I Will Survive!

Wow.  Having four kids has been an adjustment! And when two of those kids are sick, I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. My 'to-do' list continues to grow - I cross off one thing, but add two more.  But, I'm not going to complain too much because I am also finding a lot of joy in this stage of my life.  Life really is good and I have four beautiful, healthy children.

I got their pictures done a couple weeks ago.  Both of Ashlyn's front teeth are loose and I wanted to get her pictures done one last time before those cute baby teeth are gone and she has big gaps in her smile.

Picture day is always stressful.  Just figuring out what they are going to wear is enough to make me pull my hair out.  The day after I made the appointment for the pictures, Luke had a run-in with a hot iron.  I kept the appointment regardless, and thanks to photoshop, no one is the wiser.

 My boys are so handsome.  Even if I am a little biased, there's no denying it.

Truth be told, I'm not thrilled with how the pics turned out.  They got some good individual shots, but I really wanted a group picture...Luke had different plans.  He can be a little uncooperative.  That first picture and the one below are the absolute best of the worst. 

The photographer was a little enamored with Chase and he received the most camera time.  I can't really blame her.  He was also the easiest to work with :o)

Chase has officially passed the one month milestone.  Last week I tried to put him in the outfit that he wore when he came home from the hospital and it didn't fit.  So sad.  People say it all the time, but I'll say it again - time flies!  He has proven to be my best baby.  He really is absolutely the sweetest thing.  Thanks to lots of kisses from his older brother, he caught a bug this week.  But even when he is miserable (fever, gunky eyes, cough, upset belly, runny nose) he hardly makes a fuss.  I have been truly blessed with this one.  He is a definite keeper!

2 Week Photo Shoot

My sister Mindy sent me a link for some creative pregnancy and newborn photos. I am by no means a professional, but I took her challenge and tried to recreate a couple of the ideas. Here is a sample of my feeble attempt at a photo shoot with my two week old.

Then I tried to do a little photo editing...I could use a few lessons, but it was fun playing around a little.

Chase had his two week appointment yesterday and he is growing like a champ. Already he is up 10 ounces from his birth weight and one inch taller. SLOW DOWN buddy!

Since I know he is my last, all I have wanted to do these past two weeks is sit and do nothing but hold him. However, with three other children and a household to manage, my desires are far from realistic. But I am trying to soak in this newborn stage as much as possible. He is such a sweet and content baby. He has added so much joy to our home in such a short time. His siblings all love him to pieces and have smothered him with hugs and kisses. We feel extremely blessed to have him in our home.