Little Vivian is 3 Months Old

A few stats: Weight: 13 lbs 7 oz   Length: 24 in

A few highlights: Champion sleeper (10pm-7am), very sweet baby, so mellow, beautiful smile, in love with her big sister, just starting to get anxious with strangers, loves to talk with her stuffed animals, very verbal (nursing takes twice as long because she has to stop frequently to tell me something-I love it), loves to be outside, loves to listen to Daddy's voice, bath time is a favorite activity, and my most cherished highlight: she is a great cuddler.

Ever since birth if Vivian was upset, as soon as you even started to help her she would calm down. She is a very grateful baby. I know that may sound weird to say about a baby, but I truly see her gratitude the moment I begin to help her and it melts my heart.

Truly our home has been blessed with an angel

My attempt to get all 3 of my children in the same picture . . .

What we've been up to . . .

Vivian modeling her yoga skirt from Grandma

Vivian is working hard on growing

Lucy can always get her to smile.

See the cars by the tv? David always has to put them there no matter how many times I take them down.

Lucy reading to Vivian. Melt my heart!

Vivian loves to talk with her fishy friends on the swing. (All my kids have loved those fish)

We play outside A LOT!

This onesie from my sister cracks me up! And isn't Vivian adorable!

Vegas

Our welcoming note from our cute nephews.

Vivian's first time swimming. She's not yet a fan. But boy was I grateful for the relief from the heat!

Remember when you just hung out in your swimming suit? Oh the days . . .

Grandpa with his two newest additions: Jane and Vivian (they are just 1 month apart).

Marc stuck Vivian here and she was instantly swarmed by her fan club. It was so cute.

All four of us sisters (ok so none of us are blood related, but we're sisters nevertheless) had babies within 10 months of each other 2 years ago

And two years later . . . we had another set!

The happy family all together to share in the celebration of sweet Jane.

A beautiful moment on the drive home when all three kids were sleeping!

Which led to some very happy parents who enjoyed an opportunity to chat without interruptions. Happy roadtrip!

Today . . .

Today I got spit-up on my shirt and I didn't mind because it meant I have a baby in my home to call my own.
Today I didn't get dressed until lunch time and I didn't care because it meant I was busy playing with my sweet children.
Today I sat in a rocking chair until my back ached and I rejoiced because it meant I was holding the precious baby sent to me from above.
Today I listened again to my daughter tell me about The Wizard of Oz and I smiled because of the gift that is mine to raise her.
Today I tickled my son as he threw a tantrum while I changed his diaper because I was thankful for the strength he's been blessed with.
Today I reflected on a sweet baby and dear mother who will not have the same blessings today that I will.
Today I took time to be thankful for the simple things.

Sweet Ruby Jane

One of my former students has a sweet little daughter named Ruby Jane who is in desperate need of a liver transplant. Will you please take a moment to pray for her and her dear family. 

The more I get to know Ruby and hear of her Mom's trials, the more I recognize just how very blessed I am. They both have taught me how magical it is to be a part of the simple things in life. Through their example I find myself getting on the floor and playing with my children more. I embrace the opportunities I have to do things for my children like bathe them or sing to them as I get them dressed. I welcome opportunities to feed and eat a meal with my family. I find myself holding my children a little longer and listening a bit more intently. I  laugh more and get frustrated less. And I find myself welcoming the opportunities we have to just be at home with each other. Simply put, I have been taught (and reminded) the blessing it is to be a Mom. 
***I wrote this last night and I just learned that sweet little Ruby is now resting in heaven, no longer in pain.

4 Generations

Grandma Sampson, Dad, Me and sweet Vivian

Great Grandma telling Vivian Rose about her Grandma Rose. "She was loved by everyone."

Five years ago today . . .

who would have known we'd go from this . . .

to this! Thanks for the incredible journey of love, laughter and increase!

Hiking for 5 hours with 4 kids 4 and under . . .

We rode the ski lift at Sundance to hike to Stewart Falls. Part way up, Vivian decided she needed to nurse. It was a bit of an adventure, but we pulled it off.

My sister and her boys joined us. They were in love with the scenery (who wouldn't be)

Here we are: 2 month old on Mom in the Bjorn, 2 year-old on Dad in the Kelty and the 3 1/2 year-old hiking on her own-sheesh!

The 3 1/2 year-old got some lifts from a very strong Daddy most of the way.

Sweet Vivian slept most of the way. That Bjorn is magical!

There was a lot more water this year, so my strong husband helped/carried everyone over this part.

except for me, because I'm rugged!

We made it! I love this site and I love this hike!

The kids loved playing in the water-especially David!

Our newest addition to the hiking crew.

The hike was a loop, so the best part of the hike was getting to the end of the trail (the beginning for many who don't take the lift) and after some pretty intense hiking with some very young children, we see the trail was actually closed!!! Bless our hearts.