Make-A-Wish event

Make-a-wish invited Wish Kids to a fun event today. There was a bike race and fundraiser benefiting the organization, and they had lots of fun stuff for the families. 

Maddox loved Olaf!

Bai was excited to see Elsa and Ana. 

Maddox decorated his bike and he and Bai participated in the children's bike parade. They even got medals!

The chalk art was amazing. 

Bailee climbed all the way to the top three times!

Landon...well Landon had an unprepared mommy today. Shortly after we got to the event I could smell a stinky diaper. It was a total mess. I went to get the diaper bag and realized I didn't have any clothes for him. There was a Gymboree right by where we were, so I ran in and picked up a little sleeper. I got to the bathroom and realized I didn't have any wipes. So I got some wet paper towels. I got him undressed and partially cleaned up and couldn't find a diaper. Ack! I just had to laugh! I had seen a mom I know and thought I'd run out and see if she had an extra diaper. Just before I found her, I found Luke and I remembered that I had put a bag with wipes and diapers in the back of the car!! So Luke went and grabbed that and I was able to get Landon all cleaned up. He went back in the sling and fell right to sleep. He's such a happy, patient, easy baby. It makes crazy situations like this less stressful. 

Fresh Starts and Our New Normal (written September 2014)

Monday is a day of new beginnings for us!

Luke will be starting his new job. After 2 1/2 months of being unemployed, he's definitely ready to be working at a paying job. 

It sure didn't feel like good timing, to lose a job three weeks before our baby was due. We put our trust in Heavenly Father, though, and it has been a good experience for our family. 

For starters, our kids got to spend some really good, quality time with their dad. He has worked 60-70 hours a week for their entire lives. Vacation days were few and far between, and even then he was basically on call to fix any issues. Bai and Maddox have LOVED having him home so much. 

As far as having a new baby, the timing was great. Luke is such an amazing husband and father. Having him home has made this recovery and transition much easier than the last two. He's also had some good bonding time with Landon. It's been very sweet. 

I have loved spending more time together. I can honestly say this is the most relaxed and stress free Luke has been in our marriage. I know it's been hard on him, but he's handled it amazingly. This time off has been so good for the two of us. 

2 weeks!

Little Landon is growing so fast! He has gained nearly a pound, and grown 2 1/2 inches! He is eating around the clock, smiling when he's awake, watching the chaos around him, and bringing so much joy to our family! 

Landon is such a happy, content baby. He loves to be swaddled up and snuggled. This momma isn't complaining! 

Luke's first Father's Day as the daddy of three! 

I can't get over his sweetness. 

Looking so tiny in his big crib!

Bailee and Maddox adore him, and he seems to enjoy watching them. We've watched Tball games and gymnastics, gone to the library and church, and showed him off to everyone. 

Bailee thinks we should put him up for adoption, so we can adopt him. 

Maddox asked me why the baby was eating my belly button.... time for an anatomy lesson. He has also come up with an answer for me when I can't help him because I'm feeding the baby. "Put your shirt down and get him off of there!"

People ask how I'm adjusting to having three kids. It's been pretty easy so far, because Luke has been here. I don't have to divide my attention between three kids at a time. That's been a sweet blessing. 

While we continue to pray for a new job soon, we are trying to enjoy this extra time together. We all have enjoyed having Luke around! We are probably getting spoiled with all of his help and attention. His next job will have to be better hours! 

Landon Carling

Landon was born Monday, June 2. I went into labor early that morning and was at the hospital before my scheduled dr appointment. Everything went really well, and we are so in love with this little boy. 

Bailee opened up to me last night about how worried she had been. She definitely had had a wall up through this pregnancy. I was certain that would change when he arrived and she could see that he was healthy. 

She adores him!

Our family of five!

All in the Lords time

I am amazed over and over at the Love my Heavenly Father has for me. I am amazed at the way He answers my prayers, and most especially at the timing of those answers. I am taught again and again that my trust and faith in Him is vital in my role as a wife and mother. 

There are times I've felt so strongly about something that seems illogical to those around me, only to realize later how important it was for me to hold onto that conviction. I'm grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who has blessed me with that ability to trust Him and His timing. 

This sweet baby was due yesterday. The last two weeks I've been feeling a bit of pressure, from my doctor and others around me, to be induced because it fits in their schedules. My doctor has been gone the last two weekends, but wants to be here for the birth. My parents came early to help, and they've been a huge help. I just had an unexplained hesitancy to be induced before my due date. Not because I was worried about the baby's health, not because I am against being induced, not even because of the extra painful contractions I have heard accompany induction. Just because there seemed to be a reason. 

The reason became clear on Friday as we worked on some insurance options. It will be better for us financially to have this baby in June. As we figured this out, I was overcome by the wisdom of my Heavenly Father and His care and concern for us. It was and is another testament that He does know us and our needs...both spiritual and temporal. I'm so very grateful for Him and his love for me and my family. 

I am anxious to meet this new little one. I go into the dr tomorrow, unless he comes tonight, and we'll schedule that induction. The hesitancy is gone. I can't wait to hold him and for Luke and the kids to meet him. I've had him to myself (at least on this side of the veil) for the last 40 weeks, but I suppose it's time to share. The next blog will have pictures!