tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69885674040178174922024-02-07T17:44:46.448-08:00Mom's LettersMy notes and testimony about life for YOU, my five perfect gifts dropped down from heavenAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.comBlogger742125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-56336884315534959572020-06-18T10:26:00.005-07:002020-06-18T10:53:25.150-07:00Messages from the dustIt only took a couple minutes rediscovering entries on this blog from 5-10 years ago, and I'm in awe. I wrote messages to myself that I didn't know I would need!<br />
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The last 3 posts I made:<br />
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"Claire at three, almost four" is a snapshot of time when Claire Bear was younger, and gives me a glimpse of what Jane might have been like and what my life would have looked like with her next year. It's fun for me to remember how it felt to have Claire at that age, and helpful to imagine Jane there too.<br />
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"Mikey, you're seven months". In this post I name a few reasons why it made sense for Michael to be our last baby and I say that I think he is. It makes be so grateful for the impressions the I continued to feel and that I LISTENED TO, and that, in fact, sweet Michael was not our last child. How happy I am to know that we had a spit-fire coming down the line! A precious little girl that would drop in briefly and profoundly impact our family forever. I never could have designed it, nor imagined what was to come for us. I wonder if I would have had the courage to, knowing what her plan was, and understand that this is why we trust in the Lord. We tend to be too weak to put ourselves through experiences that are really, really tough - and that create hardcore depth and growth. <br />
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"Until we meet again".... I posted a video about REMEMBERING TRUTHS surrounding death and eternal relationships. Wow. Just wow. Thanking myself...... <br />
<br />When I read this old blog, I am reminded of what I already know. I am reminded of who I am when I am not balancing on the emotional edge of grief and loss. I am reminded of what I want most for myself and for my family -- and that is NOT the easy way. It is NOT always the sunny side up. It is the real, raw, dig-in and get-it-done life experience. The quotes I places on the sidebar of this blog? THEY represent who I am and who I want to be!<br />
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And here I am.... trying to walk the walk. <br />
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My grandma Goesch passed away a few months ago and had lovingly and thoughtfully chosen items in her house to leave for her kids and grandkids and great-grandkids! My mom and her siblings have been going through the house distributing things to those who they are intended for, and she gave me my piece. It's a large, handmade drummer boy that has always hung in the guest room I slept in at grandma's house. On the back, in grandma's own handwriting, and dated 2011, my wise and faithful grandmother wrote the words: "Anne, Just Keep Marching like this Drummer Boy".<br />
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When I read it my eyes filled with tears. It is a message from the dust. My grandmother had no way of knowing when she would pass, or what would be happening in my life when she did. And yet she wrote what I needed to hear from her so many years ago. Basically, 'KEEP WALKING. Keep your head up and keep enduring.'<br />
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The best is yet to come.<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-69751786184158709732020-06-16T08:36:00.001-07:002020-06-16T15:15:36.617-07:00Almost SIX years later!....Oh my goodness. Hello old friend. This blog.... something I have not looked at in at least 5 years. How do things change so quickly?! I remember the night my sister-in-law introduced me to a new app called INSTAGRAM. I'll have to go back and look, but I bet it was right around the time I stopped using this blog, and probably the cause. I became an instagrammer and left this forum in my dust in 2014. .....<br />
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It makes me happy to see that my words and page are still here. And now I'm back! </div>
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Lots of life has passed by. Baby Michael is now 6.5 years old and lost his first tooth today, little Claire is 9, Jacob is 13, Ashley 16 and Luke 17, soon to be 18 -- an adult! They are all doing wonderfully and growing into amazing human beings -- INCREDIBLE human beings -- and it is my honor to be their mother, with a front row seat to their individual lives. </div>
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Revisiting this blog is a time warp. Perhaps it is a blessing I left this thing behind those years ago, not knowing how much I would later need the reminder of years gone by, and of how quickly time flies. There's no mention here of our darling angel, Little Jane Kendall. Last I wrote she was in heaven.... now I write, and she's gone back. </div>
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It was a heavenly 2.5 years having her here on earth with us. She truly blessed us beyond measure and was the sweet cherry on top of this large family. </div>
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For a while I'll leave this blog to sit as it has been. To remain a time-capsule from the past. An archive. The lost treasure that it is to me. </div>
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And then I'd like to update it, add to it and most definitely place a header-photo with all six of our children in it. I'll bring Jane to the party while filling in the blanks from the last six years. I'll save thoughts and feelings and experiences associated with loss and grief and the steep personal growth curve I am currently on. As well as the daily joys of this earth life and the privilege of being a wife and mother. </div>
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Last night I typed in the address: www.hillsteadhappenings.blogspot.com, curious how long an un-used web address stays good for. It takes a second then loads, the yellow appears, and the cherished photo of a time gone-by appears on my screen. It's a young mom, holding 5 little kids on a small couch in a frozen yogurt shop. <i>Wasn't that just yesterday?.....</i></div>
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Finding this blog feels like a gift this mother needs. A chance to reflect upon family; the passing of time; physical, spiritual, emotional growth; and purpose. This old page is a reminder of my personal purposes -- how far I've come and where I am going. </div>
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Good heavens... what will the next six years bring, and where will we be in 2026?!.... I hope to keep the record!<br />
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(This is a recent photo of me sewing face masks for the hospital in an effort to protect healthcare workers from Covid-19.)</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-38171091803141357622014-07-22T17:50:00.001-07:002020-03-28T21:21:31.396-07:00Claire at three almost four<br />
Little Claire bear is three and growing up quickly. Before we know it she will be four then five and out the door to school. These days with her at home are precious and fleeting.<br />
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Let's see how can I best describe Claire? I'll start with her day. She wakes up around 7 and asks for a show and bottle. "Chocolate milk baba". I usually put her off until I get the big kids off and then try to sit down by her to eat breakfast together. Claire loves oatmeal with brown sugar and nuts! </div>
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After a quiet morning Claire likes to play and use her imagination. She's a mommy or kitty or dancer. She loves playing play-dough, building castles with blocks and coloring. Plus, she's always willing to help mommy with whatever I am doing. After this many children I've learned that kids really don't need to be entertained. They absolutely love just being a part of moms day, talked to and included with tasks. Whew.</div>
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Claire still naps faithfully each day around 1:30. In two weeks she starts preschool 1-2:30 so that will be a big change. Skipping naps... I hope it doesn't lead to the end of naps as we know them. I love nap time.</div>
