4 weeks old

Josiah is already 4 weeks old and was born a month ago yesterday...  The days are flying by.  The nights, well, they are a little longer:)  He's a hungry boy and as you'll see in the photos has no problem gaining weight!  He's a cuddly little boy and we are so thankful he is healthy and the majority of the time quite content. 

 Looking at big brother. 

 Looking older and more alert all the time. 

 Mason's hands are never too far from Josiah's face:) 

 Look at those cheeks!

One month old and filling out. 

And a flashback photo - same shirt, same chins, different baby.  This is Gavin about the same age, they look very similar. 

The "babymoon"

Dustin was home for two weeks after Josiah was born.  It was a really nice time as a family to be together.  The boys enjoyed having the time mostly off school and having Dad around so much.  I enjoyed the help and seeing the whole family together.  I was able to rest and take it easy (for the most part).  And now that Dustin has been back to work for a couple of weeks I realize how nice the break was!  Here are a few photos from that time:

 There was a lot of snuggling up close to the baby to watch him sleep. 

 Josiah's eyes are a really dark blue right now. 

 Daddy loves holding a sleeping baby. 

 And another cozy nap on Daddy. 

 Gavin also loves to snuggle with Josiah and will rock and sing to him when he fusses.

 He does a lot of sleeping on Mommy too. 

 Dustin did a lot of science with the boys while he was off.  It was nice to have him take some of the lessons and they all enjoyed it. 

 Zach taking a turn with sleepy Joe. 

 A family photo with all six boys. 

 More sleeping...

As you can see it was a full couple of weeks snuggling with baby Josiah:)  He isn't as mellow as he was the first couple of weeks so there is a lot more walking while snuggling.  He loves to be held and I am thankful for all the extra hands to help.  And they are more than happy to hold him. 

Introducing...

Josiah Timothy!  He was born on a Friday afternoon, the 19th and is such a blessing to our family.  He is our biggest baby, he was 9lbs 5oz at birth and is already more than that a week and half later.  He is healthy, strong, cute and cuddly and a very mellow baby.  Here are some photo highlights from his first week and a half:

 I guess this is before hand - doing laps around the house in labor.  It was a dark and stormy afternoon. 

 Daddy holding baby for the first time. 

 Weighing in time!  I love the little foot sticking out:) 

 We picked up Mason on the way home the night he was born.  He had been sleeping but was all smiles when he saw the baby. 

 Bundled and ready to come home. 

 Mason holding him for the first time. 

 And Gavin enjoying the new baby brother. 

 Will is all smiles too. 

 Look how old it makes Tyson seem...

And the oldest with the youngest.  He is great with the baby. 

 Six boys! 

 A lot of this going on.  He is a great sleeper! 

 Look at this chunky little man. 

 He has a little bit of soft, blond hair. 

I really love this time of being home with my whole family and snuggling the new baby.  The Lord has been very gracious to us and we are so very grateful. 

Valentine's Day

I love celebrating Valentine's Day with the family.  I love dates with just Dustin as well but during this season of life I have really enjoyed sharing the day with all the boys.  And of course our favorite way to celebrate is with yummy food.  We made delicious meals and treats and enjoyed a fun day as a family of 7, waiting for the day we are 8.

Scrambled eggs with lobster!  What a treat it was to start the day.  The boys enjoyed seeing and cleaning the tails.   After a morning in town playing basketball (while the boys played, I walked around the block countless times.  Hasn't started labor yet but I keep walking everyday...) we came home for rest and to bake cookies.

 I had pie dough in the freezer so this was an easy treat to make.  Roll out the dough, cut...

 Fill with strawberry jam, cover, crimp, brush with egg wash and bake. 

 Dustin called them bleeding hearts:)  I think they are delicious mini pie cookies. 

 And lamb for dinner!  We usually do a nice lamb dinner on Valentine's and in years past have always dressed up nicely and set the table with our china etc... This year I wasn't feeling up for it but we enjoyed the delicious meal and some left over chocolate birthday cake for desert. 

 How refined;) 

 Hmm, maybe they need a little help with their manners, but they all love lamb so I call that success! 

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."  1John 4:10-11. 

Big Gav Turns Five!!!!!

We had a birthday this week - Gavin tuned 5 yesterday.  It is hard to believe - he is the second youngest (for a few more days anyway) and he is already 5?!  He was really excited for his birthday this year, to be older and to have a party.  We invited a few of his friends over for sledding and cupcakes on Wednesday and it was a really fun party.  We also made super hero masks which was a hit with the kids.  Here are some photos:

 Mason's mask:) 

 Sledding with his buddies. 

 Handmade cards are the best!

 Pretty excited to be 5!  He did really well as the center of attention.  I wasn't sure how he would do but he is getting older and more confident around more people. 

 This is a classic Gavin face:)

 The boy requested crepes for his birthday breakfast.  Good choice Gav! 

 Cards made by brothers.  Always a highlight. 

 He is getting into legos now like his brothers. 

And he also wants to snorkel like they do in the lake!  It will be a while but we couldn't resist.  With the rain and warmer temperatures it feels like spring might be around the corner... 

Happy Birthday Big Gav!  He's a great son, a good big brother and a wonderful helper.  He's been my lunch time prep helper lately and I'm loving the time with him.  He is also the only one that will admit he wants a sister:)  I don't know that his wish will come true but I think it is sweet.  Hopefully he will find out soon - but he doesn't have to share his birthday (he did say he wouldn't have minded).