Baby Ryan

He's here!  Ryan Stewart Babcock was born at 12:33 today and weighed 6 pounds 6 ounces.  My perfect gift from a loving Father in Heaven.

Welcoming party.

 Before.

 Thank you, mother for my ankles.  They were my only consolation during the last two months.

 Dr. Babcock suiting up -- he delivered the baby -- with some coaching from Dr. Reed.

 Our first photo.

 

 Mom, Dad and Meg were apart of Ryan's welcoming party.

 Posting on instagram together!

Happy Visitors.

 Eddie was thrlled to hold his baby.

 Seven!

 Going home.

I live my dream -- seven babies to nurture and teach. 

Eddie's #2

My baby is 2!  My darling toddler was a dream all day.

This morning I found Eddie in between Nick and Andy in Maddie's bed.

 Present opening.

I actually printed 40 pictures of Eddie and displayed them on the magnet board.  He's loved looking at himself all week.  

 He LOVES his new vacuum!

 Before church my littles helped me bake his cheesecake.

 The cake.

 Our home tachers and neighbor came for cake.

 Meg gave Eddie a box of Marshmallow Mateys; he ate them right before bed.

It is with a full heart that I think about my baby being 2.  This week he will no longer be the baby of our family, and he is just so good at it!  He gives kisses and hugs to all who are punished agaist the wall, loves to pop water balloons in the house, and poops his underpants so that he and I can have quality time together.  My darling, my dear, Momma loves you!

Family

John and his darling family came to visit this week.  We spent time playing games, watching "Frozen," eating, hiking and laughing.

Yesterday evening Austin and I finished up some projects -- hung my chalk and magnet boards.  I will use them for the weekly scripture and monthly birthday child (I have exactly one week to get Eddie up there.)

After baths last night Eddie combed Andy's hair.  

 An addendum: Eddie's suit came this week.

Spring Break

Last week both the kids and Austin were home.  We played, worked and slept.

Rock climbing and swimming.

 We hiked the Natural Bridge.

 We hiked Doe Mountain.

  Traded in our lovely Suburban, because 8+1=9, and she only holds 8.

Meg helped us celebrate her created holiday.

 Austin wore this wig on our date to Subway and Walmart.

We hiked Cow Pie Trail.

We went for ice cream, twice.

After two years I finally bought my boys new church digs.  Eddie's was too big, so his arrives this week.

Maddie and Maisie raided the buckets for new church attire.

No buckets for Meg, she's the lucky one.

Caught

Monday's post was sure pathetic, but so true.  Here it is a week later, and all those silly failures have amounted to successes.

First, my load was lightened thanks to my friends, they caught me in their loving arms.  Yes, shocking.  I have friends.  You know, the kind that know you're going to be at the park, and they don't make excuses about coming.  The kind that throw you a 7th baby, surprise baby shower, because they like you.  Because they give you the most practical gifts ever, diapers and wipes, then top it all off with homemade muffins, doughnuts and pasteries.  These are the kind of friends that I learn from, love much, and gain strength.

Secondly, the science fair had a surprising upturn. Andy took third place for elementary.  Which means, that Austin has to make good on his promise: He said that I didn't have to do another science fair until I won.  And, I did.  Best part, Andy let his friend take the board home (the same friend that didn't come to help, i.e. did nothing) so I don't have to store that clutter.

Thirdly, I'm potty trained via Ed.  He goes potty every time I take him, and the past three days have only totalled in three accidents.  Whoop!

Fourthly, I was super clever and copied a pinterest idea to celebrate Andy's half birthday this week.

Fifthly, this is the last one, I promise, my baby is so healthy.  Heavenly Father has given me an identity and purpose in which my role as mother is my highest priority, and I know it.  Baby #7 is coming soon, and I just can't wait.

x

Failing

My weekend had but one UP -- we were able to attend the Gilbert Temple Dedication.  I went with Maisie, and she squealed and chirped and couldn't wait to use her white handkerchief.

The DOWNS came in multiple varieties:
Look at this lovely home-made-whole-wheat toast.  Burned.  Luckily I was smart enough to rush it  outside.

I am trying to help Eddie go potty on the potty.  Not working.

Andy's science fair project was turned in an hour late (thanks to the Wal-mart crusty-old pharmacist), I have no idea how many points he'll lose.  Next near I will allow my two younger scientist to "opt" out of their science fair assignments;  i.e. they will take the "0" and the "C" grade at the end of the term.  Then, they will have a nice mother.