14th Anniversary

Today marks our 14th wedding anniversary. I can remember, before I was married, thinking that people who were in their 30's or married more than 10 years were O.L.D. But here we are, 14 years of marriage, 6 children, our 5th home and entering the eighth year of homeschooling...and I don't feel old at all.

I just feel content. And grateful. And, of course, blessed. Sure, life gets crazy-busy and we don't get to go out on many dates or have long conversations. He leaves for work before I wake up and I am often asleep at night before he comes to bed. We even share our anniversary with Maggie's birthday.

But we make the little moments count. We talk on the phone for a few moments over Aaron's lunch break. We schedule in time to watch a movie together or play a game now and then. And we are constantly striving to love one another as we should love one another.

If someone were to have told me, on our wedding day in 1995, what our life would be like in 2009...I would have laughed in disbelief. But the reality is I love where we are at in life. I honestly can't think of anything I would go back and change about the past 14 years. And I am looking forward to at least another 50 years together.

Baby Grows Over an Inch in Four Days!!

Baby Uncurled

When Anika was born, an emergency c-section took place. She was breech and when the doctors attempted a version for the second time (version is flipping baby), she experienced distress because of her cord being around her neck.

As a result of being breech, she was curled up like a little ball for the first few days of her life. She was so tightly curled, in fact, that her length measurement was inaccurate.

After unfolding for 4 whole days, her official length changed from 17.75 inches to 19 inches!

Baby Bliss

I had a rare and awesome opportunity last week to go to Rochester and spend time with my sister, her husband and new baby. My mom and I went on Wednesday morning (without Aaron or my children) and I stayed until Saturday evening. I loved being part of the first moments and days in Anika's life. I could completely sympathize with Anna and her recovery from her c-section (remember I had five of them!).

It is so amazing to watch first-time parents bond with their new little one. Anna and Kelly have great instincts as parents already. I am looking forward to many more visits and cuddles with the little pumpkin. (This totally gave me my "baby fix". It is so much fun to love on a newborn, but yet not be the one responsible for her.)

At the hospital, preparing to take her home. Unfortunately, Kelly had to be at work so my mom and I brought them home.

Anna and Anika...waiting to leave the hospital.

Super proud new daddy.

Aaron and the kids came to pick me up so that they could meet her too.

Did I mention that Anika already smiles? No joke. She smiles when she is fully alert and being talked to. I didn't know that was possible!

Micah wanted to "play with him". We need to work on his personal pronouns.

Taking a little nap...the morning after keeping her mom and dad up most of the night.

Anika

Introducing:

Anika Rose

6 lbs. 13 oz.

17.75 inches long
Daughter to Anna and Kelly

I am so thrilled that my sister had her baby yesterday!! I haven't seen her in person yet, but I have heard she is adorable (as expected). She has a natural love of sucking her thumb and seems to have had lots of practice at that skill.