Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth

A good reminder for me. Especially when things are crazy with a newborn...
Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth

1 Month Old

Hannah Bear is a month old. Crazy. She's sweet, funny--pulls the craziest faces, wiggly, even tempered, and a joy. She's getting some good chunks on her now too. Sometimes she sleeps great, other times not so great, but we are getting by pretty well. All her siblings love her like crazy and fight about who gets to nuggle her.

We love you baby girl and can't wait to watch you grow:)

Faiths Bout With Soccer

As I was calling Provo Rec this summer to sign Faith up for soccer, I thought, "What am I doing?" Faith isn't the most atheletic, or physically competitive person. Walking down the stairs can often be a major feat. But she said she wanted to do it, so I thought the right thing would be to let her try it

And try we did. Twice. Without any success. She was tired, cold, hot, thirsty, and she didn't know anyone. No coaxing could get her to go on the field without holding on to my hand. So we may be calling it quits. Or maybe just try to get her to play on Jesse's team. At least she looked cute in her tiny shorts:)

1 Week Old

Crazy that it has just been one week and yet time seems to be flying by all at the same time. She's beautiful, nursing well--even though it takes an hour, and starting to get some chub. The kids love her and with a lot of help from family and friends with the kiddos we are all adjusting well. Thank you to everyone who has babysat (my sister Amy took Hannah for a whole night so I could sleep), played with the bigger kiddos, and brought us meals. It's made all the difference. Those quiet moments I get in the day with Hannah, and so I get to take a nap are wonderful.

Faith wanted to wear coordinating outfits today, so I had to take a picture of their first matching sisters day. Faith picked out the clothes and all the accessories. She loves being a help to her mom and little sister.

Faith wanted to wear coordinating outfits today, so I had to take a picture of their first matching sisters day. Faith picked out the clothes and all the accessories. She loves being a help to her mom and little sister.

Tiny feet, long skinny toes.

Hannah Bobbie Hoopes

We had sweet little Hannah Bobbie Hoopes last Tuesday. She's perfect, sweet, and healthy! Just what we've been praying for. The delivery was smooth and easy. No hiccups or worries.

My sister and mom came to watch the special event.

Me, all fluided up ready for the baby girl to come into this world.

Daddy giving me a good luck kiss right before we started deliver.

The Dr. showed up just in time.

The Dr. showed up just in time. I was slow progressing throughout the day, but I went from a 5 to delivering in no time. I kept telling the nurse to be ready because when I go, I go. Dr. Judd came, I gave a half push and out she came. That is my favorite moment in life, the first screams of a newborn. It is crazy that she was in me for 9 months, but that moment of first seeing her is a whole flood of new emotions.

7 lbs. 4 oz. My second smallest baby. Faith was 6 lbs. 10 oz. She was 21 inches. So she's a long little one.

Getting to hold her on my chest. She smelled so good, and words can't describe how good it was to finally hold her in my arms. Daddy checking her out too.

Getting cleaned up and checked out.

Holding her Nana's hand. She has such feminine, beautiful hands--just like her Nana. Long and slender.

Such a happy daddy too.

Her big brother holding her for the first time and Faith brought her a pink bow so she wouldn't have to go without very long.

All the kiddos checking her out. They all love and adore her. Surprisingly Jesse the most. He can't get enough of her. Wyatt has been great too. It's like he knew he was destined to be a big brother. He's been so helpful, content, and easy. I hope it lasts.

My "Push Present." After Faith Ben got me a gold band with two tiny diamonds in it. And now there is four. Crazy.

Such a magical day and we are so thankful for all that we have been blessed with.

Kids Playin'

Yesterday I was making beds and heard the kids laughing and screaming in the hall and came out to find this. I was going to just take this cushion to DI, but after seeing the entertainment that it provided, I decided that we should hold on to it. I am always amazed at what they come up with to entertain themselves.

Swimming

We are kind of moochers when it comes to swimming. We typically invite ourselves over to one of my siblings. This last Saturday we went to Sarah's and the kids and us had a blast. How could you not with a slide, cave, fountains, waterfalls, and all the cousins you could ever ask for? Thanks family for all your generosity this summer:)

Wy White. This kid is so white he glows. I have to be a sunscreening freak with him.

Ben and Wyatt going down the slide. If you look close you can see Wy's tiny hands reaching around Ben's waist.

Jesse is working on his diving skills

Faith and her Frenemy, Mia. They have a real love hate relationship. Luckily it's more love than hate these days. Also I love Faith's life jacket. Wyatt has one too and it is such a great find. Even Wyatt can swim completely independent with it. Go down slides, jump off the edge. It floats him just the right way.

It was a momentus day for Ben. He did the first back flip of his entire life! It may have taken 30 years, but he did it perfectly. I was proud, but a little nervous. Grown dads shouldn't try new stuff.

Wy taking a cuz

Faith takes her swimming very seriously:)