Clara Margaret

As you all most likely know...Baby Grimes turned out to be Clara Margaret.

 She was born at 2:07 am on Tuesday morning, October 18th. She weighed in at 8 lbs 5 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Dark hair, although not as much as Oliver had, she's not bald.

 We didn't forget the camera in the car this time (sorry Ollie!) and luckily our AWESOME nurse Darlene snapped this just about 15 minutes after she was born.

So far she's enjoying her big brothers gentle love and snuggling in the ring sling. I'm so glad I made that 6 months ago!

 First and definitely not that last kiss from Ollie.

 Landon's giggle as he entered the room to meet Clara was priceless. 

He was so happy to have his baby sister finally here.

 Ollie is already very protective of his baby and won't let her go. 

Ollie's old habit of heading to the kitchen for his giant cup of milk first thing in the morning has been replaced by checking on Clara.

 Luckily, I had a hunch Clara was about to come so Craig's Mom bought her ticket on Monday and flew into town Tuesday morning 8 hours after Clara was born.

Thanks to Grandma Ellen, we enjoyed our first week of Baby Clara stress and worry free about the boys.

This week Grandma Ellen handed her duties over to my Mom. Grandma Kathy and Pap arrived Saturday, but sadly Pap had to leave today, Tuesday, but Grandma is sticking around until Saturday. My older sister is arriving Friday to help my Mom make the trek back home. Thank goodness for family who is willing to come and help out in this crazy house!

More on her birth story to come later when I have the time! We'll see when that comes! Ha!

National Refuge Week

A few weeks ago we went out to our Wildlife Refuge for an annual celebration they have for Refuge week. Always a big hit with the boys. Last year Landon didn't want to touch the baby alligator but this year he was much more brave. Ollie on the other hand has no fear and was poking the alligators in the eye without thinking twice about sharp teeth. On our way into the refuge we spotted a rather large alligator sunbathing on the bank. Yes, this is the same alligator infested lake we canoed in a few weeks ago, so glad we never bumped into him!

Here are some pictures of the boys

Passing Time

What have we been up to while we've been waiting for baby to arrive?

Hugging our favorite mascot with our friend good Jack

Cheering on the football team

Blowing steam, literally

Helping Mom prepare the baby's room

Laughing with Daddy

Watching our chickens free-range on the weekends

Playdates with the boys from the neighborhood

Falling asleep while eating lunch

Screaming because it's "funny"

Coaxing the baby out of Mom's belly

But, mostly we're just waiting...

Friends

Yesterday as I was frantically preparing myself and things to co-host a baby shower, there was a...

knock at the door

a crazy dog barking (our crazy dog) 

phone ringing

toddler crying because he got woke up by the crazy dog barking

Who was at the door?

Neighboorhood kids coming to ask Landon if he wanted to go out and play with them!

I was overjoyed for Landon that he had friends knocking at the door and then realized, Landon was conked out on the couch. At 4:30 pm and had been asleep for only 20 minutes.

He slept through the crazy dog barking 2 feet away. 

He slept through little brother screaming because he was awakened by the crazy dog who was at least 20 feet away from his snug little bed.

He slept through the phone ringing.

He slept through friends coming over to play with him.

Next time, hopefully he'll be awake.

Mental Games

So it's been about a month since I last posted...ooops.
I don't ever write about myself but I needed to get this off my chest.
As you know it's coming to the home stretch of baby 3. I hate to say one week away because I know one week is never one week when talking about pregnancy. One week could be two weeks. It could mean anything. Especially when going about it naturally.
Why is it so mental this time?
I have something I want to do after this baby makes their debut and surrendering to the fact that I have very little control over this is becoming very difficult.
I could have control over this situation but it's not who I am or what I believe should happen with pregnancy.
What is it that I want to do?
Attend and carry out my role as matron of honor at my best friends wedding.
In Ohio.
October 15.
4 days after my "technical" due date.
Will it happen?
Can I mentally be ok with not being there for my best friend on such an occasion?

Stay tuned...