Snow Days!!!!

Hooray for a snow day (or 4 snow days). We are on day two of school being canceled and not sure about tomorrow. The Hampton Roads area got the most snow they have seen here in about 10 years, or so the local news says. The kids were so excited. This was the first snow that Hayley has ever had the chance to go out and play. We had a big snow in Fredericksburg just before we moved, but she was only 6 months old at the time and we didn't take her out in the cold. They made snow angels, threw snowballs and just had a wonderful time playing. Hannah Beth only got to watch from inside the house, where she was nice and cozy in her swing and didn't seem to mind that I didn't bother her for a trip out in the freezing, cold, white stuff.

This past weekend was also our annual Girls Weekend with three of my favorite girls in the world. Julie, Krista, Lindsay and I have been the best of friends since our days at North GA College (actually Linds and I have know each other since childhood when we took ballet and tap). When we get together it's like a day has not gone by since living in the Freshman dorm. Our weekend is always one of shopping, eating, laughing, eating some more, and just fun times! Well, we did not get to go out shopping due to the snow, but we had such fun just hanging out. I love these girls so much and always look forward to seeing them each year. I think we will be moving our weekend to warmer weather and maybe head to the beach (what do you think, J,K, and L?).

My Bubba

This little man is such a joy! He looks so incredibly BIG in this picture. I cannot believe that we are on the down hill to 7. I feel like I was just holding in my arms, rocking him to sleep, and not having a clue about being a Mommy (although I thought I did).



This school year has been one of major growth for my little guy. Starting Kindergarten at 6 was the best decision we ever made for him (so far)! He loves reading and blows me away with his ability and comprehension. We sit together to read every afternoon. Sometimes he reads to me and other times I read to him. He loves the challenge and we both have a good time just the two of us. He is such a good student and loves school. He tends to lean toward science and math as his favorite subjects (wants to be an astronaut most days).



At home, he has adjusted quite well to having two sisters. He loves to help out by reading to Hannah Beth or singing to her when she is upset. He LOVES to make her laugh and smile. He and Hayley are truly the best of friends. They love each other so much. Oh, yes they have their moments when they don't get along, but thankfully those moments are few and far between. He takes his roll as the protector of his sisters very seriously.



I just love this boy to pieces.

Sweet Sisters

Hannah Beth has been smiling at us since she turned 5 weeks old. There is nothing like that first smile that shows she is learning just who you are and her way of saying "I love you too!" Hannah just loves to watch Luke and Hayley. She stares and smiles and even "talks" to them at times.

I caught the girls mid conversation a few mornings ago. Hayley is so sweet with Hannah Beth. She talks to her just as I do. Mimicking exactly what I say....it is precious. I pray that they will have such a special bond as sisters do. And Lord help us when we get to the teen years with 2 girls!!

A Christmas of Few Pictures...

...but the most wonderful memories were made this year! As you can imagine, our house has been quite busy with a 6 yr old, 4 yr old, and 6 week old. We hunkered down and enjoyed our first Christmas as a family of five. No, I didn't get to make the rolled, cut sugar cookies this year or fix an elaborate dinner for Christmas Eve or Day, but truly that is not what it was all about this year. Just enjoying time together at a slow easy pace (on broken sleep that is about all I could do). I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Due to the fact that my arms were full with our bundle of joy most of Christmas, there are not nearly as many pictures since I am usually the one that plays the part of photographer. I didn't get any pics of my in-laws visit or the visit with my whole family while they were here. ( I am counting on my Mom and Dad for pics from their visit). I was busy actually enjoying time together, chatting, eating, and laughing.

We are so very blessed. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Quick Post

I wish I had time to write. As I type, Little Miss is waking up from her 30 minute cat nap this morning. We had a great Thanksgiving. Very low key, Aunt Holly was here and Cracker Barrel made dinner!!!! It was great. I am tired but trying to enjoy each little moment. Hannah Beth is a good baby, but we all know how much sleep one gets with a 3 week old. What is so different this time around is still having to get Luke and Hayley to school and everywhere else they need to be, making lunch, doing homework, reading books, playing games as well as walking around with very little sleep. Even though they are 6 and 4, they still need me very much. When Hayley was born, Luke was only 2 and we had no school, no activities we HAD to be going to each week. I could sit in my pjs for days and no one would know.

I may not post again until Hannah is 3 months, but know we are here and in survival mode.

Cup Completely Full

This week has been ....hmmmmm. It is hard for me to find the right words to describe it. I am tired, but surprisingly able to get on with life (and not be too grouchy). I daydream all the time about life with our three little blessings and my heart will race thinking of all the fun and memories that we are going to make together as a family. I watch Chris with the children and almost come to tears each time because I am so blessed to have a best friend and husband who loves me and his family so much. He has been such a HUGE help this week, and it just feels good to all be home together as a family. I get anxious as I realize that Chris's leave is almost over and it will be up to me to take care of all three by myself (well, not really due to all the family coming in town). I am in awe that God chose me to be a Mommy to three children. I am excited about the promise of visitors that will be coming from now until Christmas to see us and our new baby girl.

Basically, my cup runneth over and praise God for His blessings on us.

Hannah Elizabeth Steele

She is here and we are overjoyed! Hannah was born on November 10th (the Marine Corps Birthday of all days!) @ 9:40 pm. She weighed 8 lbs and was 20 inches long. THANKFULLY she came on the 10th because this area was hit by a Nor'easter on Wed the 11th and I don't know if we could have made it to the hospital. We had to stay at the hospital until Friday due to all the flooding from the storm. Our stay was nice and quite, but we were itching to get home and see our other babies and introduce Miss Hannah to them.

Both Luke and Hayley are quite taken with Hannah. The poor child will have no hair left due to all the head rubs and kisses she receives from them. I am constantly in a sleepy state, but I know that these moments are fleeting. Trying to soak it all in and just praising God for another beautiful miracle!

Boo Y'all

I'm still here! I'm still pregnant!! I started this post last week and it is now Monday, November 9th. I'm having a hard time getting motivated to do anything these days. I thought FOR SURE this little girl would be here by now, but we are still in wait mode. God knows the perfect time for her to come so I am working on patience. I just can't wait to see her sweet face, kiss her, hold her, love on her, and introduce her to her Daddy, brother, sister, and the oodles of other folks who have prayed for her and love her dearly!

We had a great time on Halloween. Luke was very into his character. As you can see, there were no smiles coming from Batman. He is way too busy fighting off crime and looking tough to smile for his Mama. Thumbilina was over the moon about the hair piece I found at Target on clearance the week of Halloween. Totally made the costume and her day. She is such a girly girl and I LOVE it. I so wonder if Miss Hannah will be as girly.....

This past weekend was beautiful. The weather was perfect. We spent several hours just playing in the yard on Saturday and Sunday. The kids "helped" Chris with some yard work and washing both of the cars. Hopefully my next post will include pics of baby girl, but I guess we will have to wait and see.