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!

He is the Gift

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Natalie Virginia Helms

Natalie Virginia Helms was born at 2:10 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2014.  She weighed 7lbs. 14 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long.  We are so glad to finally have her here.  Grammy and Pop Pop were here to watch the children while Brent and I were at the hospital.  They took the children to church to help pass the time. Grandma and PaPa waited at the hospital with us.

 This is before the real labor started.

 Natalie was so alert when the children came in to see her, she was looking at them, taking them all in.  The kids were very happy to see her.  They immediately asked to hold her.

 Haley kept telling me how she couldn't wait to meet her new sister.

 Allie is holding Natalie for the first time.

 Joseph is so loving  with Natalie.  He's always asking to hold her or he's kissing on her and rubbing her head.  He says Natalie is, "the cutest of us all."  A couple of weeks ago he was rubbing her head and said to me, "She is sooo cute.  I'm so in love with this baby!"  I expect he'll be a good daddy.

 Sarah Kathryn looks so proud of her baby.

 Rachel thinks Natalie is her baby.  She screams if we don't let her hold the baby.  She tries to say her name. It comes out more like "Nattie."  We're working on it.  I'm sure they'll be good friends.

 Emily asks to hold Natalie more than anyone else.  She likes to pick out her clothes, help dress her, burp her, feed her.  She's a great big sister and so loving.  Every little while during the day, I'll see Emily get up from what she's doing and walk over to Natalie just to check on her or she'll talk to her if she's fussing.  I'm sure Natalie will be crazy about Emily.  Children always know who love them.

 Papa and Grandma

 Grammy and Pop Pop

 Aunt Callie

 Allie couldn't bear to watch the nurse stick the big needle in Natalie's thigh for the vitamin K shot.

 The kids followed Natalie down to the nursery to watch be bathed and put under the heat lamp.

 The kids and Grammy came back Monday morning to visit Natalie and I in the hospital.  They brought balloons for Natalie and cooed over the little bow the nurses put on her hat.

 The kids each picked out a balloon for Natalie and Grammy made the adorable "diaper motorcycle" with the bear.  Grammy said she knew she did a good job on the motorcycle when our nephew, Grayson, tried to ride it.

We're so grateful for another healthy baby girl.  Natalie's been such a blessing to our family already.  Haley said she thinks Natalie will be a gentle spirit.  I agree that she's a great addition to our family.

Allie's Baptism

Allie was baptized on her birthday, April 20, 2014.  Brent performed the baptism and confirmation.  We had mostly family in attendance.  Our friends the Torontos were also there.  Allie was really excited for the day. She was interviewed by the bishop the Wednesday before, which she was a little nervous about at first.  Right before the interview she said she had a good feeling.  Allie said the water in the font was cold, but when Brent said the prayer she felt warm all over.  Mamaw, Grammy, Pop Pop, Nana and Aunt Kathy came to share the day with us.  Allie was given special gifts to help her remember her special day.  We are so proud of Allie's decision to be baptized.  Everyone who meets her can feel her happy spirit.

 Family photo:  our children seem to consider these a painful experience, but I'm glad we get one occasionally.

 Family photo with the grandparents.

 Now everyone knows where Allie gets her good looks, her handsome daddy.

 Allie with Mamaw.  We're so glad she could come.

 Grammy, Mamaw and Aunt Kathy.

I love this picture.  Allie looks so happy.  You can tell how excited she is.  All the kids were really excited for her.  They're all asking when it will be their turn to be baptized.  I'm sure it will be here before we know it.

Congratulations Allie!  We love you!