7 weeker

Seven weeks ago I was in awe that we had eight children…a brand new little one. 

And here I sit, seven weeks later, still completely blown away. 

Each new child fits right in. Each new child blows me away every time. Each new child waits until I start a new blog post to start screaming in the sling behind me… pause… ;)

Where was I… oh yes, these kids… they do something crazy to my heart. All you mothers out there, you probably know. It's extremely hard to explain, but I just love it. I'm sure you're tired of hearing how much I love my kids and family but here's more… I can't help it ;)

We're always asked "was this one planned?" "Is this the last one?" "You want moreeee!?" And when I hear those questions, I just smile… and really what I should be doing is carrying around this next photo because come ON… my ovaries, oh my poor ovaries!

There was an extreme amount of snuggling while in the hospital… which has continued through to this day. It's hard to put him down… obviously :)

The older kids have been so good with him. Lots of swapping of the baby. They love to hold him… until I neeeeeeed them to hold him, then they're over it :|  not helpful.

lots more snuggling

and of course I did a 'newborn shoot' right in the hospital. Will is a natural.

These get chewed on… uhhh lotttt.

again… aching ovaries…they may need to be removed. yessss, I realize he's still whittle ;)

and then we brought the little animal home. and he's not so little any more. and that makes me sad and at the same time oh so happy that we're so blessed with healthy babies time and time and timeeee again ;)

livin

Mother's Day family photo attempt

It's been a month since I've posted here. I honestly debated ending my blogging career, but most of you I don't mind sharing parts of our life with ;) 

We've mostly been adjusting to a newborn and living life. Laundry. Cleaning. Dishes. Illness. School. Sports. You know, the usual day to day activities. 

I've been thinkingggg a lot about what to blog, just haven't taken the time to sit down and do it. I have SO many photos to share. Mostly of the newest addition. He's grown so fast! I'm in disbelief that it's happening (again) right before my eyes!

I'm also trying to convince myself I'll blog more if I purchase a laptop, but I'm mostly trying to convince Dave he'd be way cooler if he let me purchase said laptop… I've almostttt got him convinced ;) we have a date day coming up Monday to visit with good friends of ours who are expecting baby #6 that day, and we *might* just swing in somewhere and get dat der laptop… might… I'll keep you posted on how that turns out for me  :)  until then, enjoy a couple outtakes from my family photo attempt. I've vowed to get in front of the camera more… and for crying out loud Courtney, sit up straight!  :)

introducing our two week old!

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact we have a 2 week old baby. I'm at a loss for words. Time is definitely not my friend! I've been a little quiet here on the blog. Mostly trying to enjoy these first few weeks with a newborn. Getting back into the swing of having a little one around again. And I love it. Baby and mom are doing great. We couldn't be happier and are adjusting pretty well to being a family of TEN…eek!

I'm so, so, sssooo happy Casey and I did these photos below together. If there is a possibility this could be our last, having documented it was fun. I won't say any more for fear I'll lose it ;)

I want to share more of baby's birth day, but I'm lacking in sleep and need to get to bed. Unlike Casey, I cannot stay up into the wee hours of the night... with my laptop... in bed…blogging…  IF I had a laptop, that may be a different story… I would probably blog as much as she does ;)

so for now, I'll just introduce to you… 

Will David Smith

born April 2, 2014 at 3:03 a.m.

8 lbs 10 oz - 21-1/2 inches

and no worries, there are many, manyyyy more photos to come of Will. He's a hunk. The kids are in *love* with him. And Dave and I cannot stop chewing on his cheeks… already!  We're smitten  :)

11/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: new braces. oddly, he doesn't mind them.
Lia: growing old right in front of me. and her and Meg are the best of pals. I love it!
Austyn: always smiling.
Tayt: t.r.o.u.b.l.e.
Nash: he's been a handful the last couple weeks. terrible 4, going on 5?!
Drew: rarely sits still. a rare nap.
Meg: this one is giving us a run for our money. she's a wild one.

To think this is the last post I'll be doing that includes only… yes, I use the word 'only' loosely… but only 7 children blows my mind. We're very much looking forward to meeting this new little one any day now. And hoping all goes well! 

Cannot wait to add another Smith to the bunch :)