Aperture

Before:

After:
So, I've downloaded Aperture editing program and I love it. It has some features that I've really wanted in an editing program and it's really user friendly. I also got a Apple computer and it's totally compatible with iphoto (a bonus). Anyway, above is a pic that shows the before and after of a Lucy pic.

Some more new edits

Mommy and baby girl

Christmas Dinner with Friends

Brenna and David

Fondue for dessert- yummm

We had a great Christmas Eve.  We thought we would have to cancel because of Lucy's sickness, but our friends braved it and we had an amazing meal of rib eye roast, mashed potatoes and amazing pomegranate salad (Brenna, I need that recipe).  

(Blog) Christmas Card

So, I had best of intentions, I really did.  This was going to be in the mail to reciprocate all the wonderful cards we've received this season, but it's just not going to happen this year, I have them all printed off and everything, "Our Early Christmas Present".  The timing just wasn't right and I'm trying to shower at least every few days, let alone get a Christmas card out.   So, here it is for all those in blog world to see and hopefully next year one will be in your mailbox instead (:

Cake walk

So, I've been a little distant from the computer these days.  For one, I have to say, being a mom of three isn't quite a cake walk.  I would maybe call it a cake run, or maybe even a cake sprint.  It has all the sweetness of a cake, but more of a sprint speed.  For two, our computer is downstairs and it is cold downstairs.   Today it's supposed to be in the 60's and Nate has helped to make the pace more of a walk today, so I'll take a few minutes and catch up on the cake (sweetness) of the last few weeks.  

We had our first Christmas away from home this year.  The details are below, but it was happy and sad.  We love our family and missed them.  It was fun to start up some of our own traditions.  Nate has all of January off and I am so thankful, God is good at planning.  To have Nate off for a month and a half after having Ada has been such a tremendous blessing.  Speaking of Ada, she is great, beautiful, a doll.  We love her much and she has fit in quite nicely into our family, I must say.  A pretty good sleeper she is and growing like a weed (I prefer growing like a flower).  She's had pink eye, been surrounded by throw up, coughs and boogers- a nice welcome to the world.  Anyway, I'm going to stop typing now because it's starting to sound more like a sprint upstairs and my toes are getting a little cold.  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Lucy Lowlights

Poor Lucy.  Christmas has been in the forefront of her mind for the last month.  We woke up on Christmas to Lucy throwing up.  I just couldn't believe it.  We opened stockings (with a trip to the bathroom in between) and then she needed to rest while we had breakfast.  Then it was time for the presents.  She would open 1, show a bit of excitement, feel worn out and head to bed.  If any of you have opened presents with Lucy this is usually the polar opposite of this.  She loves opening presents and watching other's open and people love to buy for her because of her extreme enthusiasm.  She was a good sport.  She adds such joy and contagious energy, especially at times like these and we were so sad to have an empty chair at the dining room table.  We love you Lu and there are many more Christmas' to come.

Will highlights

Will attempting to breastfeed Lucy's baby (This might be thought of as a low light) 

1st Christmas

More Christmas

We miss you family.  Thanks for loving us so well and for your generosity toward us- beyond just Christmas.

So, my dad bought this helicopter for Will over the summer.  Will accidentally saw it in my dad's trunk and literally cried for 2 hours when he couldn't have it and my dad continued to deny that it was ever in the trunk.  Will and the helicopter were reunited, he was thrilled.

Flashlights were on both of the kids Santa lists.

The table was lacking Lucy, but not food.  We had this scrumptious breakfast with entirely too much food.  Sausages, grapefruits, croissant souffle, and a mix of ham/spinach/cheese goodness in a puff pastry pie- oh yes and an egg nog latte.  

this toy is SO LOUD, thanks mom (:

"Now I can be a real mom"

Will with his Batman sword that makes sound effects, given to him by Lucy

Lucy talking to Santa on Christmas Eve

Choo Choo!

We've heard about the trains at the gardens and wanted to go with my folks when they were in town and didn't make it.  So, we trekked over there with the five of us and I'm so glad we did.  These trains were amazing and huge.  Will especially was enthralled by the trains and could have stayed there all day.  

