Birthdays

Happy Birthday Haley!

 

Haley turned 10 on June 16.  It took a special day like her birthday for her to convince us to cook her a steak.  Grandma and Papa came to celebrate with us.  Haley insisted on a bright blue cake.  I don't think Brent was even willing to try it.  It was hard to believe that our first little baby has reached double digits!

 

 Haley has always loved steak...even before she had teeth!

  

 

Happy Birthday Emily!

 

Emily celebrated her 6th birthday on August 29. With so many children, it's fun to have birthdays as an excuse to celebrate one child for a day and spoil them with things they like.  Emily is our little "pixie." From her "pixie" haircut to her slight build, big brown eyes, dainty gestures and whimsical personality. even strangers comment that Emily is a little fairy. It must be some of her pixie magic...we keep thinking she's still our baby.  We've worked hard this year to treat her like the big girl she is.

 Emily has become one of the "big girls" this year.  She goes to bed with the big girls and shares a room with Allie.  She's doing well in school and loves to help with the younger children.

 

 

Happy Birthday Sarah Kathryn!

 

Sarah Kathryn turned three on December 10.  It seemed like she should be four.  She looks and talks like she's four.  We're still working on the potty training.  I know she can, she just doesn't want to.  This is very indicative of her personality. Sarah Kathryn doesn't do anything unless she wants to.  She is lots of fun to be with ( I don't mean that sarcastically.) She can love you to death and drive you crazy within the same minute.  You just never know what to expect from her.  That's what makes her so fun.  She's still Haley's "mini twin".

 We were excited to have Grammy with us to celebrate this year.

A present for one is a present for all unless you whine about it enough!

 At three years old, she does a good job of driving them all crazy, but they still love her.  When they're adults, they'll just laugh about it.

Joseph has a special place in our home as "little brother" to three sisters and "big brother" to three sisters.  There's no doubt that he's special!



Natalie

I figured everyone is anxious to see new pictures of Natalie.  This was the first day she was really smiley so I took a bunch of pictures.  You can tell she's completely bald in front.  It's because the kids were always rubbing her head and eventually they rubbed all her hair off, no joke!  It's finally starting to grow back in.

Brent and I have never had a difficult or fussy baby and Natalie is no exception.  She sleeps 12 hours at night, is content as long as she's in the middle of all the action and noise, is a good eater and she's friendly with all the ladies at church who like to hold her and feed her while Brent and I teach classes and deal with our other children.  She is well loved by her brother and sisters.  They often stop to sing to her, tickle her, talk to her, and wave toys in front of her face.  Emily likes to feed her and burp her.  Even Rachel is smitten with Natalie and seems to have no jealousy where the new baby is concerned.  If I tell Rachel it's time to get "Baby Natalie", she's happy to let me put her down so I can pick up the baby or share my lap while I feed her.

I don't think there could be an easier adjustment to having a seventh child and as you can imagine, we are soooo grateful!