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When the kids get home from school Claire's world brightens up! Her buddies are back. She likes to do whatever they are doing and has no trouble finding someone to play with all afternoon long. Claire sleeps in the same bed as Ashley, they are so sweet together. Two sisters snuggled up in a butterfly garden room. Claire is brave and sleeps great!</div>
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People are often telling me how much older than 3 claire seems. She is one smart cookie. The most darling thing is how she speaks like a 3 year old but expresses herself like a teenager! "Lasterday"...</div>
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I'll try to make notes this week on some of the cute things she says and add them here. <br />
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This morning she woke me up and said "come on Mommy let's do that thing. Memember when we watch the animal show and then Caillou and you feed me bites of my oatmeals on the couch? Memember that one? My tummy is browling." So that's what we did. And a few minutes after eating you turned around on the couch to talk to me in the kitchen and said "My tummy is saying Thank You!" You are such a sweet heart. So easy to please and fun to spend time with. </div>
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Lastly, Claire is her daddy's girl!! They are two peas in a pod. She runs to him every night when he gets home and wraps her arms around his neck. She is up for doing anything with him, especially house projects (changing light bulbs) or getting the mail on the scooter. She is daddy's sweetheart for sure.</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-72546044826008606782014-05-01T10:26:00.000-07:002014-07-22T17:32:16.970-07:00Michael you are 7 monthsTime is flying by too quickly and you are growing up and changing. Your brown hair is coming in and filling your whole head. Your look is changing! You got two teeth last month, the front bottom ones came in together. You are all smiles and coos and chubby cheeks! Everyone who sees you stops me to say how beautiful you are. I love you so much!!<br />
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There's not much more about your personality to add that I haven't already described in months past. You are THE most angelic, easy, content, sweet baby on earth. That's it. You hold in your possession the power to make or break the lifestyle of this family -- if you were fussy or didn't like the car or wouldn't sleep well at night things would be much different around here. But you do the opposite of those things, and I am thankful everyday for YOU.<br />
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5th child. Im feeling more and more like we may be done. Its like an athlete who chooses to retire on a high, after winning the Super Bowl or World Series. Why play another seasons when it may not go as well? That's what I'm thinking. Why not stop while we're on top. YOU are the perfect happy darling last child; we could end on this high. Maybe. Time will tell.<br />
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At any rate, you are part of a big happy family. We love you and you love us! One of the best parts of your day is when the big kids come home. After playing the day away with your little buddy Claire, laughing at her dances and other antics, Jake, Ashley and Luke enter the door and you are all smiles. I usually send everyone out back and put you on the grass in your exersaucer. You simply beam. Watching the big kids talk, laugh, play and jump on the trampoline is thrilling for a little guy your age. And this leaves mommy alone in the house to make dinner and get lots done. Simply perfect.<br />
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I have a feeling when swim season begins you'll love it. Bath time is another highlight for you these days. You crack up at your own splashes and enjoy sucking water out of your washcloths. So sweet.<br />
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Food is a funny thing to you. You clearly still prefer to nurse but will investigate other food when given the chance. You are not all that interested in eating food from a spoon, you don't open your mouth much and try to grab the spoon yourself (messy!). If I hand you something to feed yourself you're happier. But oftentimes just squeeze and explore it more than put it into your mouth after a taste or two. No one is worried about your weight tho -- you are clearly getting enough to eat -- you cute chubby thing!<br />
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We love you more than words can say. You are a gift and blessing to me everyday. You are healthy strong and happy. I am so glad.<br />
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Love, Mom<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-10310054985965647002014-04-08T09:44:00.001-07:002014-04-08T09:44:04.101-07:00Until We Meet Again<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JiRc84kihRM" width="480"></iframe>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-52514712230681371122014-02-26T10:15:00.000-08:002014-02-26T10:31:36.679-08:00Personal SacrificeDear kids,<br />
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The scriptures say that when we pay our tithing the heavens will open and pour out blessings more numerous than we can count. We have talked to you before about the blessings of tithing in our own lives and in our home. Big stuff like being able to provide for five children on a single income so I can stay home with you, to the seemingly little stuff like the driveway basketball hoop we were in the market to buy that a friend who was moving offered to us for free. Lots of times we can't put our finger on the many blessings we have been given because we take them for granted. Things like months of good health, properly functioning appliances and well-working cars. <br />
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We have been promised by our Father in Heaven that as we make personal sacrifices we will be blessed. Its a promise we make in the temple. Promises with Heavenly Father are called covenants because covenants are even more important than promises, and Heavenly Father <i>never</i> breaks a promise. So, as members of His church, we promise to make sacrifices in our own personal lives in the service of Him, in order to receive the great blessings He has in store for our us.<br />
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Do you ever wonder about the blessings we may miss out on when we are unwilling to make certain sacrifices. Like, for example, if we were only willing to raise two children -- if I only wanted to be pregnant 2 times -- just look at the blessings I would have been forfeiting!! Jacob, Claire and Michael plus all the joy you three bring! Or if daddy wasn't willing to work so hard to provide for us and mommy wasn't willing to spend money carefully, I may have to be at work when you get home from school. If we didn't wake up early on Sunday mornings and put our church clothes on it might seem like we were getting the better deal, but in truth we would be short-changing ourselves missing out on the opportunities at church to take the sacrament, feel the spirit, serve in our callings and spend time with our ward friends.<br />
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Recently I've been thinking about writing this so I've taken note of some of the small personal sacrifices daddy and I have made this week. We do them happily because we have testimonies of this principle, and they occur naturally such that you kids probably don't think much about them. But, they're done to set up chairs for church the next morning. Sunday he was at church then meetings and doing visits for people in the ward who need some help. Mommy made a dinner for a friend who was sick on Friday night. And we both went to clean the Temple late Wednesday night as you guys slept. These are things we are happy to do, time we are happy to spend and talents we are willing to share <i>because</i> we love the Lord. He has given us everything we have. Even every breath we take. Making personal sacrifices are one great way we can show love for God and his children.<br />
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Like strict obedience, a willingness to make regular personal sacrifices will bring depth and meaning to your lives. Self confidence is born of hard work. Love is born of selfless service. A strong testimony comes from keeping the commandments. And lasting joy comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
