our past week

Madaline and Emmaline

Last week was a crazy week! The kids started school, we celebrated our 9th anniversary..crazy to think and Bennett turned 5! I decided to keep Bennett home this year from Kindergarten and I have not regretted that decision one bit! Since the kids are gone during the day, Bennett will pull Madaline around everywhere. If he leaves the room to go to another room, she is coming. All day long I hear.." Mom, I just love her soo much!" Yesterday, she started to cry and I could not get to her soon enough, when I did walk in I found Bennett had given her a pacifier and was trying to console her by wrapping a blanket around her. It was very cute!

Bennett taking Madaline with him

Madaline in a party hat...we thought she looked like a little garden gnome

Bennett and his new BB Gun! what a birthday..we set up a shooting target down our hall for him to practice shooting bears! we figured this was safer for him to shoot versus Samuel's 9mm! He is not a bad shot!

Randomness

Madaline sunbathing

All wanting to hold her...and have their picture taken!

Emmaline taking care of Madaline...no lack of love here!!!

Madaline hanging out waiting f0r Church.

Meeting Madaline

Wednesday last week, things were still not going anywhere, but down. In frustration Samuel and I went to the hospital and drilled the nurse with questions, wanting answers so we could better understand what was going on. We left, having set up an appt. to meet with the Neo-natal Doctor the next morning. Much to my surprise it went well, and they let me "room in" and have her next to me and nurse her for 24 hrs. to see how she would do. Since I was in a hospital room, with my baby, no cords or monitors, I asked if the kids come and see her. They agreed as along as they washed their hands.So, Thursday afternoon the kids finally got to meet their sister for the first time! It was so fun to watch them and their actions. Bennett kept saying how much he loved her, Brigham just smiled and Emmaline kept saying, " I can not believe I have a sister!" The hospital would not let them hold her, but it worked out fine because Friday afternoon we were able to finally bring her home!!!! She had gained weight over the 24hrs, was more awake and alert than she had been and as one nurse put it, "she looks so much more content, peaceful." I thought to myself, a baby needs their mom just as much as a mom needs her baby!
Emmaline has been a very good big sister..She is very protective. She tells me when I need to change her diaper, wrap her up, put a blanket up when outside so the wind does not touch her face etc. She also is always begging to change the diapers! I am not use to so much help when it comes to taking care of a baby. The boys love to just sit and hold her.
Words can not describe how truly grateful I am to have her home! To be able to be a complete family. Thanks to all of you for your prayers on her behalf!