Lindsey's Baptism

I tried getting a open eyed, alert, smiling picture of Lindsey in her baptism dress, but here's the best I could get. I think she was pictured-out after we took numerous family pictures after her baptism.

We had a wonderful weekend with both of our whole families, which is the first time we have all been together since our wedding 10 years ago. We started the weekend off by watching Zach's 2nd soccer game, which unfortunately, they lost 12-3. But at his age its more about the team experience, or at least thats what we keep telling him.
Followed by swimming at the hotel & pizza back at our house.

Sunday was enjoyed a beautiful baptism service at our church, followed by everyone coming to our house for lunch.
Mark & I were thankful that all of our family members came for the weekend, even with a surprise showing of Mark's younger brother, Paul.





My boys! They couldn't have looked any cuter and I couldn't have more proud of them during the baptism.
My whole family, including my Aunt Pat & Uncle Len, who were the honorary guests from England

Marks family
Goofing around with Uncle Paul, Mark's younger brother

Easter Celebration

We had a really nice Easter weekend with Mark's parents who came down for a visit.
The only minor glitch, well not so minor for the boys, was our attempt at doing a Easter Egg hunt here in town.

We headed out Saturday morning in the rain for a hunt that I assumed was now being held inside, due to the pouring rain and the fact that it was at a sports complex. Well, we get there and see that its still being held outside.
So now here we are; we have no raincoats nor rain boots for the boys, Mark doesn't even have a jacket on, and we have no umbrella to speak of. We were able to wait under a shelter until it started and managed to get a quick picture with the Easter bunny, so at this point the boys still are in decent spirits.

We headed out to the baseball field and the boys wanted to stay together, even though they were supposed to be in different fields which were appropriately separated by age. We went to Zach's age group, which in hindsight was our first mistake as Cameron didn't stand a chance of against the older kids.

Our second mistake was waiting behind the rope at the baseball diamond, which we didn't realize had turned into a complete mud pit due to the rain. As soon as the whistle blew, we made a mad dash for the eggs and within 4 running steps, Zach did a massive face plant in the mud. He was devastated, bawling and head to toe covered in mud. By the time Mark recovered him from the mud and I was pulling Cameron through the crowds to still have an attempt at getting eggs, they each ended up with a couple of eggs. With both of them crying, I almost turned into "that" parent that was fighting for eggs with the other kids just so each of my kids could go home with something in their baskets. What a disaster!

The boys both cried the whole way home, but at least Mark & I managed to get a few laughs out of it. We attempted to make up for it by doing our own hunt at home on Sunday.

I took this picture right before Zach did the face plant in the mud that you can see behind them.



Cameron dyeing Easter eggs








The boys in their Easter outfits, ahhh... so cute








Lindsey in her Easter duds







Cameron & Zach on the hunt















Marks Mom & Dad with our kids

"Fusspot"

Lindsey Elizabeth aka "Fusspot"

7 weeks today!
I thank God everyday for her, but phew.... she is my hardest baby yet. By 'yet', I mean my final baby, as my parents have threatened to permanently leave the country if I have a 4th :-)

I think, and I say this very lightly, but I think we are hopefully turning a small corner with her after a rough few weeks.
Since I last blogged, she was put on Zantac for acid reflux. After a week of that medicine and it not making a lick of difference, we switched her to Prevacid, after several recommendations from friends who have traveled down this acid reflux road with their babies.

During our time in Phoenix we endured a lot of unexplained screaming, which as a parent is extremely hard to watch/listen to especially when all soothing techniques don't seem to work. But after a week and a half of the new medicine, she seems to be doing a bit better even though sometimes I question whether she somewhat meets the definition of a colicky baby.
I am hesitant to say it though, as we definitely still have our challenging moments.

But as she continues to grow and get older she will hopefully sort herself out and become a calmer & happier baby. After all, she is the third child, aren't they just supposed to be easy going & flexible? Either way, we will keep her as she is such a blessing in our lives!

phoenix

Phoenix... I love it, love it, love it!

We had perfect weather and made the most of our days. We packed a lot of activities in with the boys, thanks to my parents willing & more then capable hands for taking care of Lindsey, who has also been named as "fusspot." More on her in my blog dedicated to an update on her.

We did many trips to different parks & the Phoenix Zoo, where Mark enjoyed a ride on a camel with the boys. We had daily hours at the pool, including a local park district pool where they had a lazy river.

We took some walks, played some tennis & soccer with Grandpa in the grass by their house. We also roasted marshmallows by the bonfire one of the nights. Mark & I were also able to enjoy an evening out without the kids.

All in all, we had a great vacation and are so thankful to my parents for hosting us and all of their childcare, or more specifically 'Lindsey care.' Thanks Mom & Dad!

Eyes open

I finally have been able to capture a picture of Lindsey with her eyes open & one where she isn't crying.

She is definitely having longer alert & awake periods now that she's 5 weeks and even giving us a few smiles here and there. Its so nice once they begin to respond to you & your voice. She has also started on some reflux medicine, which seems to be making her a bit more content. Which of course I am thankful for!

1 month

Lindsey is 1 month today!

I am glad we have survived the 1st month. Lindsey is doing pretty good, a bit fussy at times, but to be expected at only 4 weeks old. She is doing longer stretches at night, but of course I can't help but wish for even longer stretches. I am working on being patient for those days to come.

She is also getting lots of loving or smothering, depending on your point of view, from her two older brothers. Cameron especially loves to kiss & cuddle her and repeatedly goes around saying, "I love my sister." Which of course is sweet & endearing.

We also have been blessed with numerous gifts and visits from friends & family from near & far, lots of adorable pink outfits, which I of course ooh & ahhh over, but Zach thinks they are "gross." A new expression he seems to have picked up in kindergarten.

We also are thankful for the many yummy meals we have received, it has made that unbearable supper time a little more bearable. Thanks for all the support during this past month! Especially my parents who have even had Lindsey for a few overnights to allow me to catch up on some sleep. Thanks M & D your help, it has been greatly appreciated!

Zachary

With the busyness of miss Lindsey in the house, Zachary's 6th birthday came & went on February 25, without receiving much fan fare. So I need to catch up with posting some pictures. We opted to celebrate with several small 'celebrations,' as I was not up to the task of having a pinata smashed in my family room this year with 15 or more kiddos grabbing for candy. Here is how we celebrated instead.


The first celebration was with Mark's Mom & Dad, who safely returned Cameron from Wisconsin after spending a week with them(thanks again!!), and my parents. Seen here with Zach showing off his new Packer gear!


Then on the actual day of his birthday, I took Zach & Cam to Chuck E Cheese with Zach's buddy, Max. They enjoyed all the rides & playing the games.


Followed by my sister coming down on the weekend with her kids to celebrate both with Zach & meet their newest niece/cousin. Although we were/still are in the midst of the newborn fog & haze, I think Zach still managed to enjoy turning 6. I know we all say this about our kids as they get older, but I can't believe he is six already.
He seems to be growing up so quickly these days....