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You kids are still young but I see you doing remarkable things in this area. This year Luke and Ashley have begun fasting one Sunday a month and offering the money that we would have used to buy breakfast and lunch to the poor. I see you make personal sacrifices daily in your interactions with one another, sharing candy you got at a birthday party, helping claire get a drink of water, or serving mommy around the house. These moments of selflessness are beautiful and character building. They make all of us happy.<br />
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I love each of you and am proud of you for the people you are. You blow me away with your wisdom and energy and enthusiasm for the good things in life. I am blessed to have you five precious children in our home. <br />
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Love,<br />
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Mom<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-46147124858821591652014-02-18T10:56:00.003-08:002014-02-26T10:15:52.290-08:00Quickly we'll obey<br />
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We got to take a trip this weekend to Cottonwood to see the cousins. It was my first road trip with all 5 of you without daddy. Luckily you children are excellent and knew it was important to behave and help me out and I can always count on you. So we had no problems, only a great time!</div>
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I did some thinking along the drive since I had no one else to talk to (you guys are happy as clams snuggled in the back seats watching movies). And I have three main focuses that I want to really emphasize in our home, as we parent you over the next 10-18 years: strict obedience, personal sacrifice and diligent work. None of these are very popular in today's world but they are the keys to success and happiness as far as dad and I are concerned. </div>
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#1 - STRICT OBEDIENCE. A recent talk in church by a returned missionary talked about how important obedience is in our lives. He said he never met a missionary who was not 100% obedient to the rules of the white missionary handbook, their mission president and, most importantly, the Lord. He spoke about how important it is for missionaries to be completely obedient so that they can be worthy of and ready for the blessing that Heavenly Father has in store. I know from my own life how obedience brings joy, lasting joy! Obedience brings peace. Obedience brings safety. Obedience allows miracles to occur. </div>
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If there is one character principle I want to develop in myself and my children I've decided its this: obedience. If we can have the humility and willing heart to obey those who are in authority over us, we will be blessed. This means that we will learn to obey all of Heavenly Father's commandments. We will obey our parents; our school teachers; our primary teachers; adult neighbors; parents of friends; and all civil laws. We will not justify reasons for disobedience. We will know that it is best to respect and be obedient to the good leaders in our lives whom we are surrounded with. The people mom and dad put into your lives want the best for you. Listening to and obeying them will save you from danger, heartache and pain to varying degrees throughout your life. I hope you will accept their help.</div>
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Dad and I plan to be example of obedience. Even further, <i>exact </i>obedience, even in the little things. And we intend to expect it of each of you. It is human nature sometimes to justify a little here or a little there. If mommy says no friends can come over when she is not home, it may be tempting to invite friends to play in the backyard until she returns. Please don't do it. If daddy says no electronics before homework is finished it may be tempting to play on the iPad when he's not in the room. Please don't. If your teacher tells you not to doodle on your assignments even though you have a really creative idea you want to sketch small in the corner…. do not do it! It's the little things - and we plan to follow them. WHY?? Because it's a rule. A rule that those in authority have set forth. And obedience to the small and simple things allows for great and marvelous things to happen in our lives. I know this to be true!</div>
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So I hope you'll see some consistent parenting to this point my sweethearts. When mommy calls you to dinner you will be expected to come <i>quickly</i>, not when ...your level is passed ….your chapter is over or ...your basketball game is finished. You should come now. It's a principle. And it's important. It will take practice but we'll get there.</div>
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I love you guys so much, </div>
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Mom<br />
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Primary Children's Songbook #197<br />
<b>Quickly I'll Obey</b><br />
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1. When my mother calls me,</div>
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Quickly I'll obey.</div>
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I want to do just what is best</div>
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Each and ev'ry day.</div>
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2. When my father calls me,</div>
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Quickly I'll obey.</div>
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I want to do just what is best</div>
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Each and ev'ry day.</div>
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3. Heav'nly Father loves me,</div>
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Blesses me each day.</div>
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I want to do just what is best</div>
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Each and ev'ry day.</div>
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Quickly I'll obey.</div>
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Quickly I'll obey.</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-75729719526474697282014-02-11T09:03:00.002-08:002014-07-22T17:51:31.540-07:00Michael baby at four monthsHey buddy. You are SO cute! You are four months old now which is my favorite baby age! You are chubby (I think we've mentioned that before) which is one of your cutest traits. You are smiley and handsome!! Your newborn hair has fallen out and you have a soft peach-fuzz head of light brown hair coming in. Your eyes are a deep beautiful blue. Your gummy smile melts our hearts. You give big wet open mouth kisses to your mama, leaning into my face and smothering me with your love. Oh! Nothing is better than the sounds, smells and touch of my baby boy!<br />
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Part of me feels guilty for not keeping a baby calendar for you like I have the other kids. But times have changed. When Luke and Ashley were born I was keeping a photo and paper scrapbook! Those big things weigh about 15lbs each and are already outdated. Now everyone uses digital photos, blogs, instagram… so you will have a book of memories made from these things.<br />
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To summarize your life at 4 months:<br />
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You sleep amazingly! Down between 7-9pm up between 5-7am. You're in your own room in the crib so daddy goes and gets your every morning when we hear you on the monitor and then you nurse and fall back to sleep with us. One of our favorite times. You can put yourself to sleep watching the mobile but prefer (and I do too) to nurse to sleep so we do that most often still. You don't take a pacifier of any kind nor suck your fingers. You'll shove your fist into your mouth sometimes and that soothes you and recently have been sucking on a blanket whenever you manage to get a fist full of that into your mouth. Its cute hearing you suck your own spit out of the thing… we shall see what unfolds in this aspect of you life.<br />
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Eating, you still nurse. I have given you tiny tastes of banana, sweet potato and oatmeal. None of it stays down well and you gag on the big chunks which makes all of us laugh. I'll let you stick with milk as long as it fills your belly.<br />
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You are not rolling over but have suddenly become quite strong on your belly. You get your head up high and don't look so tortured by tummy time! You like being upright in the exersaucer as well but poop out after about ten minutes. We put you in the baby swing on the swing set and you squealed with delight! You've also been on bike rides in my trailer, in your car seat. You love being outside.<br />
