Do I really have an eleven year old?

Saturday, Spencer and I were able to spend a few hours together celebrating his birthday.

I had great plans of lots of talking time together, but earlier in the day, he started getting immersed in the book I was addicted to the night before. Needless to say, as long as the book was open, we had a quiet ride.

So, I ran a few errands while he read and then put the book in the trunk.

Spencer wasn’t super hungry, so we headed to Cold Stone for ice cream and then he wanted to check out some games at Best Buy, so we wandered around there for close to an hour.

On the way home, he wanted to stop at McDonald’s for lunch (seriously? Our kids think it's such a treat.) and then redeem his Sonic coupon for more ice cream.

During our little outing, I reiterated to him how proud I am of the choices he’s making and the example he’s setting for his brothers. And, how much I enjoy his company.

Sunday, we celebrated with gifts after church. For dinner, we had Taco Salad (a family favorite) and then everyone gave Spencer a gift and said something they liked about him.

His big gift was a starter package for balloon art. I’d love to see him get good enough to start a little business out of it.

Some of the things Spencer is doing this year that I’m proud of are:

Being totally responsible about getting himself up in the morning, dressed, making his breakfast, packing a cold lunch, brushing teeth, and getting himself to the bus. (He and I usually get a few minutes of scripture study as well).

He’s been reading the Book of Mormon every night before bed for several months.

He doesn’t go to bed without giving us a hug and kiss. I think it’s really sweet.

He’s been good about not fighting me on the piano and often, getting it done without being asked.

He’s so sweet and tender with Ruby and calls her “muffin” or “a little slice of heaven.”

He’s enthusiastic about school each morning and although I’m not in the classroom, I imagine he’s engaged in learning.

He’s kind hearted and accepts people easily.

Something I’ve always loved about him is that he’s interesting and intellectually curious. It's hard to be bored when Spencer's nearby because he's so fun, clever, witty, and engaging.

Our Newborn

I promised myself I'd get around to at least one photoshoot while Ruby was still a newborn.

And, I'm soooo glad I did, because she didn't stay little long enough. And now my window of opportunity is gone.

She is so precious...

2 weeks old

Our sweet little Ruby Jane is two weeks old and we couldn't be more enchanted with her. She barely makes a peep and is breaking us in easy to the "parents of five" club.

The boys love holding Ruby, but say, “she’s kind of boring because all she does is sleep.” I don’t think there’s anything boring about a sleeping baby. I think it’s delightful, because I know it won’t last long.

It’s amazing how long I can sit and stare at our little sleeper. I'm mesmerized by her facial expressions, big stretches, and the different positions she puts her hands and feet in as she sleeps. I enjoy how completely relaxed she looks as she slumbers. I love her newborn smell. She’s absolutely precious to me.

This recovery has been the best so far. Before Ruby was born, I told Brad the nicest thing he could do for me after the baby came would be to pack the kids up and take them somewhere for a few days so I could rest.

I knew that with four other children around, no matter how good their intentions, I wouldn't get any rest.

So, Brad packed the kids up and took them to visit grandma and grandpa in Minnesota, which was a huge help. They had a great time, and I forced myself to take it easy.

The other thing that has been monumental in how I feel is my mom offering to get up at night with Ruby so I can get a good night sleep. This is the greatest gift she could give me. Need I say more? (Lucy and Ruby, I want to do the same for you someday).

No bubbles

Okay, so what part of "no bubbles" didn't they understand? I guess they didn't consider half a bottle of shampoo qualifying as bubbles...

Jaundice

A few days after coming home, Ruby's bilirubin levels rose and she started phototherapy with a bili-bed. She seemed to really love it. We'd take her in every few days for a weight check and blood work. The last time I took her to the lab, she got poked twice and slept through the whole thing.

Ruby Jane

Our sweet little Ruby Jane was born on June 8, 2009. She weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 18 3/4 inches long. She has a nice covering of dark black hair and is as perfect as can be. We're so grateful to have her.

The one time I really love getting fresh flowers is when I have a baby. This gorgeous bouquet was delivered shortly after I arrived home from the hospital compliments of my Dad. I LOVE it! One of my favorite flowers is the Star Gazer Lily and it's full of them. The whole house smells sweet now.

Swim Team

It took a little persuading, but the boys decided to try swim team this summer. I love it because they start the morning with some good exercise and they are learning to refine their strokes.

The first few days they complained about not liking backstroke because they didn't know how to stay in a straight line, but each day has gotten better.

The real motivation for them to join the team was a day at a huge waterpark here called Oceans of Fun.

Way to go boys!