Fun Moments

Haley and Allie's play-doh creations were very impressive.

 

Haley wanted to dress Sarah Kathryn.  It wasn't as easy as she anticipated. 

 Allie loves to cuddle the baby.

 While I was busy with some chores, Joseph became fussy but wouldn't lie down for a nap.  Allie turned on a movie for him, wrapped him in a blanket and he fell asleep in her lap.  Too cute!

 We caught this squirrel peeking through our kitchen window.  He was as curious about the children as they were about him.

Why I Haven't Been Blogging...

I feel bad that I haven't been keeping up the blog.  I have pictures to post and have not put them up for all of you to see.  Sorry about that...Here's why I haven't been blogging:

We brought home a new baby...Did you know that life with 5 small children is CRAZY!!!

On Christmas Eve, Brent tore his hamstring playing football...I now have 6 people to wait on.

I don't get much sleep...I can't wait to give this baby some rice cereal in her bottle.

Today I came down with strep throat.

Do I post this so that all of you will feel sorry for me?  Not me!  But it has got me thinking about my attitude and and being grateful.  Sometimes things seem plain impossible or it feels like the troubles will never end. Sometimes I feel out of control of my life, but I remembered today that I can control my attitude and I can choose to be grateful.

I'm grateful that Brent's leg isn't broken.

I'm grateful that we brought home a healthy new baby...some are not so fortunate.

I'm grateful that Brent is home to take care of everything while I'm sick.

Baby pictures

Joseph helped me give Sarah a bath today.  She didn't care for it much, but she'll get used to it soon enough.  Joseph was right with me all along holding the soap bottle.  He's very curious about Sarah and loves to help.  He picked out her clothes and kept her company while I dressed her.

I know this isn't the best face shot, but Sarah's eye has been swollen the last two days.  It's nothing serious and it's almost all better.  She's such a cutie!

Big Sister

Haley has been the big sister for most of her life.  Now that she's older, I think she's able to enjoy it even more.  She and Sarah napped together on Saturday and Haley wouldn't stop talking about it.  I think she likes being trusted so much with the baby.  I'm glad she enjoys the little ones so much.  It makes for a lot of fun and harmony in the home.  They all love being together.

Bringing Home the Baby

Sarah and I came home from the hospital on Monday.  We were released at 3:00 pm during Brent's final exam.  Apparently, picking up your wife and new baby from the hospital is not an excused absence for a law exam so Dad came to get us instead.  I don't think he was bothered about it.  Besides, it reminded me that even though I'm a new mommy again, I'm still "Daddy's little girl."

Emily was very excited to see Sarah at home.  As soon as I got Sarah out of the car Emily started to cry and pitch a fit.  Mamaw and Marlena thought she was jealous, but when we got in the house we realized that Emily just wanted to hold the baby.  She wouldn't even let anyone else hold her.

(Emily was trying to smile for the camera.)

Welcome Sarah Kathryn!

Sarah Kathryn Helms was born December 10 at 2:59 p.m.  She weighs 8 lbs. 7 oz and is 20 and 3/4 inches long.  We're not sure about the color of her eyes, but she's pink and healthy and we couldn't be prouder.  All the kids came up to see her right after Sarah Kathryn was born.  Emily was upset that Grandma was holding her and said with her eyebrows furrowed, "That's my baby!."  I don't think we'll have any issues with jealousy, just lots of curiousity.

Thanks for all your prayers.  Things couldn't have gone any better.

Partners in Crime

While I was passing through the living room this evening, I noticed the Christmas tree was shaking and I heard plastic rustling.  I caught Joseph and Emily behind the tree eating the candy canes we used for decorations, this is in part why we make the ornaments every year.  If they break, are eaten, get rearranged, it doesn't matter.  They're not fragile and expensive ornaments and I just let the kids place the ornaments any way they like.  It's much more fun for them and a lot less stressful for me.  At the rate we're going, our tree may not have any decorations left by Christmas day.