The Wonderful Magic of Flash

As I was looking through all the Christmas pictures, I came across these:

(Excuse the Christmas present explosion in the background!)

One very tired, grumpy Josiah

+ one bright flash from the camera

= pure magical delight!

Oh, these kids....

how I love them so.

They came to me, one by one, each a unique individual from birth.

Each one with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Each one amazing.

I am so thankful I get to share their lives.

2011 was a big year for this little man! Not only did he turn one and learn to walk this past year, but he also learned to run, jump and get into EVERYTHING! Most importantly though, he became a big brother,

to this beauty!

Who really was my favorite gift this past year!

To Noah,

Has it really been 15 years since you came to join our family?

It was a rough delivery, and you didn't seem to handle the shock of being on the outside very well.

They gave you full CPR to bring you back.

It was just the beginning of you stressing your parents out!

A little boy who always did the opposite of what he was told and had to see for himself if bad things REALLY would happen!

But now you've grown (a lot!), and we will continue to pray for you!

For your happiness, for your safety, for you to follow God's will....

because we know He must have big plans for you!

Happy 15th Birthday, Noah!

We love you!

One Month

My little sweetie turned 1 month old yesterday.

I am amazed at how quickly it has gone by!

She is a beautiful blessing through and through....

and we all are enjoying her very much!

Ethan,

Yesterday we celebrated the day you were born. My 7th child, we love your contagious laugh, your happy heart, and those cheeks!! You have brought so much happiness to our family. We love you so!!

Happy 8th Birthday, Ethan!

Flying Solo

Thank you so much for all your wonderfully kind comments you left about the arrival of Anna! They meant so much to me!

Today my husband returned to work. Sigh....

You know, no matter how many kids I have, knowing that I am on my own never feels less than overwhelming! Thankfully though, this little one seems to be very mellow! So we survived!

Anna is 2 weeks old today!

She weighs 8 lbs 9 oz!

Here are a few images from her first two weeks!

Don't you love grumpy scrunchy faces? :)

Finally,

after nine suspenseful months,

30+ very long, hard hours of labor,

an intense delivery,

a traumatic birth,

the removal of the cord wrapped 4 times around the neck,

and some much needed resuscitation,

we are completely thrilled to receive:

a beautiful baby girl!

Introducing:

Anna Noelle Mack

born 11/14/11

8:38 AM

8 lbs. 8 oz.

20 1/4 in.

She is a total blessing!