Sweet Baby J

We welcomed the newest member of our family, Henry Eliot on August 23rd. He was a happy, healthy 8 pounds. Having three kids makes everything a lot harder, so we are a little behind with posting this update. So without further fanfare, highlights from the last month of so are below.

Preparing to have the baby, with input and assistance from our panel of expert recent babies.

"You have to really feel the bounce, mom"

Our Construction Cowboy sizing up the situation.

Time to go to the hospital.

After an uneventful 14 hours passed, we had a new baby boy.

First yawn on camera.

Getting washed down at the hospital: "Is there a breeze in here?"

"It is very bright out here."

Obligatory foot shot. Those wrinkled toes are irresistible.

Momma's new buddy.

Everyone seems to really like the little guy.

He is even popular with our family and friends.

Olivia was fine with this new baby . . . until it moved in on her turf. We're pretty sure she'll get used to the idea over the next three months.

After a fun-filled couple days at the hospital, we brought him home.

First Bath

With plenty of help.

Slumber party movie night.

First day of preschool.

Helping with the laundry (by not crying or spitting-up on it).

And of course getting plenty of rest.

First photo shoot at the park.

"I am officially over this."

"Save the baby"

Bring in the replacement baby.

Apparently, sitting in a basket is not fun for anyone.

Henry approved of his stand-in, since she is so darn cute.

"Are we done yet?"

Collapse into "We'll always have each other" pose after so many pictures.

We'll end with a collection showing how fun and expressive little Henry can be. Thank everyone for the well wishes, visits, calls, gifts, and especially the food. We very much appreciate everyone's love and support.

I figured that we need to get in one more post before baby Henry decides to make his appearance. Grandma Silly sent this sweet little sailor suit for James and we just had to do a photo shoot. Poor James, not only is the outfit on the silly side, he's about 4-6 months too big for it. He didn't mind it though and was happy to give every old lady at church a big cheesy grin.

I just love these two!

James decided to show his manliness by playing some football in his sailor suit.

This is his manly run.

We have lots of loved ones who can't be with us right now, but are asking about the belly. Here are a couple of pictures so you can join in on the fun. We love you.

I love those dimples!

Caroline's birthday was Monday... four years old. We were lucky enough to celebrate with two of her Aunties and a cousin. Olive heard there was a party so she wore her birthday suit.

*Sigh* I think she actually looks four in this picture.

Caroline has been begging for months for a real birthday party with friends. She had the whole thing planned out... mermaid theme and all. She even picked out the clothes everyone would wear. She wanted me to have this dress from the "mom's with big bellies store" and I was happy to oblige. I think the real reason she wanted a party was to be able to invite her teachers, which she did, and they came. It was like a celebrity sighting to have her teachers at her party. We had the party at Holbrook Park, which was the place we held her first birthday party. Of course, I had to keep up the tradition of making the birthday outfit... I'm not willing to throw that one out just yet.

I love my girl.

The birthday outfit... complete with custom blonde mermaid.

Everyone made bead and shell necklaces and put on ocean animal tattoos. Monkey Cam drilled holes in the shells all week long so we could string them on necklaces for the party. What a great uncle!

April and Will

James

Best friend Elena

I tried and tried to get pictures of Elle and Elena so I could post them. Even with the camera in "sports mode," I couldn't get a non-blurry picture of either one of these two. It was like trying to catch little woodland fairies on film. Impossible.

Not quite as hard to catch on film... the birthday girl, shouting, "Take my picture here!" at each location on the playground.

Another celebrity sighting... Olivia (and twin brother Tyler- must have been a little camera shy).

Cousin Caroleen was happy to be in charge... of anything.

Caroline really wanted popsicles and not a cake for her birthday. I was a little worried that she might be disappointed not to have a place for a candle and Emily came up with this wonderful solution... best idea yet! Allergy free and much healthier and easier than making and decorating a cake.