little Will(ie)

My baby is just shy of 10 weeks old. He's turning into a real ham. Flirting. Cooing. Talking. Smiling. The whole works. He's also becoming quite the chub. Not surprising, he's following right along with the rest of the crew. Maybe even at the top of the growth curve as far as Smith kids go. He has an appointment next week, and I'm curious to see how much he weighs.

I've heard many times over that by the time families get to the youngest child, there are fewer and fewer photos of that child. I don't think that will be the case. I have a hard time stopping taking photos of any of the kids. It's a problem really ;) my hard drive is hating me!

and then he was done with me... ;)

52

I was all ready to sit down and write up a 52 of 2014 post. Not to catch up, but just to do one. And then Tayt... I forgot Tayt. So here's a photo of our pretty tulips (sooc). They're long gone now. We're watching for the peonies now. BUT the purpose of this post... nothing really other than stating the obvious. Lots of life has been happening here. Everything is a little greener. Everyone is a little healthier. We've been spending time outside a lot. Mostly enjoying the weather. Photo sessions are picking up. I'd like to say my blog posting will pick up, but I have editing to do already... another session Sunday, a wedding next weekend... so really, my time is almost nonexistent. Story of my life. 

so much to do, sssooo little time. 

Butttt I'm trying to enjoy every bit of time with these little kiddos before they grow up and become a freshman... Peyton! don't get me started about where that time has gone :(

I hope all you Wisconsinites are enjoying the beautiful weather!

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!  :)