what day is it again?!

The sleepless nights are getting to me... I've been putting on a brave face, as in telling myself, "this is normal. it'll get better. no big deal." But I'm TIRED! I guess that's why I really have no idea what day it is. I feel SO busy, yet I get nothing done, really. Maybe a load of laundry or dinner or something like that, but for the most part I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Going from one kid to the next and one task to the next, accomplishing nothing. Going through the motions, folks. That's what I'm doing. And in time, yes it will get better ( I know eventually Ella will sleep between the hours of 11pm and 5 am, right?!). But for now I need a nap!

valentines cookies - we did get these made, at least..

Austin really LOVES Ella. All the boys stop and give her hugs and talk to her but Austin, especially has a special bond with her. He changes her diaper (with assistance) and is always there to help with her bath or get her dressed. Austin gets, litterally, heart broken if he can't hold her when he wants to. Cute big brother.

this is the answer I get everytime I find a mess from this boy. most recently: "why'd you color all over the table?" and " why is their sticky finger prints all over the couch?" My next question, "why do I keep asking him why he does these 2-year old things?"

this little girl doesn't love her tummy. But the other day she hung out like this for 20 minutes looking at these "little people"

Cameron, a.k.a. Super Dad, made up for my lack of planning - he took the kids to pick out Valentine's presents (legos, of course) on Saturday. Then he got up early on Sunday and made us all pink heart pancakes - before 9 am church. The kids thought that was awesome.

I've had a lot friends and neighbors bringing treats and meals. It's been so nice. Tons of phone calls to check on me. There are great people here. These are the thank you "cards" I've given back to them. Although, I have some great friends, I find myself missing my "past life" (as in Iowa and Colorado). It's just so different here. Could I still be adjusting to the move? Who knows. I think I'm adjusting to new baby and lack of sleep.

This cute smile makes me smile. I love him. It makes it worth it to go through the motions...

T H A N K Y O U

The kids opened the door yesterday and found a box - with MY name on it! I opened it and got the B E S T surprise.

I unpacked the adorable clothes, creative handmade treasures, and other cute girl things, and danced around the kitchen with excitment. Then I watched the DVD with a HUGE smile and a few tears on my face the whole time. Only 5 wishes - Of course I wish I was there with you! And I wished I could eat some of that yummy looking food! And I wished for Colleen's chocolate chip cookie recipe (although I'm sure they wouldn't be the same if I tried to make them). And I wished Austin was there to play with Josh and Tyler. And I wished you could see the cute little hats Jaquie made and sent me too.

I love you girls!

Thank you so much for the virtual baby shower. You have NO idea how happy you made me. I miss you all so much.
Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

P.S. You all look wonderful! The babies are adorable. I wish I could see you all in person.