10:30 pm - can I turn out the lights now?

Today was a good day. It really was, especially when I look back on it and realize how much I accomplished, 3 weeks post partum. And yet I cried real tears twice, over things that shouldn't have been a big deal on their own. Once was just a little while ago, after our very long day of running around all over the place {Tuesdays are just nuts around here}. Clare spilled the remains of her watermelon slush on the carpet, and I just couldn't help it. The craziness of the day caught up with me and for a few seconds I allowed myself to think, I am not sure I can do this!

There's been errands to run, park play dates, lunches to pack, poopy explosion diapers {and not just from the newborn}, a broken garage door, 2 trips to the school, a very short nap {for me and the girl}, a 2 year old who very obviously needs lots of training, dinner, soccer practice, then kids club at church, and a wailing baby in the car wherever we went {I'm thinking he's not a big fan of the car seat - poor him!}.

In between I've run 2 loads of laundry, talked to the neighbor, nursed the babe 3 times in the car, worked on the kids club verse with the boys, run home for cleats and shin guards, turn around and come back again for the soccer ball. After kids club, I came home to nurse the babe again and tidy up for Dave's Bible study. He just got home a few minutes ago - had to meet a contractor after hours. Life doesn't slow down for him when we have a baby - for some reason, it actually seems to get all the more busy. ;)

So yeah, my life feels a little nutty right now. :)

Oh, but when he half-smiles in his sleep..




...the precious gift of another little life to be trained for God makes me grateful, for even the *hard* days.





I love how Jonas burrows down under one arm or the blanket when he sleeps. Makes him look like he's hiding from us. Maybe he is... I'd hide if I were him. ;)

Shirtless little boys and other after school stuff

If I were choosing an after school hobby for my boys, I'd never pick skate boarding. Isn't it a little dangerous??? I can't believe we've survived this summer without any broken bones, to be honest.

But they love it. And thanks to Shawna, we now own a ramp for cool tricks and stuff. ;)





Simon isn't quite as daring as Ethan yet, but he is getting it. And he wins points for best tan.





More tricks. Just now realized he's wearing flip flops. What the heck?!











My cutie patootie.





Meanwhile Jonas and Mom enjoy some quality time on the porch.








Ethan and Simon keep asking when they can teach him to skateboard. ;)

And now we're officially that BIG family

Our little man has arrived. Jonas Grove was born 2 Wednesdays ago, and we are loving him to pieces.





For the most part, I would call him a very easy baby. Not overly fussy - if at all - and loves to sleep. Tolerant of the many kisses he is given every day from adoring siblings {and mama}.

When he's sleeping, he makes the same squeaking noise that Ethan used to make when he was a newborn. :)





He was our smallest baby - 7 lbs, 1 oz, and 20 inches long - but with feet as big as these, he'll likely catch up and fit in with the rest of our brood. :)





A fussy moment - funny how it doesn't bother me as much, fourth time around.





Jonas was tongue-tied at birth, just like Ethan and Clare. We were so thankful for a pediatric hospitalist trained to do frenectomies, so he didn't have to wait a week to see the oral surgeon {and consequently have trouble nursing in the meantime. Now he is a pro!}.





We are continually praising God for our sweet boy and for His loving care over us throughout this whole pregnancy and delivery. It has been a crazy year - difficult for all of us - but we would say he is worth it. Love him so much!