Memorial Day

We had a family picnic in Oakland for Memorial Day.  Almost everyone was able to make it; we missed Phil and his family!

Alisa was about 36 weeks pregnant!

Josh and Hannah caught a fish!

Making s'mores!

Girl Cousins!

Tristan's Graduation

Josh's brother Tristan graduated from Uni High School on May 24th.  Although their school doesn't recognize "valedictorians", he had the best GPA in his class, which is especially impressive since his school is highly academic!  He is going to the University of Illinois in the fall and majoring in computer science, a program where the average ACT score is a 35!  Yes, he's smart!  

The kids and I sent daddy to the ceremony, and we went straight to the party, so we had lots of time for pictures ahead of time!

Tummy time with cousin Liam!  These two will be in the same grade: Liam Downing and Aleah Downing.  If they both end up in Catlin, it could be confusing!  I bet everyone will think they're twins!

Brothers!

Tristan and his girlfriend Lea, who also graduated with him.

All of Tristan's siblings were in town for the graduation: 

Jordan, Tristan, Bridget, Josh, and Miles!

Pony Up

Due to pregnancy and me being so preoccupied with being sick, I had not had my hair cut in quite some time.  It had gotten really long!  I've always wanted to donate my hair but I always get talked out of it.  I decided to just go for it this time.  I had an 8" ponytail cut off, and my hair was still this long afterwards!  I don't love that I can't put it in a high ponytail now for awhile, but it was worth it because my hair will now go into a wig that will be given to a woman fighting cancer.  Josh is getting used to it.  I know it's just hair and it will grow back!

http://www.pantene.com/en-us/pantenebeautifullengths/details/beautiful-lengths-make-the-cut.aspx

Baby Dedication

Aleah's baby dedication was on Mother's Day, when she was just one month old!  I always think it is a special service.  Her "classmates" were Grayson McGee, Dawson Almy, Brooklyn Remole, and Kinley Pratt.  

Aleah wore the dress that Hannah wore for her newborn pictures.  This is one article of baby clothing that I will never part with!  I did get Aleah a pretty new headband from Etsy.  She looked so precious!

Mother's Day 2014

This was my first Mother's Day as a mother of three!  I love being a mom; I am so thankful for my children, and I am especially thankful that I get to call being a mom my "job."  I love being home with them and love these little years.  I really feel that being a mom is my calling and that I am doing what I was meant to do.

Aleah turned one month old on Mother's Day, our church had Baby Dedication that day, and we got to celebrate with both of our moms, so for many reasons, it was a special day.  However, I was in charge of the Baby Dedication (and participating in it with Aleah!), I hadn't slept through the night in weeks, and our family received some pretty stressful news that weekend, so in other ways, it was an exhausting day as well!

After church, we came home and the kids gave me lots of homemade cards and things they did with daddy.

Then we met Josh's mom's family at The Possom Trot.  Jody got me flowers and Aleah's initial and birthstone charm for my mother's necklace.  I love that necklace!

After lunch, we went to my parents' house for dinner.  All of us kids went together and got my mom a Kindle Fire, and my mom got me a pretty new scarf that I'm excited to get to wear!

When we got home from all of the events, Hannah got sick from eating so much chocolate all day.  And all I could think while Josh and I were cleaning up the huge mess (when all we really wanted to do was go to bed) was that this was a true picture of motherhood.  It's not about me; being a mother requires selflessness and patience and a whole lot of love.  It's not always pretty and perfect and easy.  But it's always worth it, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Happy Mother's Day from one very happy, fulfilled, joyful, and slightly exhausted mama!

Aleah One Month

At Aleah's one month appointment, she was 11 lbs. 2 oz., 23" tall, and her head measured 14".

For most of the first month, Aleah and I slept in the living room.  I slept in my recliner, and she either slept with me or in her bouncy seat.  It's just easier to get up and feed her and get her back to sleep in there.  She's been a good sleeper.  She usually gets up twice a night, and a lot of times, she only gets up once.    She's had several 5-6 hour stretches with maybe even a couple of 7 hours.  Sometimes the first time she wakes up is between 4 and 5 am, which is great but can also be difficult if she doesn't go back to sleep before the other kids get up.  That makes for an early morning for mama!

Aleah and I went shopping by ourselves in Champaign when she was 4 weeks old.  She was a good little shopper.  Except that I was in the dressing room at Target with her forever because she had to eat, have two diaper changes, and I had lots of clothes to try on!  Other than that, she slept the whole time!

Everyone asks how Hannah and Jacob are adjusting.  I'm not sure what's normal, but they are totally in love with her.  They are ALL OVER her.  They always want to kiss her and touch her and hold her.  They both constantly talk about how "cute" and "adorable" and "beautiful" she is.  They want to help all of the time, and sometimes, it actually is helpful.  Hannah has gotten her to stop crying several times while I was trying to get ready or get something done.  Hannah even got her to sleep once while holding her:

A month has flown by, but I already can't imagine our lives without her.  She is such a blessing to our family!

CCC Preschool Graduation

Hannah graduated from our church preschool this morning.  They did a short program, showing everything they've learned and they had a cute picture video.

Hannah was feeling very sentimental and held it in until we got home.  But then she cried for a good half an hour because she's going to miss Mrs. J (Jadawn) and Mrs. Jen.  She said she wants to stay in preschool forever.

 She was very excited about getting a medal for completing preschool!

 Hannah and Lily Georges

Hannah and Jillian Miller

Hannah before her preschool field trip to Kindergarten.

Hannah just looking cute for preschool one day.... but she looked cute every day :)