best buddies

There's nothing like being homebound for six weeks to make family relations even closer.  Clara and Noah have become the best of friends, compadres, and more often then not partners in crime.  I am so happy to have them entertain each other while I am feeding Rowan (which seems to be nonstop).

looking for leprechauns

building forts

playing puppies

using the material they picked out to make baby blankets for the united way as capes

making up songs at the piano

disclaimer: Noah does have other clothes without camo, but since November it is a daily struggle to have him wear anything else...just picking my "battles".

Three's Company

The transition is going well. :)

 

It is really sweet how Rowan can curl up and snuggle in.

  She is starting to show some personality

Rowan Abigail Stika

February 9, 2010

8 pounds 20 inches

After much worry, anticipation, and prayers baby Rowan was born healthy,  beautiful, and without complication. What a blessing!! I was induced 10 days early because of the pulmonary embolisms and I think the timing was perfect, since she was larger than my other two babies.  I  found out Rowan means "little red."  We thought it an appropriate name  if we had a third redhead. 

Josh had the joy of naming her, and we waited until meeting her for the final decision.

 

I came home to this beautiful Valentines Day creation from Grandma Stika. 

(This is minus a tray of beautiful chocolates that were too tempting for the kids.)

Clara and Noah were watched over by Grandma Sanders and Aunt Becky. It seems like they had a great time.

Noah has been really sweet and tender to Rowan.  Poor Clara has been quarantined with RSV, so she hasn't been able to visit with her baby sister. Still, she has been good about sharing Mommy's time

still here.

Big, uncomfortable, tired but excited for the upcoming events.  I'd love to say that the following pictures are the nursery for baby #3  but they are of Clara's room that I am just finishing up.  I picked up the number cards at a cute shop at Sundance when we went on the Alpine Loop outing in the fall and instantly had a vision of how I'd use them in her room. (I wish my follow through had been as instant...3 months later.)  As for new baby, I've cleared room in my closet for her clothes, changing station, etc.  With our new house layout I felt keeping her close trumped cute nursery of her own.   The favorite movie line "nobody puts baby in a corner" comes to mind, however this somebody's putting baby in the closet (at least for now). 

Who says horizontal stripes aren't flattering? Yikes,  I know I will regret posting this one.

clara's room

'tis the season for...

Angels Singing,

bells ringing,

trains rides,

cousins nativity,

snow angels,

love,

almond roca,

games,

lights,

and special gifts.

What an beautiful, Christmas season filled with family, love, music and magic!

counting blessings, instead of sheep

I think its just third trimester woes, but I have lots of sleepless nights. (It seems like a cruel way to prepare you for the sleep deprevation that comes with caring for a newborn.) Gratefully, some words of a song I heard the MOTAB (mormon tablernacle choir) sing came to mind (the post title) and I have taken up my restless nights thinking of all of my blessings large and small. With Thanksgiving just past, and Christmas just around the bend, it seems like the appropriate time to share a little of my list.
good health
music
kind strangers
exceeding expectations
a clean house
green lights
freedom
making a good choice
watching your child make a good choice
getting to stay home with the kids
noah and clara playing together
homemade food
watching horses from my window
a backrub from Josh
feeling the baby kick
singing Christmas carols
twinkly lights
family "shows" on the hearth in the evenings
modern medicine
a warm home
my testimony of Christ
an eternal family
friends/family that love you as you are
a good night sleep
being happy in the moment

thanksgiving 2009

We were so grateful to be able to drive to California to spend Thanksgiving with some of my family. The weather was perfect for traveling. Noah kept us on schedule (he didn't want to stop at all until we got to Grandma's house). We had stocked up on dvd's from the library but also made sure we turned everything off for some quality family time singing, I spy, and storytelling.

We all nestled in easily at my parents house. Clara Jane loved running the halls chasing Kjell, being doted by her aunt b. and g-ma, taking rides on the bush hog with daddy, and finding mommy's old pound puppy to drag around. Noah (who quite timely transferred his obsessions of garbage trucks to trains) was sleeping with, playing with, could not be pryed away from Grandpa Jon's electric trains. Ad, Darce, Beck, G-Ma, G-Pa, and Daddy patiently helped assemble, reassemble, and replace and attach tracks and cars hours each day. He sat on Santa's lap for the first time and even talked to him (I usually just position him close for a picture and call it good). Josh enjoyed quality reading time, leaf racking along side his bff, licorice and boys night at the Kings game (they even won...call it a thanksgiving miracle). I loved cooking along side family, having my kids entertained without me or PBS, our day at Empire mine, the family walk, the a rain/ leaf and acorn shower, and the familiarity and love you feel being in the home/area you grow up in.

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