And I am on my own....

I have been so lucky to have wonderful parents and in laws who helped me so much over the past couple of weeks. I had a driver, a cook, a painter, a maid, my own laundry service and nannies galore. Today is the first day they are all gone. And if you look at the picture below, it has been less than 12 hours, but that table is indicative of my whole house. The nice thing is I don't feel any pressure to get it all done. My to do list today consists of updating this blog and freezing half the pepperoni in my fridge. Anything beyond that is bonus. New babies are the best excuses for messy houses. THANK YOU to all my wonderful parents and the love and care you showed us.

I have Two Babies

I have two babies. The big baby is set on making sure we know that. The big baby loves to sneak out at nap time and put on some beautiful lipstick. The little baby still hasn't figure out what to do when he is awake.

The big baby is so delightful with her humor and fluffy blond hair.

The little baby is a GREAT sleeper and has such soft and cuddly skin.Both babies are so wonderful to have in our family.

Sweet 16!

Look at this pretty girl -and this was a lay around the house and don't do your hair PJ day. Val turns 16 this year! We are so lucky to have her as a daughter. She is kind, responsible and reliable. I love that she likes to be my friend. We couldn't have a better example for the other kids. Jim and got more than lucky when she came into our lives. I'd post a cute baby picture of her, but alas, she was born in the olden days when we had to develop our film. Just picture in your mind a little girl with big chubby cheeks. Right now, I picture in my mind a tall capable, responsible driver. 6 months and the licence can be hers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET VALERIE!!!!!

March 18, 2011

Lathen William Atkinson came into this world at 8 lbs and 5 oz, 21 1/4 inches long. Bigger by an ounce and 1/4 inch than any of my other children. And...he is a brown haired baby, just what I ordered.

Because he was born at 5 pm and was a planned c-section, this is the best I have ever looked post baby - no glasses and make-up. A good way to end it! To celebrate, Jim had each of the kids pick out a dozen roses. They left the store and someone said they looked like a circus parading out to the car. What a good man I have! This little boy came into a loving family that will cuddle and adore him and hang him by his arms when he is only 2 days old.

He is looking at me with those sweet little eyes saying "Mama, what have you done to me?"

I tell him you may get hung by your arms and pushed around a bit, but look at everyone who is so excited to love and cuddle you.

You have a GREAT life ahead of you, you lucky boy!

One Week Left

It has been a long time since I have posted anything. I am sitting here drying my toes in front of the fireplace and trying not to waste time. I went out to get errands done today with Lilly, in the pouring rain, and she insisted on walking on her own, holding her own umbrella. Needles to say, I got very wet.

I finished today one of my last "to do" items before this baby comes. I had to go buy a boring nursing bra. I don't know why it is so irritating for me to do. It just seems like so much money for a piece of clothing that is never really flattering, but you have to have it. It's kind of like buying tires for your car or a new vacuum cleaner.

In about two minutes I am out the door again to go and watch a simple machines demonstration by Arielle. I don't mind going, but I really wish my toes were dry before I headed out again.

Anyway, below is a cute picture of 3 round bellied ladies. I think we all look great. Our good friend Jen hosted a baby brunch for us - food was sooooo good, seating, as you can see, was so comfortable and friends were so delightful.

All I have left to say is come baby, please come. I have your feeding support purchased and I am ready to feel what it is like to breath with out toes poking my lungs.

The Christmas Tree

It was a ccccoooolllllddddd December Saturday. Everyone was bundled up and ready for the hunt to begin.

Off to work crew! Find us that perfect Christmas tree.

At last it was found. Nic and Arielle were put to work sawing it down.

Kiley watched and hung out in the tree wagon.

Bella cringed on the ground trying to decide which way it would fall.

Dad held the tree (because Lilly ran around the tree, and again, we didn't know which way it would fall) while Valerie watched on.

Finally the tree came down and Nic used his boy scout skills to cut us a nice base.

Arielle and I huddled around with joy that we found the perfect tree and would soon be sipping hot chocolate in a heated car.

Let's haul that baby home!

Look at that tree!!!!! It is the tallest we have ever found. It looks like I am off to buy more Christmas lights!

Thanksgiving

This year the best part of Thanksgiving for me was......... That it was so casual and laid back. Everyone helped prepare dinner and we didn't have a set time to get things done by. It was a great way to celebrate this year - considering my tendency to want to do nothing......hormones, right?
Jim and Lilly worked on a cheese, meat and cracker tray.

Our yummy appetizers we snacked on most of the day.

Arielle helped me make the pie crusts.

Nic did a lot of cooking. Here he is getting ready to do the stuffing.

Bella and Kiley are working on the kids favorite pie - Chips-A-Hoy chocolate pie.

Valerie made these yummy rolls - Rhodes style.

Jim boiled our flavor injected turkey. He had to sit outside and hold the umbrella over it so the flames wouldn't go out.

Bella and Arielle set the table for us.

And dinner was served!

I believe in disposable tableware, sorry environment. I do recycle though.

Nic is not drinking beer. It is a favorite ROOT beer.

Arielle likes a crust only pie.

I made this delicious pie. Close to picture perfect, it signifies how grateful we our for our happy and comfortable lives.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!