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I had you at the doctor last week. I think you weighed 18lbs. You are in the 85% for weight and height and in the 35% for head circumference. Little cutie boy. And a picture of health, thank goodness. We are blessed!<br />
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I find we call you Michael most the time, I expected Mikey more but its just natural to call you Michael. Michael Jophes is how Claire says your name so that's sort-of stuck too. We just love you Michael Jophes!!<br />
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I think that's about it. You are a gift and a blessing. A treat and reward. We love you son.<br />
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Little cutie with his newborn hair.</div>
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-80357249507069227122014-01-24T13:24:00.002-08:002014-02-26T10:15:26.495-08:00Bedtime storiesI heard a mother joking last week about waking up in the morning like Mary Poppins and going to bed like Cruella Deville. I shoot to be more like Super Nanny sun up to sun down, but often times the Cruella in me starts bubbling up around tinkle, pjs, teeth-brush time.<br />
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So I set a goal. For 2014 every night I want to read to one of you. Ashley you inspired me with your love to read and need for mommy time at the end of each day. I went out to costco and bought the great big Roald Dahl set while we were in Utah, with Aunt Natalie remember?, and you were thrilled. I decided then on my commitment to read at bedtime more often. We have always read to you as babies and toddlers but when you begin school you've started reading a lot on your own. We have little lamps that clip onto your beds or on your bedside table and I'm always impressed how each of you stay up to read. But its different than having a parent climb in beside you to read aloud, I know.<br />
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We knew Jake would love the one-on-one time too. So dad and I have been alternating bedrooms, reading to the boys or girls most nights. Not every night -- if you get to stay up late we forfeit, but most nights we have been (this is another great motivator for getting you downstairs quickly). <br />
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So far we have read the Magic finger, The giraffe, pelly and me and the BFG. Well, those are the ones we're on right now. BFG in the girls' room, the crazy Giraffe book in the boys'. Luke climbs up on Jakes bed because suddenly his own book isn't as tempting the one we're reading. And Claire messes around her room with her dollies while we read in there. Listening, while playing.<br />
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Its the simplest thing but makes a big difference. I'm enjoying it and I know you guys are too.<br />
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Reading bedtime stories is one of those things I want to be able to look back on my years with all of you under our roof and know that I read them. That I wasn't so tired at night that I tucked you in quick with a kiss and turned out the light (although that happens a lot). I want to be able to think back on cozy nights under your covers with my arm wrapped around your sweet little pajamaed bodies reading funny, interesting, memorable books together.<br />
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And we're on our way!,<br />
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Mom<br />
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Pull-up head. Or captain underpants. How about Captain Pull-up-pants?</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-74010128467826600762014-01-24T10:19:00.002-08:002014-02-26T10:15:38.009-08:00Many hands make light workI was standing in my think tank (the shower) this morning after reading one of my favorite blogs thinking about how much I love you children and how much I want to do for you. I've kept a blog for us for nearly 5 years now and have printed each year into a book - which you Ashley especially love. I am thankful for this family record and journal. And I want to improve upon it this year 2014 by writing specifically to you, my five children. So that if or when anything happens to me, I grow old and start sprouting hairs out of my chin and can't see or taste or remember much, you will have a way to reminsice on our happy life during your growing up years. Plus you will read the words of your mother who loves each one of you and daddy more than anything else in the whole wide world.<br />
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So - here begins a new chapter. My online journal of letters for my dear kids. Day 1. Life. Housecleaning.<br />
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This week like every week I've been working to get the house in control. Monday was a holiday so we met the Coons at Tumbleweed park for a picnic and hours in the sun riding scooters and swings. Mondays are usually my house re-group day with laundry and dishes and weekend clutter control to do. But we played. So by Wednesday I still hadn't gotten my groove back and felt a little bit overwhelmed. Between holding Michael and giving Claire the attention she deserves (and demands) I have a hard time being productive. I often feel like I walk in circles nursing, preparing food, getting down this, putting away that, nursing, wiping off counters, preparing food, helping with this, putting away that. I'm moving just not accomplishing much. Life is supposed to be this way with a new baby.<br />
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So…I was thinking about how I may need to talk to dad about getting a housecleaner in here every couple weeks to keep on top of the deep cleaning like bathrooms and mopping. I can manage the everyday stuff ok and really appreciate the chore a day you guys do to help. But. That afternoon when you big kids came home from school I heard the prompting, "have your kids help you".<br />
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I thought, "thats right!" My kids can, and should, help me! I gathered you for around the counter for a snack and told you that - bonus - you could have 30 minutes of electronics right then after school which usually isn't allowed. The trade, I said, is that I needed some serious work out of you. 20 or 30 minutes each. You all happily complied.<br />
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By that night we had done it. There were no tears, no big deals made. Luke vacuumed the whole upstairs. Ashley unloaded the whole dishwasher. Jake was my runner and ran clutter from here to there and put everything where it belonged. Jake took Claire to play at the park which made her day and Ashley sorted the laundry room. Luke took out garbages. When daddy walked in the door the house smelled like candle and felt awesome. YOU GUYS are my solution. We had done in 30 minutes what would have taken me a day or two to do alone with Mikey and Claire. And its not like I don't usually have you work. I know you can work and you do chores everyday. This time just meant a lot to me because of the way I felt that day like I couldn't get anything done and you kids really helped.<br />
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I really appreciate it! I'm proud that you know how to work and get so much done. I'm proud that you are able to help out and willing to do it with a smile on your face. We are so blessed. We have so much. We don't need a housecleaner to come and scrub while we putter around. We've got smart minds and healthy, able bodies and we are the stewards of our own stuff.<br />
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I love you guys!,<br />
<br />
Mom<br />
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Claire (3 years), Michael (3 months) are my two little buddies during the day</div>
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-68123858498719622782014-01-23T10:15:00.001-08:002014-01-23T10:15:16.705-08:00The new templeEveryone is so excited about the new Gilbert temple opening near our home. After many years of watching it be built we can finally go in! Tyler and I have taken the opportunity to take some cleaning shifts and it has been such a treat! It is more beautiful inside than anyone can imagine. I love the cream, light blue and sage color scheme and the agave/desert theme. The 18 foot glass chandelier is breathtaking and the craftsmanship of the wood and quality of the materials… its the nicest building I've ever been in. Which is fitting for a house of the Lord.<br />
