Sunday, September 30, 2007

Visit From The Clemens Family

My parents arrived on Wednesday afternoon for a visit to meet Lainey and see the boys. A few pictures from our first day.....

Grandad and Lainey, wide awake!

Grandmudder.

Where to start with the lovely thanks for this one? Caroline talked my mom into buying this for Jack, as he LOVES Elmo. Not exactly in tune with my typical Halloween decor, but we'll keep it. Thanks, Caroline!



Playing football in the back yard.

Not sure what's going on here.








Thursday, September 27, 2007

Football Star

Carter scored 2 touchdowns at his 2nd flag football game last weekend. We're so proud!!!!

This video isn't the best because Carter is on the other side of the field...but rest assured that the little blonde boy is ours and he scored! The smile on his face was irreplaceable.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

One Year Ago Today.....

....We landed in Colorado! So many things have changed since then. It seemed as though we were arriving with a baby and now we have another! Within in the year,
we have survived a record snowfall season....we enjoyed our first ski season and cannot wait until this next one begins.....we bought a house and moved north of Denver.....Blake has taken on more of the West work-wise, now managing Utah.....the list goes on and on.

Late September seems to be significant for us. In 2005, I left Pier 1 after 8 years and began with Michaels on the 26th. In 2006, we moved from Texas to Colorado on the 26th. And, in 2007, our due date for Lainey was on the 25th. Today I asked Blake what next September would bring and he suggested a winning lottery ticket. Wouldn't that be nice!!!

We have pretty much fallen in love with Colorado. Of course, we miss our family and friends terribly, but moving here has brought many wonderful things to our lives. We are grateful!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Getting Accustomed To Our New Family Member

A few pics of the boys and Lainey.....

Jack is just so unsure about her.

But, Carter has no fear and loves her already.



Maybe it's safe behind Dad.



I love how Jack is holding Blake's hand here.


First Day On The Job

Blake returned to work today after many weeks with us at home, either playing Mr. Mom or helping with my recovery. So, with Carter in school, I'm left with Jack and Lainey. We had a practice run on Saturday night while Blake went down the street to visit with friends. An hour into the night, he was back home helping me find the Mylicon Drops after a near breakdown on my part due to Lainey screaming and Jack, who is ALWAYS screaming.

Lainey is a newborn, so her crying is to be expected. Sweet Jack is taking a while adjusting to life with a baby sister and seems to be in what I hope is the peak of his moodiness. I'm afraid that it's going to get worse before it gets better, however. This is a lot of change for him to handle. Poor guy!

In speaking with a very good friend of mine, Millie, from college, she compared life at home with 3 little ones to a triage clinic. It's totally chaotic and you just have to tend to those bleeding first. I like that. She is far braver than me, though, with 3 kids ages 3 and under. My hero!!!!

So, no breakdowns at this point, but it's only 1:00pm. Hoping for continued success with mild panic attacks here and there, but I'm trying to be realistic.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Last Day With The Starnes Family

Tuesday arrived quicker than expected and the Starnes group headed back to Texas. A few photos before they left....

Carter and Trysten before school.

Don't worry....the sign wasn't up long because I know about the dangers involved...but we enjoyed it for a bit and Carter seemed to love it.

Baby Lainey before our trip to the park.

At the playground down the road.







Back at the house...Trysten holding Lainey.

Lunch time.

New buddies.

Jack following Trysten down to the basement.

And, an attempted picture of the two together. Neither seem interested.

A few more before departing....




Thursday, September 20, 2007

Home From The Hospital

Trying to keep things in order here because I, of course, have a ton of pictures from Lainey's birth. This group is of us departing from the hospital and arriving home. Such a great day!

Darling Lainey getting ready for her first photo shoot, the hospital pictures.

Blake buckling her in for the ride home.

Can this be right? How tiny does she look?!

Proud parents.

The troops greet baby girl.

Always proud Carter posing with his baby sister.

And, Jack....."But I didn't want a sister!!!!" I'm kidding, of course....these tears were brought on by something else.

This picture brings tears to my eyes. He's exhausted here and falling asleep, but I can't help but think he's taking his first look at Lainey actually IN OUR HOUSE and wondering who she is and how come he's not the baby anymore!

More inspection.

Pa and grandkids.



Cousins.

Carter checking out the darling edible arrangement sent to us by Jen the day we arrived home. We loved it!


Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Sunday In The Hospital

Finally finding a few minutes to catch up on posting. Still more to come....but for now, here are a few from our last full day at the hospital. I know most people are so anxious to leave, but I never am. It's such a special time for us.

Blake stays nearly every minute with me and at night, too....yes, even with the 3rd child. We spend hours staring at the new addition, taking walks at night through the quiet hospital, and more. There are tough times....a c-section's recovery is never easy....but we get through it and Blake is always my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me every step (literally, at times) of the way.

Baby Lainey. Is that pacifier as big as her?

Silly girl yawning.







Daddy's bed.