Oliver came late at night and it took a lot of self-control to not get someone to wake the kids up and drive them over to the hospital to meet their little brother right away. So they skipped school the next morning and came to the hospital to meet Oliver. This is my very favorite part about having babies. Their reaction was so sweet. So curious, eyes big with wonder. Poking at his tiny ears, fingers, nose. Unwrapping him to see his tiny diaper and funny-looking belly-button.

Oliver's due date was the 22nd, and Max's birthday is the 24th. The only thing I cared about was that Ollie NOT come on Max's birthday. And I'm so glad he arrived the 23rd. They can be birthday buddies, but not birthday twins. :) I want Max to have his special day. So Max spent his birthday morning meeting his new brother, and I told him it was his very own special birthday present. :)

I love Sydney's expression here, excitedly telling me something while gently caressing her new baby. And Noah's constant curiosity about everything in the hospital. The kids were the most curious about my tummy. It was such a shock to see the baby OUT of me. They kept pushing on my tummy and commenting on its squishiness. Max asked worriedly, "Is yow tummy wooind (ruined)?" ;)

meeting his Nana and auntie Kathleen

Kathleen was at the birth of Noah and it was so wonderful to have her at Oliver's too. I don't think I'm as private about this sort of thing as most - I would love to have all of my close friends and family there to celebrate the arrival of each new baby!

my heart melts seeing these two together

I love the hospital stay. Feeling pampered and special, and just staring at this new bundle in my arms every minute of the day.

My mom and Kathleen and her sweet Eden came to be here when Oliver was born. The kids were in heaven having their beloved Grandma and Auntie and "Baby-Eden" here (it's never just "Eden"). Poor Eden was smothered by hugs and kisses and curious, doting cousins all day, every day. It was a good distraction for the kids during such a big change and a lack of a Mommy around the house.  

My mom is brave and always lets the kids join her in cooking amazing dishes.

look at these flower-shaped apple puff pastries!

story time

their expressions say it all. :)

Sydney and I played in the yard with my film camera as I was testing out a new type of film. She is my little muse. She's also my best buddy, and my heart springs with joy that she finds interest in all the things I do. :) 

I am pinching myself that I get this beautiful backdrop every single day!

Sydney got a letter in the mail last week from a secret admirer, inviting her on a special Valentine's date. She was so excited, bouncing around the house and trying to guess who it could be all week. She thought it might be her beloved cousin, Mason (who lives 4 states away), or Santa. We weren't sure what her reaction would be when her daddy knocked on the door. But her reaction melted my heart.

Waiting for her date. She picked out her outfit - my skirt and necklace (the skirt fell down to her feet during the date, so maybe next time I'll choose her outfit). ;)

She was beaming and felt like such a big girl. Tommy took her to a fancy restaurant, and when the waiter asked if Sydney wanted a kid coloring sheet, she said no. She was on a real date, after all.

My sister, Malinda, started the Valentine's Day tea party tradition, and we carry it on her name. In fact, as I was laying out the place settings and goodies, Sydney said, "I wish Malinda made this!" ;) Maybe crackers and Cheese Whiz wasn't the kind of fancy Sydney had hoped for. But we enjoyed it just the same.

Noah serenaded us with the accordion while Max danced the jig.

Noah hasn't quite mastered the art of drinking out of a cup. 

We are loving the 70 degree February! I think we will eat all our meals outside.