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We took our kids through on a tour the other night. They loved it and of course imagine getting married here someday. I hope they do! It was 9pm by the time we got back to the parking lot for pictures. Everyone was pretty tired but you can see by the smiles on their faces that they loved being there. We are so blessed to be an eternal family and lucky to have this beautiful reminder of our Heavenly Father so close that we drive by it often.<br />
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This is our family's temple.<br />
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-69828804325783051002014-01-09T20:59:00.003-08:002014-01-23T10:31:59.832-08:00Christmas of 2013, our two week vacation and everyone growing upIt's been a big few weeks for everyone I know with the holidays. They're almost a blur except that we had so much fun I remember a lot! After Thanksgiving came the boys' triathlon which set off the Christmas chaos with a bang.<br />
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Busy Saturdays bustling around with the family stopping to shop here and there; putting up Christmas lights, timers; trying to capture a cute group photo for a Christmas card. It's always something this time of year. School parties; teacher gifts; to-do lists; amazon order after amazon order; cookies and sweets; beautiful Arizona weather which means park days; Costco trips; non-stop Christmas music on 99.9fm and night-time drives through the neighborhood to look at lights.<br />
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On December 19th we loaded up the van and went North. I'll spare myself the details since there are more than can be written and well lets just say it was a constant party. Cousins were in heaven. Hillsteads house was packed. Shauna had it decorated to the T. My side of the family was also in town and we had a wonderful Christmas eve and morning at Grandma Goesch's home. There are just so many people to love and celebrate with and so many fun things to do when we are all together! Many of the highlights made instagram - so enough said.<br />
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Now we are home. The kids are back to school and I have been digging out from under piles of suitcases, Christmas gifts and decorations still up. You'd think I could knock that out in a day or two but with my sweet helpers (hard to believe sometimes that I'm back to having two little ones at home all day) I mostly walk around in circles wondering where and how to begin. Claire's got something going where she says "I want to hold you" a lot now. I sit and hold her waiting for her to get enough and want down but it doesn't happen! This is a new development with her, Miss Clingy?<br />
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Michael thank goodness IS an old-soul. He knows the goings-on of the home and times his naps and feedings just delightfully for me. Continues to sleep well despite a cold and is truly just a bundle of love. Gives gives gives and rarely takes. The perfect 5th child.<br />
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I'm tired now. Good night.<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-90669814418070188402013-12-03T13:30:00.001-08:002014-01-09T20:34:32.894-08:00Two months old MikeyMichael is two months old already. He looks about 4 months old and I keep waiting for him to become playful and giggly with us. We all love him so much we snuggle him and squeeze him and smile at him all the time. He does smile back here and there and will have the sweetest cooing conversations once in a while now. Talk about melt my heart!<br />
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His little cheeks are actually not so little. Everyone comments on them! But they are clearing up now and becoming ever so kissable. His blue eyes are gorgeous. I could gaze into them all day. I just love how the eyes are the window to the soul. Poetry? Yes. But that's how I feel when I look into my baby's eyes and see someone in there, thinking and computing away. Oh I love my children!!<br />
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Mikey went to the doctor yesterday morning. Weighed in at a whopping 13 lbs 15 ozs! Pure chub. He also got three shots and was the fussiest he has ever been yesterday. Just wanting to be held and flinching when his thighs were bumped. Poor baby. I didn't mind snuggling him all afternoon while watching Hitched and eating my last plate of Thanksgiving leftovers while Claire napped. Simple pleasures.<br />
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Michael consistently sleeps through the night 9, 10, sometimes 11 hours stretches. Atta boy. I keep telling him he can have whatever he wants during the day if he will give me those kind of nights. Eat every two hours? You bet. Wanna be held? No problem.<br />
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He still has not let out his first big cry yet. I know, it sounds crazy but that's just Mikey. The two words that best describe him: Calm and Content. He started working himself up in the car the other day and I made Tyler pull over! Even after 5 children I couldn't handle to hear him sad and Tyler thought I was nuts. But I told him I know our Mikey and if he's working up I just have to help him. He needed to burp - or something - and I can't treat him like any other infant who cries here and there. Mikey doesn't.<br />
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In most recent news, Micheal Joseph was blessed on Sunday by daddy. It was a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend Sunday and many friends and family were able to be here with us. Michael of course was an angel and smothered in love.<br />
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We are blessed to have this sweet, adorable, special baby in our home for the holidays this year. There is just nothing else like it. Our hearts are full of thanks.<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-85400806518913986732013-11-12T10:38:00.002-08:002013-11-12T10:38:54.548-08:00Michael at 6 weeksMikey hit the milestone. He was six weeks old on Sunday. We made it!<br />
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Six weeks is a big deal for many reasons but mostly for me it means the newborn honeymoon is over - which can be a happy and sad thing.<br />
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For instance, our nights of snuggling the little one in our bed come to an end which is sad, but that usually equates to better sleep for everyone and that is certainly happy. My days of nursing around the clock come to an end and we start a better schedule which frees me up to be more normal, but not so attached to baby - again happy and sad.<br />
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For sure our family rhythm is returning at this six week mark. That is a huge relief because there were a few moments in there where I truly believed I was in over my head and life would never be the same again. With effort and constant, clear communication Tyler and I were able to manage everything and keep on the same page - and we survived. 5 pregnancies and 5 newborns have taught us a lot and we learn more every time. But mostly we know it just isn't easy.<br />
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But we made it!<br />
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Like Claire, Mikey turned a corner this week with his sleeping and honestly that right there affects everything (a sleepless mom is a problem). Almost overnight he went from waking every 2-3 hours to sleeping 10-3 and then 3-6! He's done that exact thing for the past 5 nights! We did move him out of our bedroom into the closet and his bedroom and I swear that makes the difference. He sleeps more soundly.<br />
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He is also on a pretty predictable daytime schedule. Now I know when I feed him he is set for a good couple hours. I know when he sleeps it will be for a while. It just not so up in the air like it is the first few weeks when mommy feels on-call at all times day and night.<br />
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He is starting to give a little feedback which is always appreciated, too. A smile here and a coo there melts our hearts.<br />
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He continues to be as noisy as ever. We've added machine gun, kitten and grunter to our list of comparisons. When he is awake he grunts and roots around a lot. When he eats he squeaks and gasps and when he's asleep he hums. He is taking a binki pretty well but still needs some practice and he may be trying to get a finger or thumb in his mouth, we shall see. As for his beauty regime, its always a battle keeping his neck clean as he tends to spit up (after gasping for air as he drinks from my firehouse), he does have a little baby acne this week and little lumps in his chest (all thanks to my hormones I guess) and he continues to fill his diapers (size 2). His plumbing works.<br />
