All The Important Things

For Barrett's first little sponge bath, Zachary and Elara were really excited to help out. After a moment though, Zachary was way more interested in a chance to use my camera. Since I didn't hire a photographer for baby's-first-bath, I figured why not? He took a couple pictures of Bear and bathtime, then he went around the house and took pictures of all the things he loved. There are hundreds of shots of all his favorite things. There are hundreds of copies of just the last picture in this group, I narrowed down the selection. You're welcome. 

It's so fun to see things from his perspective, and see what matters to him.

Backyard Gang

Just a few snaps of us outside early this summer, enjoying some sunshine with baby bear. So nice to have my momma here for those first couple days when Big Daddy Paul had to go back to work. Luckily he was able to come home and get some bear snuggles of his own in. Erica and her boys stopped over for a little visit too. Elara is such an equal-opportunity baby lover--I love seeing her love on Logan too!

The Next Karate Kid

When you've just had your third baby, you don't get to sit at home and lick your wounds--you have to take your older kids to karate, even if you're littlest is less than two weeks old!!  Elara started karate this summer, and while it wasn't easy, and there was a little bit of trepidation, and clinging to momma, she did really great. By the end of  the summer she was hanging out at the front of the class, and following Sensei's directions. Just wait until the new semester starts and we get to put her in the uniform!

a little slice

When you bring your first baby home from the hospital, you suddenly have this demanding little creature that requires all of your attention and makes you cater to their every whim. You bend over backwards to cater to this fresh, precious baby. You stay home for weeks, recovering, and getting used to this new, exciting parenting thing. Subsequent babies are not allowed the luxury of being the center of attention--you have loud, walking, talking, whining, hungry older siblings who still think they are only children. You find yourself asking the baby to be accommodating, instead of accommodating the baby.Leaving the house within days, because you can't stand being cooped up with the older kids a minute longer. 

And that's okay. Barrett doesn't seem to mind taking Elara and Zachary to karate, or going to the library to check out books and dvds. He sits in on bedtime stories, and hangs out with us outside when the kids are playing in the sprinkler. He goes in the stroller, or the baby carrier, and he sleeps and eats and demands my attention--he just might have to wait his turn occasionally.

Those first few days are full of company and cuddles whether it's baby number 1 or baby number 3. lucky us!

nonna nation

Thank goodness Nonna was able to stay with us for an extra week. I needed the help after the c-section, and the littles all loved the extra cuddles, snuggles and nonna time! Best. Nonna. Ever. :) Thank you!!