Three

Three years ago we were given the gift of a fourth daughter--a gift we had hoped and prayed for quite some time.  Our precious little "D" baby we thought would complete our family perfectly. Well, she was indeed precious (and silly and feisty and lovable) but she has brightened our family in more ways than we ever could have expected.

Laney is not one to miss out on any action.  She is often described as "keeping up with her sisters" by others and that is the truth.  But yet she is always her own person.  She plays so well by herself and often her toys of choice are trains and cars. She dreams of being a "tractor girl" someday and can spot a Bobcat a mile away. She sings and plays her guitar often but then suddenly demands "just quiet" in the car.

She and I are together a lot these days while her sisters are in school.  I cherish our time together and am impressed how well she does being toted around to dr's appointments, school pick-ups and other errands. Of course, days that Daddy joins us at home are her most favorite treats ever as he is still and will likely always be her main hero. Although Cailou and Arthur from PBS are up there too. She loves pizza, tacos, playgrounds, snail books, library story times, and Eeyore.  Somehow she has determined though that potatoes, corn, pizza toppings, and chocolate are not worth her time.  She is clear to remind us of her preferences daily.

Delaney Fay, you are such a joy. Your humor and easy-going (at times) personality daily reminds us that two more babies in the house will be blessings as well. And that change will even be easier with your help! After all, you are such a good caretaker of your Daddy, we know you are an expert already. Your hugs, kisses, and sweet words make us smile even during tough moments. Never grow up too big to snuggle up for a nap between Mommy and Daddy. We love you so incredibly much and thank God every day for you.

 

A few belly shots

 

Sixteen weeks (babies are avacado-sized here). This was back in the days when I was starving ALL of the time and would wake up in the middle of night to eat.  I had no idea the amount of calories twins would require.

Twenty weeks and just finishing my (probably) last 10K run.  I am so thankful that I've been in good health during this pregnancy and even able to exercise.  I'm much slower than my usual non-record-setting pace and need plenty of walk/stretch breaks, but it feels so good to move outside in the fresh air. That distance was getting a bit too much for this size though so I'll be scaling it way back from now until March. At least I'll have a good reason to tell the babies someday when they asked what took up so much of my time during pregnancy that prevented me from taking more pictures of them in -utero. :)

Pumpkins (Belated, but fun anyway!)

 Grandma Deni was under the weather during our normally scheduled pumpkin time, but managed to scoot around the lake so we could fit it in during November.  Carrigan was by far the bravest about pumpkin "guts" and everyone had their own unique ideas about what the pumpkins should display. We remembered Mali's first pumpkin carving experience SO many years ago (not really, but it seems like it to us sometimes).  Such a fun tradition--and look how they turned out:

The Pirates of Pinataville

Before it gets too far in the past, here is a quick pic of our budding actress, Amalia before her debut as a pirate in her school musical. Grandma Sandy and Grandpa were able to make it in for the trip and they enjoyed quite a show.  It was great fun to watch Mali's expressions and gestures as a sneaky pirate.  We've been singing "Arrgh! Arrgh..." ever since then.

Back to Work, Tooth Fairy!

And now this one has lost not one, but two teeth!  They happened a day apart from each other and she was brave and proud about it. (It is also a good thing that Baby "E" and Baby "F" were keeping me awake during the night those nights, to help me remember to stash her money under her pillow!)

Happy Halloween...

From a Roman Empress, a Cherry Blossom Princess, a Cheetah, and an Elephant-turned-Butterfly

Five Quick Takes for the Weekend (The Wisconsin Edition)

 1.  Yes, we did move!  And it is lovely.  We are really enjoying the convenient location of our new house (close to school AND Jonathan can walk to work).  Plus, there are tree perfect for climbing.  The girls spend a lot of time in the limbs.

 2.  With a move came some new school changes.  Laney and I just finished a "Mommy and Me" class where she practiced balancing on "tightropes". The older girls are now in 3rd, 2nd, and Kindergarten at Elm Grove Lutheran School. We miss many things about our former school, but we are so blessed about how the transition has gone.  It is clear that God placed them in exactly the right classes with the perfect teachers.

 3.  This crew!  We live in the same state as them.  Pizza night!  Play dates!  How many reasons can we find to travel between Milwaukee and Madison? 

4.  We were lucky enough to move in the fantastic month of September so we had at least one day to soak up the wonderful sunshine and experience this side of Lake Michigan.  This is truly a beautiful state. 

5.  But the best part, by far, is being closer to all of our Michigan/Indiana family.  We've loved how often they travel here and we can make it there quickly. It may not be next door, but it is close for us and that's pretty special.

(Especially if Dr. Brinnly or any one else need to report for duty on a family member patient!)

Seven

Seven years ago today, our sweet Brinnly Ruth Ward became God's own child through Holy Baptism and it seems a fitting day to think of all that is special about her now.  Gracious as she is, she'll forgive us for not having this post done on her actual birthday. After all, her birthday month was filled with activity for this family--all 8 (!) of us. 

Brinnly has grown in maturity so much this year. Somehow our first "little sister" has become the go-to "big sister" for all of us.  She's eager to help, but fiercely independent.  She's usually the first one ready in the mornings although she would MUCH rather sleep in.  On Saturdays, she's been known to announce "you won't see me until lunchtime!" since that's how long she would ideally sleep. (In reality, 9:00 am is probably her best).  And just this past Saturday she took advantage of another sleeper-inner in this house, and cuddled up next to her dadddy before either of them were ready to face the world.

Brinn started piano lessons this year and her music filled our house with joy.  She's very new to it but making quick progress.  We are sorry that it's on hiatus for right now, but are hoping that she will pick it up again quickly once we get more settled in.  We are thankful for the music program at their new school and that we get to hear her singing voice in church choir. Her reading skills also took off this year and it is a blessing to see her cuddled up with a good book.

Brinnly-Bugs, you make us smile, laugh, and aim to be the best parents we can be for your kind spirit.  We love your style (purple! accessorries! fashion!) and your tenderness. We think you will be a great mom someday to all 11 of those kids, especially to your son who you plan to name "Bob T. Nutjob", even if that doesn't necessarily mean that you will get to live in a mansion and drive a limo.  Somehow, you would be fashionable in any gig. We love you bunches and bunches and are so thankful that God placed you in our family.