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He is a sweet butter-ball bundle of love. A precious boy.<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-42347136967143197472013-11-12T10:22:00.002-08:002013-11-12T10:39:18.075-08:00Claire Bear turns 3!Our spunky little girl turned three last week! Oh how we love Claire! She is such a light and little ball of energy in our home!<br />
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We had a circus birthday party for her and invited her cousins and playgroup friends. She had been anticipating her birthday for days and was so happy when the morning of her party finally came. We went all out, including asking daddy to wear a clown costume from the Halloween box to make the day extra fun.<br />
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Claire looked beautiful in her red party dress (something she had requested) and loved the attention we all gave her. She received lots of nice presents and a purple big girl bike. And she blew out her candles like a champ, not touching them before hand like she did last year (and remembers!). She got to go to the neighborhood carnival after her party and had her face painted and played in bounce houses. So - wow - it was a really great day for a 3 year old.<br />
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But Claire deserves it. She is a special little girl. She is always happy, eager to help, interested in being involved and kind to her siblings. She has become Ashley's little side-kick, those two sharing a room and being the girls in the family. She is tender with Michael and never unpleasant towards him despite having been knocked out of her position as the baby by him. She gives hugs and kisses and compliments freely and has a big spot in her heart for her daddy.<br />
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Lately her favorite things to do have been to go on scooter rides at night with Tyler to look for Halloween decorations around the neighborhood. She likes doing art projects and play dough, playing games like hide and seeks, duck duck goose and don't eat pete!. She loves family night and dressing up for church and going to nursery and playgroups. She is a social little thing and very confident (as is displayed in many of her photo poses these days).<br />
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We love Claire to pieces and wish her a happy happy birthday!! :)<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-87384802808883821312013-11-12T10:10:00.000-08:002013-11-12T10:12:11.941-08:00November 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-22690798451707290662013-10-31T08:50:00.000-07:002013-10-31T08:53:37.531-07:00One month old MikeyMichael is one month old! Happy day he is one month! To be honest he looks and feels like he's a good two months. But thankfully he is not and we can continue to soak in the newborn noises and snuggles before he changes too much.<br />
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Mikey is a noisy kid! The nicknames squeaky and rooster apply to this trait. When he nurses he hums, squeaks and swallows so loudly that everyone in the room (or movie theater) are well aware that I have plenty of milk for him. I guess all my kids were like this, my friend has reminded me. And we still all hum and sing and whistle to ourselves around the house - so I guess it's just a happy Hillstead thing.<br />
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Mikey enjoys a shower and bath. He is so funny when I wash his head, his eyes roll back and his head flops to the side as if to say, "Aaaaahhh." He tends to spit up some when he's laying flat on his back so I do bathe him often to clean that chubby neck roll and hair. There is nothing like a fresh clean baby lotioned up and snuggle wrapped. It is one of my favorite things these days. And showering with his newborn little body? So dang cute!<br />
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Mikey prefers to be held, as we all do. But when he cannot be he is content in the swing on vibrate, sleeping on the couch or bed, or in the carseat next to the running washer or dryer. That is my go-to when I really need to get something done. The rhythm and sound of the machines knock him right out. He sleeps and eats around the clock the same day and night. He is on a two-hour feeding schedule. He nurses awesomely for about 15-20 mins at a time and burps like a champ.<br />
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Mikey still has not ever cried a big wail of a cry. Even when he was born he cried out a few good times but then hushed up. At home he works himself up slowly with grunts and pouts and big deep breaths but isn't apt to let it fly. I'm hoping its a sign of his temperament.<br />
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Mikey is strong and big! He likes to be in the snuggly and holds his own head up like a bobble head! I weighed him yesterday and I think he is 11.5lbs! He blew through newborn diapers in 4 days, I had to give them to a friend. And he's now leaking out of size one so I am going to buy twos this week! He is filling out 0-3 month clothes and will be ready for 3-6 months soon. He is a pudgy, soft, content little guy. And also my workout buddy - since nursing is my weight-loss plan at this point! :) Fat goes from me to him…<br />
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What else? Mikey loves going on walks, drives in the car. He loves being burrito-wrapped. He is good with a binki once he starts sucking it but doesn't initially want it. He is sleeping in our bedroom, sometimes in his bed and most-times in ours at this point. He loves his daddy to wrap a warm arm around him to help him go back to sleep. And sleeps best on his tummy on my chest.<br />
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To think that we've only had this little boy in our lives for 30 days is incredible. He has changed our family so quickly and added so much to it that its hard to remember life before him. We love little Mikey!!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-90324099496788610882013-10-31T08:27:00.001-07:002013-10-31T08:27:21.831-07:00KindnessThere was a nurse in the postpartum area of the hospital after having Mikey who I keep thinking about. She was a little rough around the edges and stood out from the others because of it. On my first morning she came into our room around 11am and seemed surprised, "You're still here?" I replied, "Yeah - I didn't have the baby until 11:30 last night" and she said, "Oh, I know. I just thought you'd have left by now because you're doing so well."<br />
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I sort-of chuckled and said, "Nope. I'm going to enjoy this quiet time with the new baby today. There are a lot of excited kids at home waiting for us and grandma's got them handled just fine while we're here."<br />
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That's when she told me how nice that must be. When she had her children she didn't have the support of her husband/the baby's father or family. She said she had to have her babies and get on out of the hospital fast because a neighbor usually had her other children - and there was food to be made, laundry to be done, things to take care of. She had her babies and got right back at it. Ouch!<br />
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I felt bad for her. That would be so rough having a brand new baby whom all you want to do is hold and stare at and get to know, and to have no support at home to allow you to do that and take some days to rest? It has made me very thankful for ALL the kindness people have shown me this month. I have SO MUCH support, I feel so blessed.<br />
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Dinner has been brought in several times not counting the ones my mom and Shauna made while staying here. My kids have been hustled out the door for school, with lunches made and agendas signed by dad and grandmas while I slept in. Gifts have been delivered to the door by friends and neighbors. Teenage girls have volunteered to come sit and hold the baby during busy afternoon hours. My friends have come over to watch the baby and Claire while I run errands. Tyler has stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to let me sleep before the baby needs to be fed again. The ladies I work with at church are covering my responibilites in young women's this month and next. And just generally, so many people are lifting little bits of my load and making it so manageable!<br />
