A few pictures...

 My two sweet boys...

... and Camille...

The only picture I have to date of me and my munchkins... 

... and Grandma and Papa visiting for ten days last week...

... and our brand new six year old!

I don't know if we've had a break from coughs and colds since early December but we still have managed to do a few fun things (minus missing MOPS and Sundays at church:-( Elliott was born on the 17th and my parents came into town on the 27th. It was nice to have them here and to have the extra set of hands I wish I had on a daily basis. We went out for Russell's 6th birthday (the 31st) at a local restaurant (yeah- kids eat free night!) and then on February 4th, celebrated with family friends and school friends- bouncy house at the mall included.

I hope we don't limp along with colds and coughs until spring (seven weeks and counting!) but if the other children in Russell's K class are an indication, it could be a while yet before all of us go to church together... and we don't regret it by Tuesday (the traditional day when kids get sick from germs at church. Grr.).

Photo Op.

It's difficult to be the third child when Big Sister still loves to be the gal in the camera lens! (I'm trying to get infant pictures before Elliott turns into a six-month old! and hopefully a birth announcement... hopefully.)

Elliott's Birth Story

This morning I wrote out Elliott's birth story to the best of my memory (hazy for a woman in pain) and Dan's repeat play-by-play (poor man). I like to reread the stories of Russell and Camille and I know that Elliott's will fade as well as time marches on.

For obvious TMI reasons, I won't post it below but if you'd like to read what I wrote- details and all, just leave a comment below and I'll e-mail it to you. There is no use in putting too much online for others to read and remember.

Baby Elliott

We are excited to announce the birth of our second son, Elliott Paul, born on Tuesday, January 17th at 7:20am. Seven pounds 13oz and 19" long. He had the longest gestation so far (40w2d) but certainly, the quickest entry into the world!

We are thrilled to start this new chapter in our family's life together. Thank-you for your continued prayers for our continued strong health- especially with a newborn in the house. Now... onto the next eighteen years of this boy's life:-)

39w1d- still waiting!

By this gestation of my first two children, they were both born and swaddled. This little boy? Hanging out until the last few days. Can't really blame him... Russell and Camille get quite loud at times;-) I've sorted and washed the clothes I kept from Russell's infancy (frugal or a little over hopeful since it's been six years?) so we're ready as we'll ever be. I'm torn between enjoying the pregnancy and the anxiousness of the big and little details in the days to come. No wonder so many people like preplanned induction dates and repeat c/s dates. It takes the mystery (read: stress) out of the unknown.

Hopefully next time I get a chance to post, there will be pictures of our new little man instead of my belly!

Christmas in a local way

This year has been a lot of firsts for us- and a lot of change. Moving thirty miles south shouldn't seem like a semi-earthquake to our lives but in reality, it's definitely been a 7.0. Change is not easy and for some, it's just the hardest thing to endure. It's been a difficult year adjusting to the distance of longtime friends and the ending of potential friendships. So, to say that we get to stay home this year and just do nothing for Christmas is really quite fine:-) We'll celebrate in a local way, and as Dan says, make our own memories to savour upon in the coming years.

Tradition #1- Russell's school 'holiday' sing along (shame- no 'Christmas'... it's a public school...). He's near the front left in his black puffer coat. Do you see him? No worries, I didn't either until the end.

"Mom, I wanted you to come and be here... Not to take pictures..."

Ha. Guess who got a picture after all!

Then today, we hosted our 'first annual' cookie exchange with several of the moms/children from Russell's K class. Seven 5/6-year old boys + younger siblings= craziness and a wonderful time!

... and Little Sis, who just seems on some days to be older than she really is. I love these children.

Blessings to you and whether you spend time travelling or staying home, may it be a time of fellowship with those around you.

Party All Night Long! (well, at least 'til 8pm)

On Saturday night, we attended our first block Christmas party- complete with many appetizers, drinks, a full dinner, desserts, and some nice conversation... Our party on Sunday night was a little bit different. With eight adults and seven children (Russell being the oldest), we took it a little easier. The four couples (minus one couple who couldn't come) were our original Bible study/care group back B.C. (before children). Everyone seemed to have a great time and since it was pot-luck style, it was easy to host!!

**Russell was in his non-photographic mood**