One Month

I can't believe how quickly the last 4 weeks have flown by, and this little guy is already growing like a weed. Lincoln is a great baby, and we are all head over heels in love with him. He's starting to be awake a little more, and take everything in. This isn't the best picture, but I love his shirt and cargo jeans. ( I thought I wouldn't be as tempted to buy boy clothes, but so far that isn't the case.)

Lincoln in his button up, just like daddy.

Kickin' it in spiderman onesie and sweats. (purchased by his father I might add, it's not all me this time.)

This is him about 5 minutes ago. Love those big dark eyes and full cheeks. You may also notice his hair is falling out. Between that and the absence of a neck he slightly resembles a little old man:)

The worst part of this one month birthday is that it means I have to go back to work in two weeks which I am so not ready to do.

Blah, Blah, Blah.....

Nothing interesting to say in this post, just thought I'd update you on the reasons for my lack of blogging in case you care to know. First of all our internet has been on again off again for the last few weeks, even before the move. Our wireless hasn't worked at all, and the dial up service was occasional. I'm not very good at being stationary, so I have found this to be rather annoying. Then, my computer cord broke that charges the computer, and we were too cheap to buy a new one. Following those mishaps, I've been packing, moving, and now I've taken on the daunting task of unpacking. (And for the record, we are never moving again.) It's way too much work. Oh, and some where in there I've been taking care of Lincoln and trying to make sure that the girls have clean clothes and are on top of things at school. It's worked out ok so far, but I think the last few weeks is finally catching up with me. I'm wiped completely out, and have a long way to go to get this house in order. I'm only telling you all of this, because I have commitment issues, and if I feel like I should be doing something that I'm not, I need to offer an explanation. Yes, I know you don't actually care if I post one more picture of my children for you to view, it's all me:) So anyway, I'm going to stop yapping, and try to post about the fact that Lincoln is already one month old!

Last and First

This is the last photo that will ever be taken of my children on this porch step (actually the first and last for Lincoln). It saddens me a bit, and if my life weren't so busy right now, I might even shed a tear or two. Yesterday for the first time, I also drove all three kids to Missouri by myself. It went well with only one minor mishap. I've made that drive a million times, but somehow I managed to get on the wrong highway for about 45 minutes. I almost cried, but managed to pull myself together, get back on track and have a smooth rest of the trip. Thankfully, the girls were great, and Lincoln didn't wake up once, not even with the extra detour. He apparently likes his carseat. I also managed to drive back today without a peep from the little guy. Anyway, this weekend will be busy with packing, moving and closing. When the girls return from their Fall Break Fun at the Fredendall's, they will be coming home to a brand new house. I'm a little jealous that their fall break will be full of fun and games, and mine will be full of working and moving, but I guess that's how it has to be:) I can't wait to get moved and settled!

Why We Continue To Have Children

From an accountant's perspective....

One more tax deduction

"Embellished" Pumpkins

At the pumpkin patch visit, I let the girls pick out a pumpkin to bring home, but really didn't have plans to do anything with them. It's just that what kind of mother would I be if I didn't allow them to at least bring home one pumpkin. You all know I just go to the pumpkin patch to dress them up in cute fall clothes and take a few "Fall" pictures. Anyway, while I was uploading the photos and working on the computer, Skylar told me they were going to "embellish" their pumpkins. I thought it was hilarious that she used the word embellish. (especially since the only thing she had to use was a black sharpie marker.) So she and Londyn went at it, and decorated their pumpkins with a black marker. Had I known they were planning to "embellish" the pumpkins we purchased, I would have been a little more prepared, but it was no matter to them. They had a great time, and when they were done, Skylar snuck in, got my camera to take pictures, came back in and said, "You can blog about this!" So, here you go....Skylar's "embellished" pumpkin

Londyn's "embellished" pumpkin

As goofy looking as these pumpkins are, I can't help but smile when I see them, and am proud to have them sitting on my front porch!

We Love Pumpkins!

Today we made one of my favorite outings of the year, and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day! It is beginning to look like, smell like and feel like fall. We visited the pumpkin patch to kick off the season. My dad wasn't able to come see Lincoln last week, so he and my mom are here this weekend which made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch even better. We posed on the pumpkins....

Played in the patch and picked out a pumpkin....

Hung from the apple trees, and tried one last time to get good picture of Lincoln.

Lincoln however wasn't really impressed. He never mustered up enough energy to even open his eyes. At least he dressed the part in his fall colors:) Even though he missed it all, his presence made it more special for the rest of us.

Grandma, This Is For You....

There have apparently been concerns that I may dress my boy a little too preppy for the tastes of some. You're probably right, but for just for you, he's sporting his bibbed overalls and his best masculine face. He's even got a little food left on his chin, he's all boy! Best of all though, he likes relaxing on the adorable fisherman quilt you made for him. It suits him perfectly.