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I feel so grateful and lucky for this. I recognize our blessings.<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-70927878718382696572013-10-21T16:15:00.002-07:002013-10-31T08:03:46.475-07:003 weeksWe're three weeks in. "Rollin rollin rollin, keep this family rollin..." It goes without saying (I've already said it in my previous posts) that life in the Hillstead home this month is full. There have been many moments where I think to myself, "Wow. Our cup runneth over!" And that's the nice way to put it.<br />
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Everything is good. Everyone is healthy, everyone is happy (for the most part), everyone is active. There is lots of love. Lots of noise. Lots to do in the kitchen and laundry room. Sheets to change, diapers to change, nursing pads to change.<br />
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Tyler is working at max capacity to WORK then come home and WORK alongside a wife that, admittedly, hasn't been herself recently (or for the last 10 months if we're really being honest). Not as fun for him, but he does it amazingly! Raising a large family is a team effort and dad carries some serious weight after a new baby is born. He has been putting the kids to bed, cleaning dinner dishes and leaving me with a clean kitchen for the next morning and helping me as much as he can with Mikey during the night (and usually that's just a supportive comment in his sleep or a warm arm to wrap around the little guy). I SO appreciate him! Work is always busy but on top of that we had Mikey right at quarter end which is an extra busy time. Tyler is also in school right now for his CPA so trying to get through homework and exams (last Friday, put him getting home after 7pm - bust). He is Elder's Quorum president at church which has it's busy moments - he was gone helping a new family move in Saturday morning and has several meeting every Sunday morning. He serves on the HOA board and what else... oh yea, has me bossing him around most the time. So he has very little free time. And yet, he is an example to ME of keeping his cool. Maintaining his priorities. And being pleasant to be around. Honestly he never loses his temper. He never walks in the door grumpy. We are all lucky to have his influence, love and support in our home.<br />
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Wow - so that paragraph went longer than expected but maybe that's where the focus needs to be this week. On my man. The other half to this picture. He is amazing.<br />
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After I had Jake I went through the same emotions/hormones that I've been facing this week and during a quiet moment of reflection I came up with an acronym for what I need to focus on in times of fatigue and stress. I wrote it in my journal. Its the girl's name: LORA. If you add a P before each letter it works:<br />
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pLesant<br />
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pOsitive<br />
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pRayerful<br />
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pAtient<br />
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These attributes are at the core of who I want to be and what I want to do as a mother. I try to remind myself of these basics often but frankly sucked it up this week most days. That's the truth. HOWEVER, I am getting better, feeling better and doing better. So Week 4 is looking promising. :) And that's a really good thing for me and the kids and Tyler! <br />
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-12943784430467857432013-10-14T13:12:00.001-07:002013-11-12T10:05:18.741-08:00October 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(twins born 11 years apart - Mike on top, Luke on bottom)</div>
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-90385921506427999362013-10-14T09:22:00.001-07:002013-10-14T09:22:35.823-07:00Two weeks inHow is it possible to LOVE someone so much whom you had never met only two weeks before?! Its hard to believe that this sweet bundle of cuteness that we adore was not yet apart of our lives 14 days ago. Well... he was, I was lugging him around and feeling it, but we had not laid eyes upon him. We hadn't smelled him, held his little hand, looked into his blue eyes, snuggled his tiny body or rubbed our hands around his soft head. We loved him but did not know him like we do now.<br />
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The beautiful thing about having multiple children is the way your heart grows the instant each new one arrives. Its like that scene from the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. My heart has grown 5 sizes since first becoming a mother. The night I delivered Mikey I lay quietly in my hospital bed in the dim light admiring his perfect features and I <i>felt</i> a new wing of my heart sprouting! I could feel a whole new section of my heart that hadn't existed before growing just for him. My fifth child. It is the best feeling in the world.<br />
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So, the love is definitely there. It comes naturally. And gets stronger by the day I'd say.<br />
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What doesn't come naturally and what I'm wishing I could do is clone myself! Wow. Being a wife and mother to five is tough! We really could use 6 of me. One, to keep up on the house, laundry, dishes, grocery shopping and meals during the day then spend time with Tyler in the evenings. Two, to take care of Ashley - helping put rubber-bands in her hair, fix the computer, help her with piano. Three, to hold Claire the way she wants to be held these days. To read with her, play play-do with her, go on walks to the park. My fourth and fifth self would be for the boys. Helping them with homework, throwing the football and rough-housing the way they crave, getting them to scouts and music and practice. My sixth self would then be for Mikey. He too seems like he needs a full-time mom. Nursing every couple hours, diaper changes, spit-up that equals a bath and of course we need our naps and cuddle-time. How I spend and split my time right now is a big deal.<br />
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Since I don't have more than one of me I try to be as engaging with whomever I am with at any given moment as I can be. I try to be present and intentional. I'm trying to set the baby down more now when he sleeps so that I can be a mother the way I normally am to the other kids. And I am trying to make the most of evenings to talk to and engage with my husband. A late night show and good snack after the kids have gone to bed seems to be working well for both of us.<br />
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After this life I may ask our creator why he didn't decide to have every mother sprout a new arm during the 9 months she was gestating. If we can't clone ourselves we certainly could use an additional arm per each additional child! I actually daydream about it because by now I'd have seven to use! Picture me in the mornings getting the kids off to school. I'd have two arms to hold (and nurse) the baby, one coming off my left side to pour cereal, two coming of my right to be packing lunches, one of my chest to be signing agendas and the last from my back brushing teeth and combing hair. It'd be fantastic! :)<br />
