Kaleb's 11th Birthday

OK this one snuck up on me. No matter how long I'm a mother each of Kaleb's birthdays feel so surreal. He just can't be 11 already. In a week and a half we'll be taking him to our wards priesthood preview. Since when did they start giving the priesthood to little boys? In some moments I look at him and he takes my breath away. When and how did he get so dang grown up? Kalvan keeps reminding me it's my fault for feeding him. Which by the way is another shock. This boy puts away almost twice what I can eat. I still remember the days when I couldn't get Kaleb to eat more than a handful of animal crackers and nearly half a gallon of milk on a given day. Yes, I know the milk is what kept him alive. He was such a picky eater. I remember him learning to get past the baby locks and drinking lavender baby bath just days before his first birthday and teaching his cousin Baylee how to swirl her hand in the toilet. Where has my little fella gone? I remember him falling asleep with his head on my chest because he ran so hard he just fell over. I remember all the cuddles and sweet quiet mom and Kaleb moments that I'll cherish forever. Kaleb is still a wonderful and loving child, but he's gotten so big so fast I can hardly believe this is the same boy. I'm so proud of my first born child and the many accomplishments he has had over the years. The day after his birthday Kaleb received his Webelo and Arrow of Light. He is officially a Boy Scout. As always he maintains his straight A average with little effort. His creative abilities are amazing. And I'm proud to report that Kaleb still loves having me around, he'll still give me hugs in public and he'll introduce me to others as his beautiful mother. How did I ever get so lucky? Happy birthday Kaleb!

Well That's Trouble

My sweet 5 1/2 month old Shaylee seems to have always been ahead of the curve, but now it's getting serious. As is normal for a nearly 6 month old she's learned to sit up. It's kind of nice since she's never been patient about laying on her back to play. She doesn't even like to sleep on her back.

Well, as a tummy sleeper she's gotten a LOT of tummy time and is up on all fours and trying to crawl. As the mother of 4 I know what this means. Tell me that isn't trouble just waiting for a place to happen.

Birth Moms Deserve Our Respect

I came across an article today that caught my attention. It's titled Birth Moms Deserve Our Respect. It ran in Newsweek on May 20, 2010. Ironically, one day after our sweet baby girl was born. I am thoroughly grateful to find there are people who share my view of birthmothers. Our birthmother, Shanna, as imperfect as she may be, is my hero. She's one of the very few who was able to place the needs of her daughter above her own and give her up for adoption. Today I am paying tribute to birthmothers who muster courage and strength that few are capable of. They place their babies for adoption.

Did you know that in this county about 50% of all pregnancies are reported "unplanned"? This includes women in every relationship status and circumstance possible from married women to rape victims. Of those pregnancies 46.2% choose abortion, 53.8% choose to go ahead with the birth and raise the baby themselves. Only .0054% of those choose to give their baby up for adoption. Nearly 1 in 4 babies will not make it to birth. It's a staggering statistic that makes me look at my daughter with new eyes, pray a little harder for birthmothers, and thank the Lord for his divine guidance. Shaylee is truly a miracle.

To read the birthmother article click HERE.

For a chart on abortion laws throughout the world click HERE.

Adoption...it's about LOVE. Let's spread the word.

Happy Halloween

We had fun Trunk-or-Treating Thursday night. Last night we carved our pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. Tonight we are enjoying some family time watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks, eating some yummy, hone-made pumpkin bread, and handing out candy. Very quiet on the range tonight...and liking it!

Halloween 2010

As you can tell from our new blog picture, we finally got new family pictures. We're so excited to have a picture with all of our kids included. To look at all of them click on the picture below to view the album.

Family Pictures (October 2010)

Laughing Shay

Karter's Birthday!

OK, so I'm over a month late with this post, but here it is. Our little man is 5!!! With the other kids I remember feeling shocked when they finally reached this somewhat grown age. With Karter I don't feel the surprise. Between his speech delay, ear infections, behavior issues, and surgery, I've had more productive 1 on 1 time with him than any of my other children. It's funny how his challenges have turned into one of my most cherished blessings. I know Karter inside and out. I've watched his growth very closely. So, this birthday comes as no surprise.

This past January I had to do something that no mother enjoys. I had to hand over my baby to a doctor for surgery. When he woke up from surgery he cried so hard the nurse came to get us early. Kalvan went back to comfort him as only one of us was allowed. But Karter didn't really calm down and sleep until I arrived. I felt so privileged to be his mom and to know how much he needs me.

Karter is a charmer, a tease, a ball of fire. He's warm and loving. He's sweet and sincere. He's got a quick slap and a mean pinch. He's full of life and personality. And I wouldn't trade him for all the world. Happy Birthday Karterman!