her all bundled up in layers and headed out to the white stuff.

The first thing that I thought of was the Sta Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. But of course, she's the strawberry flavored version. Then I thought of the Michelin tire man....again, strawberry flavored.

I asked Siobhan to show Audrey how to make a snow angel-one of Siobhan's favorite snow activities-but Audrey didn't really get it. She just laid there.

We had a lot of fun running around and rolling in the snow. We threw snowballs at the fence which is also a favorite activity-just as long as they don't get thrown at people. We tried to make a snow man but the snow was too dry to pack....oh well. We still had a lot of fun!

And this is what Mr. Will did while we were playing outside.

Gracie

Like a lot of you, I pay close attention to the C Jane blog....I have a button on my side bar. Well, I was reading her post from today and she shared the link to a blog about little girl named Gracie. She recently passed away from the congenital heart defect. I followed the link to Gracie's blog and I was so moved. I really could only get through one or two posts. I was in tears and couldn't take anymore. Maybe it's because I have a brand new baby and because I have three wonderful kiddos, I just cannot bear the thought of losing any one of them especially one so young. But I want to pass a long this link because I very much admire this family's strength and courage. The post titled A Loss for Words is especially moving and really puts things into perspecitive. Here is the link to Gracie's Blog.

Immense Gratitude

I have a sweet little baby boy asleep on my chest as I write this. I listen to him snore and the silly little noises that only a newborn can make and I am struck with such as sense of awe. There's nothing like having a newborn in your home.
It was close to a month ago that I had him and I can't believe that the time has gone by so fast. I'm saddened at the fact that I feel like I have missed out on something. I don't know what it was, but I had to have missed a few days here and there otherwise he would still be a week old.
Ever since he was born, I have known without a shadow of a doubt that he was meant to come to our family and into our home at this time in our lives. The girls bring us so much joy and happiness, but he has really helped me remember what I was meant to do with my life. We all have different missions in life and paths to follow and for me, this is it. Being a mom. Being the one to raise three (and counting I'm sure) precious spirits of our Heavenly Father. To help them learn and grow in righteousness. To teach them what life is all about (as if I'm any sort of expert). To show them how to lift people and serve those around us, and to show them what amazing people they are. To help them realize their divine potential.
For some reason, I'm perched pretty precariously on this chair. I was sitting 'criss cross applesauce' while feeding him and then reclined (keeping my legs crossed) with one leg resting on the computer desk and the other on the arm of the chair. My back is wedged into the corner of the chair where the arm and back meet all the while sitting on my tail bone. But I won't move because he's comfy and sleeping. He's in a spot where he can hear my heartbeat and I feel his breath on my neck. A constant reminder that I will do anything to keep them happy and safe and comfortable. This is my mission and my stewardship. I may not always do it right, but my intentions are always good and there is always someone 'up there' who will make up the difference if I but do my part.

Inspiration

If any of you are regular readers of my blog, you may remember this post about my cousin Neil. I was just thinking about his progress and how blessed he has been in his recovery and rehab. He still has a way to go but the mountains that he has climbed are nothing short of miraculous. It is a true testament to the power of prayer as so many have been sending them up on his behalf. I can't begin to describe what he has been through and what his family is going through and even more, I can't begin to describe their strength as they have gone through this trial. My Aunt Lori and Uncle Scott and my cousins Alison and Eric (and Alison's husband Brandon) are so strong and I admire them so much for their inspiring words and actions. If you are in need of any sort of inspiration at all, please go visit my aunt's blog where she is updating everyday with progress reports. There's no way that you could read it and not come away from it fulfilled.

My Boys!

Carson noticed that until last night, we didn't have any pictures of him and Will. Unfortunately, he's right. :( So I'm trying to make up for that. These are some adorable pics of the two of them cuddling last night.

One of my favorite things about having a newborn is having them curl up on my chest and fall asleep. However, that seems to be a very rare occasion for me and Will which does make me a little sad. But he does seem to always find a comfy spot to rest his little head on his Daddy's chest and shoulder. I frequently find them like this. It always warms my heart!

Eat Your Heart Out Girl Babies!

I still can't believe what a handsome little man he is! This is from the first time that we spiked his hair. I think he bears a striking resemblance to someone that I think most of you would recognize! One, Edward Cullen!

Okay, so I can't really get the whole split screen effect, and they don't look identical, but it's still fun!

Sibling Love

I know that it has been forever since I last blogged and you all are probably wondering if you're ever going to see any new pictures of Will. Well, here's some adorable picture of all three kiddos so bonus, two birds with one stone!Me and the three cuties. Excuse the fact that Audrey has no diaper on. She's decided that she's easing her way into potty training. Silly girl!

Audrey is really coming around to the idea of having a little brother. She finally decided that he's allowed to have a name other than 'Baby'. And every time he makes a sound, even a tiny squeak, we hear her scream at the top of her lungs, 'It's okay buddy!' So Cute!

I love this picture of Siobhan and Will. She really loves her little brother and has pretty much become his second mommy. We just have to make sure that she doesn't love him too rough. I've only caught her trying to hold him without permission twice. She loves to give him kisses and always makes sure that we're being quiet so we don't wake up Baby Will.

Will is doing very well! We couldn't ask for a better baby, especially for our third! He's very easy going and sleeps a lot (as most newborns do). We've been lucky enough to get a good five hour stretch of sleep almost every night. But don't let that fool you, I'm still exhausted. More posts to come about the recent happenings with our family.