Moriah Paige

Moriah Paige joined our little family last Tuesday. She weighed in at 8 pounds 14 ounces and 20 inches long. That makes her the runt of the litter; her siblings all broke the 9-pound mark.

(Momma and baby...both looking fabulous!)

Moriah's birthday hadn't even closed before she had a scare with a mild pneumonia. Long story short...it wasn't pneumonia. It was just excess fluid which didn't squeeze out of her lungs during delivery. It took multiple tubes and wires and poking and an extended hospital stay to figure it out, but better safe than sorry. The IV didn't work so well in the hand, so she got a tube in her head and medical tape instead of a bow.

(When speaking of the tubes and wires, this picture doesn't do it justice, but she's sooo cute!)

The kids were starting to believe we made up their baby sister. For nearly nine months we told them of this mysterious Moriah. Then Mommy goes to the hospital to get that baby sister out. Finally, Mommy comes home with no baby and spends the next two days driving across town three to four times a day. Still no Moriah. Just as they were starting to lose hope in her coming, Mommy walked through the door carrying the evidence supporting our story. They were all so anxious to get a chance to hold the baby who was "talked up" so much.

(Emma and Moriah)

(Aaron and Moriah)

(Rebekah and Moriah)

Daddy even gets his turn...it's just usually messier.

Are you wondering what those black patches are doing on her temples? They're velcro to hold on her very stylish sunglasses. Being on IV fluids for the first two days of her life bought a weekend vacation on a baby tanning bed.

We love having Moriah at home at last. Thank you to everyone who kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Bedtime now!

Who raised this kid anyway?

This morning I was procrastinating that whole "go to work" thing. Emma and Aaron were both at school, so naturally I had to focus my gentle teasing on Rebekah. After having enough, she declared, "You're supposed to go to work."

Bear Lake Part Two

"Hey Mom, no more pictures! We're trying to build a sand castle here."

Emma looks a little cold.

Bear Lake wears me out!

Daddy buried the girls.

Aaron didn't want to get buried - I can't say I blame him,

I'd much rather be standing on the sand than under it too.

Are We Really Here?!

After 2 Saturdays in a row of cancelled plans because of rain

the kids finally find themselves on Bear Lake's beautiful beach!

They had a blast. For now this one pic will have to do, the kids have found me and are practically beating down the door.

More pics to follow next time I get a chance.

It was a super fun day!

Plan B

When you get rained out combined with one of your children puking all night

it's time for PLAN B.

We were supposed to be in Bear Lake, but the bad weather

& Emma's 24 hour bug kept us closer to home.

I suggested that Mike take Aaron out for a Daddy/Son day.

Aaron then suggested that Rebekah come along so he could "teach"

how to play miniature golf. He's such a sweet brother.

Once I was sure Emma was on the mend I took her to the library and then shoe shopping for some much needed foot wear replacements. Holy cow, kids are hard on shoes.

Cute Cousins

The cousins gather for a picture at one of the latest family dinners.

We're missing a little two year old who didn't feel like posing.

And two other cousins who weren't able to make this dinner.

But all in all, not a bad lookin' bunch!

Grammy Lois's 90th Birthday Bash

My Grandma celebrates her 90th Birthday this month.

There were many fun activities to mark this special occassion.

As a family we went to dinner at Cowboy Grub, (a favorite restaurant of my Grandma's).

And the next day we had a fun little luncheon at my Dad & Step-Mother's house.

Then we ended that day with a pizza party at Evergreen Park.

There were two more days of activities scheduled but we weren't able to make it all.

We always joke that Grandma will live to see 100, she doesn't want that.

She says somewhere inbetween will be just fine.

She's an amazing women and I hope to be as fit and active as her when I'm 90.

It was sooooo good to visit with the family we don't get to see very often

because of the distance that separates us.

I want to tell all my family how much I love them and appreciate their concern for our family.

And Grandma, I wish you a very special tribute -

You have lived a long, wonderful life.

You have been a friend and a support to me ALL my life and I love you very much for that.

Okay before I get too mushy, I'll just say this

Grandma you are awesome!

Love, Mike & Gail's Family