My Mary

I've heard about Lucy's Christmas show for weeks. I've also heard Lucy say, "I'm going to be Mary". However, I didn't know if this was in her head, dreams, or in fact, reality. It ends up that it actually was in her dreams, but I guess, "when you wish upon a star...". Yes, she ended up being Mary. I was so excited for her. The kids did such a wonderful job and I don't know if there's anything sweeter than watching preschoolers proclaim the good news of Jesus' birth.

Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa and grandma came for a trip to meet Ada.  We tried to cram too much into the 2 days they were here.  However, looking back, I don't think we accomplished all that much, aside from enjoying one another.  We did make it to the mall to visit with Santa and get a picture taken- a highlight for Lucy and Will.  Will keeps saying, "I love Santa" and Christmas hasn't even come yet.  I suspect that after we open presents on Christmas morning he might even say it with more of a grin on his face.  Thanks for making the trip out mom and dad, we had a wonderful time.  Love you and we'll miss you on Christmas! 

I love this face

Announcing...

Announcing the 2008 Disney Dance Competition winner- William! Yes, this is no lie. We went to the science center this morning and there was a Disney dance competition. Lucy of course jumped right in and Will followed closely behind. Nate and I knew Lucy would have no problem getting in front of the crowd and busting a move, but we were a little unsure about Will. The lady came and put the microphone in front of Will's mouth and asked him his name, of course he said Will. Then the music started. Without hesitation Will showed us some pretty amazing moves. It was only a couple seconds until he was on the floor break dancing with the crowd cheering him on. I was so proud. The announcer said, " let's give it up for Krispy Kreme man!" (he was wearing his free hat that was nicely paired with his new fighter jet jacket). Need I say it again, I was so proud. The other kids went and then it was time to choose the winner by round of applause. When the announcer put her hand over Will's head, the crowd went wild! Will was the winner. He walked out the door with a pokemon toy and 4 free tickets to a movie. Um, yes, I was so proud.

Worthy of a post

I slept in 'til 9:45 today. First time since, well, I don't remember when.

Sweet Feet

Sisters

Before Ada came, I wondered.  I wondered over her personality, her health, her looks, and I really wondered over if she would be a little boy or little girl.  I would start imagining life with a little boy.  I would think about Will having a brother to play with, the joy I've found in having a son, the different dynamics that sons offer.  And then I'd start to think about having a daughter.  I would naturally start thinking about my sisters and what a joy it has been to have sisters to talk with, shop with, hang out with....  Because those feelings are so near to me, I get really excited when thinking about Lucy and Ada having each other.  Yes, they both have Will too, but it's a different kind of relationship.  Lucy already cares for her so.  One time Ada was crying, I put her in Lucy's lap, and she stopped crying- Lucy was thrilled and her "Ada interest" increased tenfold.  

I have to say, Will has been quite sweet toward Ada and is kind of coming out of the "there's a new baby in my house permanently" funk he was in.  I asked him the other day, "do you love Ada?", he said "yay!"  Then I said, "are you going to protect Ada?"  He said, "yay, no boys kiss Ada" and then added, "no boys kiss Lucy".  I think dad's been putting some plugs in Will's ear.  I do love the idea of Will looking out for his sisters though- I know he will.  Seeing these three together is a delight.

Ada Update

So, I've been trying to be good and follow doctor's orders. One of those orders is to avoid stairs as much as possible, and well, my computer is downstairs so I have been a bit distant from computer world. I really haven't been taking all the many pictures, but snapped a few tonight, so I thought I would post some fresh ones for family (and friends too of course). Thanks to all of your kind wishes to sweet Ada, she is amazing.
A little update: I'm doing well. Sneezing is probably one of the most painful things I have to deal with these days (can I get an "amen" from anyone who's had a c-section?). I feel like I'm on the verge of feeling independent, well, not really, but my body has made big strides in week 2. For the most part Ada is a happy baby and sleeps really well at night. The kids love her. There is a special bond between she and Lucy that I see in these early days. Lu always wants to hold her and check on her. Will has had a little more difficulty with the transition I would say, he loves Ada too though. Bringing a new baby into the world right before Christmas has been wonderful. We now have our tree up, Christmas music almost always on, eggnog in the fridge, and much talk over the anticipation of Christmas. The kids favorite thing to do is sit by the tree and sing Christmas songs- they could really do this for hours on end. My mom got me this Christmas songbook a couple years ago and I didn't know what a hit it would be with the kiddos- good one mom! There's a quick update, hope you all are having a blessed Christmas season!