Loving Motherhood

Recently, Nathan and I attended a wedding without our children. The bride's dress was stunning, the weather (it was an outdoor wedding) was warm, there was a candy bar, and a talented band; a combination for a perfect night--right? However, as we were driving home I was concerned that I felt like being home with my children was more fun than dressing up and spending time with adults. I'm supposed to crave adult interaction right?

Upon arriving home, we discovered Austin still awake. While re-tucking him in bed, I shared our experiences at the wedding. When Austin heard that it was very warm at the outside portion of the wedding, he got a mischievous grin and asked, "did anyone pour water down their back?" "No, Austin, no one poured water down their back to cool off" I replied. He followed with, "Why not?" After a lengthy discussion about not pouring beverages on your body during formal events, we moved onto discussing the dinner and dancing. "What dance did they dance?" asked Austin, "Was it Zumba?" I laughed so hard. Can you imagine the bride and groom busting out Zumba moves to celebrate their marriage? 

I think I enjoy my children so much because they constantly break the convention. Why not poor water down your back to cool off at a wedding and bust some Zumba moves to celebrate your happiness? Little kids are so much fun! I feel privileged and blessed to be able to have 3 1/2 children and get to stay home to raise them. 

Here are some pregnant belly pictures. I have less than two months left! 

Olivia's First Dance Recital

Olivia's First Dance Recital! 

All the girls sang along to their cute tap song "open up your heart and let the sunshine in." 

She danced two dances for her recital. This was her ballet number and she's doing a bumble bee move (in the picture above).

I have not blogged in almost a year. It was fun to look back at all our old pictures and select some of the highlights. Below are the three pictures we used to announce that we are expecting our fourth child. We are expecting another boy in July. 

It's hard to imagine Pierce as a big brother. He still seems like our baby. Fortunately, he's never been jealous when I hold other babies. In fact, I held one today and Pierce was so excited to see the baby. 

 Just a Random cute shot of Olivia. 

 Happy Birthday to Allison. 

 C-ma got the kids darling little Christmas outfits. What cute elves they make!

 I had to include this less than flattering picture of myself because it shows my true colors or at least my true fashion sense: I love plush, fuzzy, robes! Due to a tremendous amount of self-restraint, I only have two but they are my favorite things in the world and I spend most my life in one. I'm looking for a super comfortable robe to wear in the summer. As a teenager I vowed I'd never be a robe wearer, oh the incredibly comfortable hypocrite I've turned into. 

 This was their happiest looking shot. 

 Austin took this picture. 

New Years Eve party treats. When midnight struck (our fake midnight because we had young kids with us), I toasted to a happy 2010. That's what a pregnant brain does to a woman!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

In October we took a Welch family vacation to Florida. Rob and Nathan both attended an eye conference there so we turned it into a family reunion. One of my favorite memories is that while Lulu and Rachel were babysitting Pierce, he would only allow Olivia to feed him and wanted her to help care for him. Olivia is a sweet sister, we are blessed to have her in the family. 

We are also very blessed to have such a playful older brother. We all love Austin.

Below are three very random pictures but I had to include them because they make me laugh.

While Nathan and I were going through our things and trying to get the house ready to sell, we gave Olivia a camera and set her loose. She took about 100 pictures that give insight into how she views the world. I should give a camera to all my kids and just see what pictures they take. 

I know I'm tall but I look super tall to a 3-year-old. 

Really Olivia? You took a picture of your urine? Good job wiping I suppose but my guess is you forgot to wash your hands. . . 

I never really look at my kitchen from this angle. I kind of like that you miss most the clutter taking over my counters because you're not high enough to see the top of the counters. 

Halloween 2011

Liv has plenty of pink princess, fairy, and butterfly costumes but of course she wanted to use Austin's old costume and be a dragon.