Happiness

Here are some more pictures of Rosie. She is a sweetheart! She sleeps most of the day and gets a little  fussy at night. I'm cutting out dairy to see if that helps. After her fussy period, she sleeps for two four hour periods. Hooray!

Rosalind Grace was born on Saturday, March 7th at 11:58 am weighing 7 lbs 6 oz with lots of blonde hair. She is such a sweetie and we are SO glad to finally have her here healthy and well!  The kids love her and have helped out a lot! Josh took the time to write down her birth story so I will share it here in the future so that we can always remember it!

We will be headed to the Hospital to meet our newest daughter! I have never had an induction before but this time around, circumstances require it. Nervously, I prayed about the decision and felt that all would be well if we went through with an induction. I have been using these few days- and weeks- beforehand to get everything ready. We’ve washed clothes, repacked my bags, set up the crib, bought a new battery for the new-to-us baby rocker and even painted my nails (a tiny detail)! I’ve been trying to eat clean and healthy, go for walks in the fresh air, spend extra time with my little one Declan- and my big ones too- and drink lots of water. Birth day, here we come!!

Looking forward to 2020, I picked the word Miraculous for my word of the Year. We have a beautiful little girl coming to our family in 2020. I’ve been waiting for her since October 2014 when we decided to try for another baby.  Oh, there have been many ups and downs- a foster care application and phone call and visit and emails. There have been positive pregnancy tests with no babies at the end. There have been prayers where I have given my will to the Lord- knowing His will is the best for our family. There have been times full of research and testing. And doubt.  And then there have been the Miracles. This baby coming so soon after we had lost a pregnancy. This baby being a girl after 4 precious boys. This baby coming at a time when we are financially secure with two jobs for my hard working husband. This baby coming at an age when it is so hard to conceive. I am grateful for this tiny, bony miracle that struggles for life within my womb. She is precious. The Lord...

Last week, Josh went on a business trip to New York City for a tech Conference. He wanted to take me with him, but since I am not quite eight months pregnant, we decided that that wouldn't be the best idea. And so he was off- for four days! Not long compared to other's business trips but long enough for us! I was bit worried because I had been so tired that around 4 pm I was done for the day.  I bought a few frozen meals and prepared just to wing it from 4 pm on. It was a blessing that I was totally fine! I was still tired, but not too badly. I had let Declan pick out the menu for each day of the week since he often complains about dinner (and then ends up eating it all). Lol! He didn't complain once that week and would often say "I know what's for dinner- it's ______." Of course, he picked all things that he likes (he doesn't like Chicken Noodle Soup or even Breakfast for dinner). While Josh was gone, the toilet overflowed. Ugh! This ...

In Church, we have been studying The Book of Mormon and Nephi's (a Prophet in the Americas) vision of the Tree of Life. Ok, it was Lehi's vision too. In it they eat the most wonderful tasting, beautiful fruit they have ever tasted before. They learn that it represents the Love of God.  I had an Epiphany last night! I realized that I don't have to be perfect to partake of the fruit and of God's love for me. I've always struggled with trying to be perfect, comparing my flaws with other people's strengths.  That can lead to Anxiety and Depression. No longer! I can imagine myself at the foot of the most beautiful, glowing, bright tree and taking a big bite of the fruit- like a pear- the juice running down my chin and onto my arms and off of my elbows- my tears mingling sweetly with the juices. I am so grateful for The Book of Mormon, for what it teaches me in my life at this time and for Lehi's and Nephi's Vision of the Tree of Life. I am t...

Last May, Jonah got braces. He has a bit of an overbite and a crossbite. He was totally find getting them- although they hurt for a few weeks! Elizabeth was also told she needed braces (overbite) but she didn't feel up to it and neither did our pocket book! This past week, we finally decided to do it! Josh has a second job which helps with such things like braces and band fees (and soon to be car insurance!). She looks super cute in them and she finally wanted them! It's been a good thing, even though it's a little bit uncomfortable for all involved!