Small Creative Steps

One of the baby's favorite activities is wandering the aisles of Lowe's in the morning. I'm not sure if it's the music that's played, or what, but even in the foulest mood she's happier wandering around their appliances, electrical and construction. In our wanderings I found fabulous outlet/switch covers, and what a great way to spruce things up.

I get so frustrated when this happens, you take a picture of something really cool, and the result doesn't do reality justice! The rising sun last night was enormous, and the boy wanted a picture of himself pointing to it. You'll have to trust me that it was much bigger in person!

Progress!

Time has flown since last summer, we've been working hard to make our a new house a home. This deck was the last bit of the backyard that needed to be done, and it's such a relief to have it finished! Sofia, the ham that she is, loves the stage-like quality of the deck, and is furious that we've since added furniture. 

Happily, we've not only made progress on the home front, but Mia has made wonderful progress with her feet. She's moved into real shoes for a few hours every day, and hopefully she'll be walking soon!

Now I just need to catch up on my crafty projects, things in that regard are incredibly behind!

"Don't use the baby as an ottoman...."  As I was sitting and trying to think about what to post, this is what I hear my 10-year-old say to his 5-year-old sister. It sums up very well what the last six months have been like. A lot of love and a fair amount of chaos.

This seems mundane, a bookfair all boxed up, and ready to go back to Scholastic, but it's the last bookfair I'll be involved in before we move. I'm truly going to miss this, helping to run this for the last few years has been wonderful.

Now my focus is on what we're moving to, it's something I never would have expected, a house this big, it's as close to a "dream house" as we could have wanted. I'm continuing to keep my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.

In January both me and Matthew celebrate birthdays, and we celebrated at Disneyland once again. This time we included great friends, and our newest addition...as it turns out, Disneyland with a 4-month-old is actually pretty easy!

The view from our room at the Grand Californian, and worth every penny! Being this close to the park during a four day stay, with three kids in tow, is invaluable. Plus the view is awesome!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving...

On Monday we'll be heading back to Shriner's for removal of Mia's casts, and she's scheduled to be fitted with the brace and boots. Hopefully, all goes well!!

Babies and Photobooth are just a great combination!

It's been a long, long time since I've posted, but here is the reason for my absence...

...Amelia Mary Cathryn, who arrived September 1st via emergency c-section, weighing in at 7 lbs, 10 oz!! So far she is not only beautiful, but the best baby! It's been an adjustment, getting used to being a mom to three, but I'm fortunate enough to have wonderful children.

At our 20 week ultrasound we found out Amelia has bilateral clubfoot, her feet are turned in, and curve around her bottom.

She's been treating successfully with Dr. Lerman at Shriner's Hospital, and we're in the final stretch of casting. In three weeks she'll move from casts to her boots/brace for the next four to five years. It was a daunting proposition when we learned of the treatment plan, and it certainly hasn't been easy, but it hasn't been the horrible experience I expected. I'm so grateful for the family support we've had, without it this would experience would have been overwhelming.