My cup runneth over

It has kind of been boggling my mind lately how overwhelmed and how blessed I feel at the same time. Its as though the harder life gets, the better life gets (at least when it comes to business with little kids)

While dealing with an adjustment that has been so very huge for me, I've been so humbled at how our world has been turned upside down and at the same time is so full of joy. My cup runneth over. 

the  messes runneth over

the tantrums runneth over

the diapers runneth over

the diaper pail runneth over 

the spit up runneth over 

the lack of sleep runneth over

the dishes runneth over

Treavor's homework runneth over

the protesting to get ready for preschool runneth over

the crumbs runneth over

the late nights runneth over

the toys runneth over

the request for attention from little people runneth over

the need for a shower runneth over 

and yet...

My blessings runneth over.

Little Lewie boy

I just came across these pictures of Lewis that reminded me how happy he makes life. 

I cant believe our family is big enough to have a middle child. How fortunate I am that it's Lewis Hendrik.

The day to day stuff with this on-the -go toddler isn't always a breeze, but when it comes to the stuff that really matters, he makes motherhood so easy. He is full of passion, joy, spirit, and love. He is unique in the fact that he doesn't require a lot emotionally. Today I was thinking about how, along with our new life with three kids I have felt some guilt because I haven't been as available for the boys as I used to be.  

When I was tucking Lewis in for a nap, I came to the overwhelming realization that he is so very content. Lately we've been dealing with both boys pushing limits, and being a little contrary and argumentative. I've been so worried that I'm doing something wrong, or not being as involved as I wish I could be, but  when I was tucking him in and looking at his bright eyes and gentle smile, I knew that deep down he knows he is loved. He feels safe, and secure and valued. He was blessed with this confidence and I saw it in him as a young baby. What a blessing that is to have in a child...especially a middle one. 

He just wanted the option

Owen was eating an ice cream cone at gram's kitchen table. 

Gram put some caramel topping in the fridge. 

Owen said "will you ask me if I want some of that?"

Gram said "oh you want some caramel?"

Owen said "will you ask me if I want some?"

Gram said "would you like some caramel?"

Owen said "no".

Soccer season

Nicole signed her kids up for a soccer league this fall and asked if we wanted to join. Owen and Kinnie got to be on the same team, and it was such a good thing for Owen. It was fun to watch from the first game, where he told me his coach was a girl because of his long grey ponytail. There was a huge contrast between game one, where he pretty much stood on the field and picked his lip and the last game where he really gave it his all. 

He was excited every Thursday to play, and improved each time. We loved watching and hanging out with Landon and Nicole. Lewis of course wanted in on the action and played just as hard off the field as the kids in the game. He can't wait til he can be on a team. 

Owen saw the trophies at the last game before they started to play. At the end of the game he said "I was wondering if the soccer ball could spin, but I thought, I'll just wait til after the game to find out" looking back, he was a little distracted on the field that evening. He was so proud to have his own trophy that "looked just like one on Haylie's shelf."

 A few hospital pictures

 

four generations

 Today I am grateful to have these pictures and to be a part of this group of women

Baby Kit

Sweetest baby Kit,

Your due date was October 26th. I scheduled with my Dr. to have you induced on the 24th. I went back and forth for a few weeks on if we should use this induction date, or let you come on your own. I shed pregnant, emotional mamma tears thinking about making you come before you might be ready. You were in such a cozy peaceful spot, and I was going to take you away from that. However my body was big and in pain, and I loved the idea of knowing when you would be there and having a sitter planned for the boys.

As the induction date got closer, you grew, I grew and I prayed about bringing you into the world, I felt really at peace and ready to do it. 

On Thursday October 24th we woke up early to the sound of Lewie's little feet coming into our room, followed shortly after by Owen. we started to pack things up and get ready, waiting for a call from the hospital on when we should come in. It was such a strange feeling preparing to meet you. I was a little anxious, but filled with gratitude and such happy anticipation to have the opportunity to be the mother of a third spirit. 

We were told to arrive at the hospital at 10:00 am. We said some quick (and a little emotional) goodbyes to the boys at Gram's house and were on our way.

It was a beautiful, sunny fall day. We had a really pretty view from our room and I laid in the hospital bed looking out the window at vibrant yellow and orange leaves. I had a brand new love and appreciation for the fall season and the way it magnifies a few of Heavenly Fathers Miraculous creations, just like the daughter I had on the way. 

It was a calm and easy delivery. Dad brought a spirit of faith and peace during my painful, anxious time, like he always does so well. Gram and Grandma Kat were both in the room for the delivery and were so excited to greet you. 

You came quickly and were born at 1:50 pm weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and were 20 inches long. You were beautiful! I quickly noticed your long fingers and toes, your distinct feminine voice when you cried and your soft wavy hair. You were perfect in every single way and my heart was completely full. I never imagined life being so full of this kind of eternal joy. 

After spending a day with you, Dad and I were sure that Kit was the perfect name for our little angel girl. a cute little name for a cute little girl.  We named you Kathryn Bell Peters. Kathryn is a special name on both sides of the family. You are named after Grandma Kat, Lindie Kathryn, and two great aunts, all of whom have so many celestial qualities, just like you. Bell is for Gram, and all the wonderful heritage on that side of the family. It also means Beautiful, which is exactly what you are. 

We love you Kit, and already can't imagine life without you!