Toy Story

As you know, Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are coming back to theatres soon. That just happens to be one of Kevin's all time favorite movies. Lucky for Lincoln, the Disney store was stocked with Toy Story goods, so he came home from the mall with his first Woody and Buzz. I am glad Kevin finally has a boy to buy those boyish toys for. Every year when we go Christmas shopping looking for Barbie dolls, baby dolls, and make-up, I find Kevin wandering off to the legos and transformers. We all know who the toys are really for, but at least now he has an excuse.

Lincoln Meets the Family

Well, one side of the family anyway. He is still anxiously awaiting to meet the Lawrences. Lincoln and his Great Grandma Del.

Lincoln with Aunt Erin, Uncle Nathan and his cousin Anastyn.

Lincoln with his Aunt Kesha and Uncle Trent.

Grammy Tammy with all of her grandbabies, Skylar, Lincoln, Londyn and Anastyn.

Papa Kevin didn't make it this trip, but will be here this coming weekend to meet the newest addition to the family.

He's Awake!

Here a couple of pics of Lincoln. I have taken several, but as I said before, he spends most of his time sleeping, so almost all of his pictures look the same. I caught him for a few minutes Sunday afternoon with his eyes open, so I tried to get a few pictures before he fell back asleep.

He got lots of love from my family this past weekend, and he's constantly being doted on by his sisters. Thankfully, he's an easy going baby and doesn't seem to mind. He already has all of us wrapped around his little finger!

Cousins

The girls adore all of their cousins, and this weekend, they got to spend a little bit of time with my sister's daughter, Anastyn. She loves them too, but it's a rare occasion that we can get her to sit still long enough to get a picture of them together. She is always on the move. I did manage however to get a few cute pictures of them together before church Sunday morning all decked out in their boots. (Speaking of boots, I am so glad it is boot season, and I can't wait to pull mine out once I start to wear normal clothes again:)

Family Bowling

After celebrating Skylar's birthday, we all decided to go bowling. We took the girls for the first time last month, and they LOVED it! Everyone had a great time hanging out, eating junky bowling alley food, and challenging each other to a friendly game of bowling.

Lincoln and I just hung out and watched. Well, I watched, he slept. That is pretty much how he has spent his first days. We've made a few outings, but as far as he's concerned, he's never left the house. So far, he's a pretty content little guy, and is making it really easy on me.

Six Years Old

Today we celebrated Skylar's 6th birthday with my family. We opted for a small family party due to the many things going on right now. She was perfectly pleased, and had a great time playing with her sister and cousin and being spoiled by her grandmas, aunts and uncles. (maybe a little by her parents too)

The last six years have flown by! It has been so much fun watching Skylar's personality develop and change. She is an amazing little girl with a lot of great qualities and a few quirks:) In the last year she has learned to read, and has fallen in love with school. She sleeps with books and her backpack in arms reach. She is organized, disciplined and extremely literal. She loves to draw, color, and do anything crafty. She likes to make us laugh, and is eager to please. Happy 6th Birthday Skylar, we love you!

Happy Birthday Skylar

Today was Skylar's 6th birthday, which is so hard to believe. Needless to say, it's been a crazy week, but she didn't seem to mind a bit. I'm so thankful for easy going children that are not demanding, and happy no matter what. Despite the hecticness around our house right now, she still managed to have a great day! She got to have breakfast with her Daddy, go to school (which happens to be her favorite place), have spaghetti for dinner, and to top it off, she and Londyn got their ears pierced. I had told Londyn she couldn't because it was for Skylar's birthday, but as soon as we picked up Skylar from school, she asked where Londyn was, and said we needed to go get her so they could get their ears pierced together. So, that's just what we did. Waiting anxiously to get started.

She didn't even blink, such a tough little girl.

One very proud six year old with pierced ears.

Londyn managed not to cry, but looked like she was in a bit of pain.

One thankful sister with pierced ears.

More to come on Skylar's birthday, we will be celebrating with family this weekend. We can't wait to see everyone!

We Are Complete

We are home, and couldn't be better! Lincoln is so far an extremely easy going baby, and we are so happy he is finally here to complete our little family. The girls are giddy with excitement over their new little brother. Londyn doesn't want to leave his side at all, and as soon as we got home, they were arguing about who was going to get to hold him. They were instructed not to touch him for a while, so Skylar decided she would read to he and Londyn.

The three most perfect, amazing, beautiful children in the world. (from their mother's perspective anyway:)

The girls in their big sis shirts my friend Kyler made for them.

Our first photo as a family of five. I look disgusting, but with good reason, right? I just couldn't resist, despite the fact I look awful, it was the most perfect day, and exciting for all of us.

Thanks to my friend Faith who updated the blog for us last night, and to everyone who came to visit and those that sent thoughts and prayers our way. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. We love you all dearly.