The Many Uses of a Snorkel

One of the best purchases we have ever made was buying Bridger a snorkel set when we were in Hawaii. He of course used it to snorkel and continues to snorkel in the bathtub. He also has created many other uses for it: protective eyewear when he plays volleyball, baseball and when he helps Derek weed-eat the yard. The snorkel set is also very effective at helping him breathe in smoke while he fights fires with the vacuum hose.

















As for this last picture...This is one I can't explain. Bridger certainly has an imagination! He loves using my old-fashioned egg-beater when he does "yard work". This particular time he thought the snorkel was necessary. Your guess is as good as mine!

1 month old

Does Gas Make YOU Smile?!

This is not a subject I would normally talk about and I'm sure my mom is horrified...but does gas make you smile? The first time I saw Lily smile was in the hospital. They nurse said it was gas. I don't know about you, but when I get gas you do not see a happy look on MY face. And I'm pretty sure Lily is not the same considering the crying I heard last night.

Lily always greets us with a smile when we go to get her out of bed. She also smiles when we talk to her. She seems to be a very happy and content little girl.

Just look at that face. Is that a face of someone with gas? I rest my case.

"Thank you for my cute sister"

To say Bridger is THRILLED to be a big brother is an understatement. He had been asking for a sibling for over two years. He used to pray for a sister. Now almost every night, when he says his prayers, he says, "Thank you for my cute sister."

Bridger tries so hard to be helpful and has even taken it upon himself to take care of the baby when I'm not looking. I caught him trying to change Lily's clothes the other day. She had spit up on them and she was wet and cold. You might be thinking that that is so nice but this was the scene I found. I was in the kitchen making dinner, Lily was in her swing. I heard Lily cry. When I went to pick her up she was almost upside down in the swing, her head was pinned against the side and she was partially undressed. Bridger was sorting through her clothes trying to find something to put her in. Sweet but NOT so helpful.

It's amazing younger siblings survive!

Thankful

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. You get all the warm, fuzzy feelings as Christmas without all the stress.

As always, I've reflected on what I am thankful for. While the list is too long to list (especially since I am typing one-handed while I hold Lily) I want to list a few of the things that have really stood out this year. First I am thankful for the newest addition to our family- Lily. She is so sweet. I am also thankful for Bridger. He is a wonderful kid. He is very thoughtful and helpful. Derek has been a lifesaver this past year. He has really stepped up and shown what a great person he is. I have had nothing but problems and sickness this past year, Derek has been there for me and our family. He has even been a huge help with Lily. He takes half the night so I can get some sleep.

I am also very grateful for extended family. My in-laws, my mom, and Maridee all came to help with the baby. It really means a lot that I still get support when we are so far away. Having a baby without family around is hard.

Pictures of Lily

A friend of mine took these pictures. She did a great job.

Me and my little girl

A friend of mine was gracious enough to take some pictures of Lily. She also got this one with me. I love it even though I had barely combed my hair that day and I don't know when I washed my hair last since I am limited to how often I go up the stairs.

A friend of mine is starting a photography business. I asked her to take Lily's picture. She hasn't taken many newborn pictures so it was a win-win situation.

I love this picture except for the fact that I'm not wearing any make-up and I look awful. Staying in the hospital for a few days without washing your face doesn't help your skin.