spring...{not in a nutshell}

Three days. We had three days as a family up until this point between the time Saige was born and now without either having company, being company, or being on the road. We have been from Idaho to Oregon, back to Idaho, to Utah, Colorado and back again to Utah.

I want my maternity leave and I want it now. Is it too late to take my 6 weeks off???

Derek is officially graduated, licenced, and had his first day on the job. A real 8-5 day. I missed him. This "real job"adult stuff is going to be a transition, but I couldn't be prouder of him. He survived 12 years of college and couldn't wait to start working. what a stud.

Graduation was a wonderful, chaotic rainy whirlwind.

I guess this is what you get when you graduate from Pacific University. An audience full of umbrellas... and a wet diploma.

Derek won an award for excellence in clinic for contact lens fitting. He was pretty excited, but Easton was so thrilled it could have been an academy award or something. He was so proud and I have to say I am glad we dragged him with us even though he was one of the only kids. He has been our little buddy throughout school and I think he was as happy to be done as the rest of us!

baby likes to get her picture taken on retro couches while the boys fish.

We were up at our friends cabin at Fish Lake where I found this couch and wanted to tie it to my car and take it home. I think I was born in the wrong decade...
Easton has discovered a love of the outdoors and he is hooked on fishing, camping, hunting etc. I wonder where he gets that from...

Eastons other latest obsession is Avatar the last Airbender. Now if you don't have a son between the ages of 5 to 11 you probably have no clue who that is. But if you do... you will be their hero when you volunteer to draw "power source" tattoos on them that give them the power to "bend air, fire, water and earth". Um... ok, whatever that means. Thank you crayola for being washable. Thank you branch for transforming into the "doom stick."

He's totally in character. He even brought my full length mirror into the living room so he could watch himself do tricks off the couches. so so funny.

We had 15 people stay at our house for Saiges blessing and it was pure chaos. Our condo is 1100 sq. feet and 2 bedrooms. It was a very crazy morning, but we survived and Saige was an angel!

Aunt Mel and Shel

Uncle Dave and Aunt Kellie

Little Side note about the blessing and back story on the dress. In my family there are 6 women. My dad calls us the "The Committee". He also refers to us as the SBO (Sisters Without Borders) an affiliate of the FWA (Fathers Without Opinions). We are a little bossy at times. Headstrong, stubborn, but always with good intentions. When my oldest sister Trisha was born my Aunt Cheryl gave my parents a dress to bless her in and all of the girls in my family have been blessed in it since. (except Krystal... because she was adopted when she was 6 months old, but that's another post altogether.)

I am a little obsessed with the dress.

It was the first thing I thought when I found out I was having a girl. literally. "Ooooh. I get to bless her in the dress!"

I love this little girl so much. I love her every day and the more she changes and grows the more I love her. I love her when she cries and poops and gets up in the night. I really do.

she is the best.

She loves her daddy... that's him she's smiling at. she loves him even though he drug her through 4 states in the first 4 weeks of her life.

This dress is amazing. Saige was given a beautiful blessing while she wore it and it occurred to me that all of us girls must have had similar blessings given to us. I know that is a part of who we are and why. We are all greatly blessed women and I am so greateful to share this legacy of faith and motherhood with my daughter. I am proud to be a member of "The Committee".

That is why I love this dress. It is so much more than a cupcake head cap tied with satin ribbon... or chubby toes poking out behind antique lace. It is a symbol of the love that binds families together and the beauty of a baby that will someday grow into a faithful, strong woman.

thanks for my bracelet grandpa! (and grammy...)

bringing baby home...

We made it home from the hospital and are all feeling great. My recovery has been night and day from when I had Easton... we even went out to dinner Saturday for Mother's Day! I put make-up on and everything. It was a great feeling- and Saige was perfect- other than a small blowout incindent... welcome back to the world of diapers mom and dad!

she is so sweet--newborns seem to get sweeter and cuter every day. there is such a special spirit and feeling around her that has filled our home and hearts.
She smiles all the time in her sleep. I like to think she is having beautiful dreams and so happy to finally be here... but then she makes some very unladylike noises that make me think it's just gas. :)

Easton is so sweet with her. Better than I ever imagined. He wants to help and hold her and he will hold her for a long time before he gets bored. He loved to nuzzle her face and brush her hair. I am amazed by his reactions to her because it was hard to know how he would feel because he is so much older... so far so, so good. He told me in my mother's day card that he wants a lot more brothers and sisters and promises to help me. ha ha. we'll see about that!

when I look at this it's hard not to feel the same way myself.

Introducing...

Saige Kaylee Ames

aka: 21 inches and 9 1/2lbs of kissable, squishy,

rolly baby goodness

we are so in love. so happy. so thankful for pain medication.

did I mention that she is squishy? and kissable?

it's rude to be late.

just one of the many things I will be teaching our little one as soon as she arrives.

also on the list:
it's rude to kick people in the ribs
it's rude to tease

dear baby,

easton is at grandmas.
the house is clean.
our bags are packed.
I actually did my hair today.
the weekend is coming...

today would be a great day for you to make your grand entrance darling.

love,
your very tired of being pregnant and anxious to see you and kiss your face mommy

I just have to say...

wow.

and

thank you.

I am amazed at the love and generosity we have been shown.This has been a strange year. A weird time to be pregnant. I am in awe at the many people around us and all that we have been given as we prepare for our little one. Gifts have come from near and far.

Last Saturday between 12 and 2 Derek was taking his last national boards test. I was being spoiled rotten. My family through us the most beautiful baby shower. He an I were spinning on different planets.

I can't even express the feelings I have. So thankful for the many wonderful and adorable things to surround our little girl. The thoughtful notes and letters that came with the gifts and all the love that has been shown to our little family.

But most of all I am so thankful for those who love us and share in our joy and excitement. For the many, MANY people who have been our support. I can't dismiss the beautiful shower we were given in Oregon before we left. The wonderful women who were my family there and how much I love and miss them.

All I can say is thank you.

On a side note...

I am nesting like a crazy bird.

I can't get my house clean enough. I am arranging and rearranging the babies closet. packing and repacking the hospital bag. It is a sickness really. I did muster the energy to make this yesterday- which is the first craft project I have tackled (and completed) since who knows when.

Have you heard the term P.I.G.S.???

It stands for Projects In Grocery Sacks. and I have a lot of 'em.

I do, however, now have one less.