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So, with all that said, I am in love and we are blessed. I am spread thin, sleepy and overwhelmed at times. But we've been through this a time or two or five before and we know how it goes. Life settles in soon enough and each of us are better - more patient, more serving, more selfless - than before. And those qualities, while tough to develop, do bring lasting joy.<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-33369046386501034132013-10-11T08:57:00.001-07:002013-10-11T08:57:14.408-07:00Words of Wisdom from someone else's blogAli sent this link out to us girls this morning. I like it and want to save it/re-post it here.<br /><br />(paulstoker.blogspot.com)<br /><br /><br />THE ART OF BEING A STAY-AT-HOME MOM<br /><br />I'm writing this post for women who want to stay at home to raise children and want it to be as enjoyable as possible. Well, I have all the answers. Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.......sigh................that was a good one. But I am old, and I did stay at home and lived to tell the tale. So here are some tricks of the trade:<br /><br />1. Exercise-(outside if possible) Okay, I know you've got a million reasons why you can't, and they're good reasons. Maybe you can't be at the gym doing zumba, pilates, and power, but everyone in the family needs you to be fit and strong and they also really like it when you're cheerful, so make it happen. My favorite is walking in the morning with a friend. Sometimes I went without children before my husband went to work. Sometimes I walked with a baby in a stroller, but if I could wrangle a friend into going with me, it was 2 for 1-therapy + exercise.<br /><br />When it was too cold to walk, I turned to my virtual friends Cindy (Crawford), that one pilates girl, and the Dancing with the Stars people. Okay, sometimes I wasn't following along the whole time, but something's better than nothing. And if it looks like none of those options will work, just lift the baby with about 8 sets of 10 and follow up with dancing crazy in the living room. Once my OB asked what I had done to exercise that week. I told him I walked really fast at the grocery store. Apparently, that was an unacceptable answer.<br /><br />2. Identify "No clutter zones." Some people have "no clutter houses" and I wish it was me, but I just couldn't seem to manage that. There were complicated Lego altercations in one corner, brilliant paper creations in another, baby toy baskets, my book/magazine/project that I needed to keep out and visible to increase the chances that I would pick it up. When all this lovely creating started to get to to my left brain and I began to feel order-deficient, I solved the problem with no-clutter zones. Since I care what people think, my first no-clutter zone is the room that company sees upon entering the home. When I lived in an apartment I had a welcome display instead of company room. That means a table with a decoration and decoration only, no keys, school papers, pencils, gloves, nothin'. The other clutter-free zone was my room. I tried to keep my bed made and pretty and my room picked up. My kids' rooms were whatever, but my brain needed a place to rest, and that's what "no clutter zones" gave me.<br /><br />3. Play to your strengths and make your home and family fantastic. "Don't compare your journey and your children to your friend's journey and your friend's children." Get ideas and inspiration, but not feelings of inadequacy or condemnation. The great thing about being a stay-at-home mom is that you're the boss. You write the plan. Okay, you don't feel like the boss when you're nursing a baby every 2 hours, or potty training a toddler, but you have the opportunity to educate yourself and teach your children what you value in a way that your talents allow. So decide what you really want for your children i.e. love, stability, God, imagination, literature, music, sports, discipline, resiliency, etc. and give it to them.<br /><br />4. Bring a friend. Meet the other moms at the park. Let the kids play (fight over toys and learn to negotiate) while the moms commiserate over sleepless nights, messy houses, and diaper rash. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for my friends from my intense mothering years. I was shameless in my dependence on them for my sanity. I like to think we needed each other. Who else would listen to the anxieties that keep playing through our mother brains and then tell us we're perfectly normal?<br /><br />5.Create. So much of what stay-at-home-moms do gets undone but still needs to be done again. Identify an activity that you can invest time into where progress and improvement can be observed. Did you ever wonder why young mothers craft? It's not that there aren't enough cute decorations in the world. They just need to hang something on the wall that says, "I lived today." Of course creating a family is an eternal creation, and no effort is wasted, but for a quick fix in the "Am I making a difference?" arena, practice the piano, make a family home evening chart, paint a wall, plant a garden, can some peaches, take some pictures, blog, write in a journal, read a book, decorate a card, just a little something measurable to give you encouragement.<br /><br />6. Wear mascara every day. I am not kidding. After my first baby was born and I was wearing my husband's clothes because mine didn't fit and my hair looked bad I felt like my old life was over, and I was a little bit right. I was right because the best was yet to come, but I could bring grooming and self respect along with me into my next phase. I find that if I run into the grocery store and I know I look bad, I keep my eyes on the ground so I don't have to see people's reactions to my unfortunate state. Wash your hair, put on your mascara and smile. You have people to love and you can't be worried about how you look<br /><br />7. Go on a Friday night date with your sweet husband. I don't care how, trade with friends, transform your living room into a romantic getaway when the kids are asleep, (whenever that is) drink powdered milk and save up for a babysitter, but do it, every week. When my Dad was the bishop my mom made sure "Date night" was on the calendar for Friday nights and they always went out. And my own personal rule is that it's not a date if there's no food.<br /><br />8. Know that you are enough. We are always improving, but we are enough and our children love us because we are their mothers. Some times are going to be just dandy; lists checked, children happy, house clean, but that will only be a few minutes every once in a while. That doesn't mean that things are going badly, it's just that life is made of "the messy bits." Children are the epitome of "messy bits." They are gifts from heaven and our greatest joy, but they can be loud and unhappy and demanding and sticky and feverish and awake more than anticipated. But this is part of God's plan, these opportunities to serve stretch us and strengthen us, but it may feel a little uncomfortable and overwhelming along the way. But when was anything worthwhile ever easy? So when it comes to motherhood if you feel like life is a little crazy, you're right on target and probably doing a very nice job.<br /><br />9. Pray. It works.<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-43964855409362505092013-10-05T16:20:00.001-07:002013-10-05T16:20:21.812-07:00Mike's arrival and first week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-88188192092422400052013-10-05T15:53:00.001-07:002013-10-05T15:57:49.269-07:00Early days with MikeyMichael Joseph Hillstead arrived into our family 3 days ago, tonight. He came after a patience-trying week of waiting on if, when and how we were going to get into the hospital for an induction. I knew I was big and I knew I was uncomfortable. To some who suggested I relax and let my due date come and go, just to see how long I'd go I simply replied "No." Terrible idea. This baby and I were ready for the pregnancy to end.<br />
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Mikey's time inside me was thankfully uneventful. My prenatal appointments with the doctor, who has already delivered three of our children, went like clock-work. There were never concerns or issues. And my delivery went the same way.<br />
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We were called in for the induction at 11:30am Sunday morning after being put-off since 5am (which felt like a huge deal at first but really wasn't). They started pitocin at 12:30, broke my water at 6:30pm and I was ready to push at 11:20pm. He arrived here, all 9 pounds 6 ounces, at 11:26pm after about 2.5 pushes. No tears no stitches, just a bruised-faced little buddy.<br />
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The biggest surprise of his arrival: Mikey's weight. We knew he was chubby, first thing I noticed when they placed him upon me were his shoulders and cheeks, but a 9.5 pounder?! Second surprise, his dark black hair. Were we sure this was our baby? Yep, I saw him come with my own eyes. He's ours. Just another Hillstead combination.<br />
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Turns out these two surprises have become his most endearing traits. How can I stand not to eat such a chubby, mushy and adorable child?! And his head, like the softness of a lucky rabbits foot, just begs to be rubbed by everyone who holds him. He is delicious!<br />
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So far - I have two rules regarding this #5 baby of mine which I share with people, only half joking. #1 - He is not to be set down for the first two weeks of life. He is too precious and there are far too many loving arms for this boy to be set down. #2 - He is not to cry. Mommy will give him what he wants, when. I added a #3 rule today, which is for him. He is not allowed to lift his head up off my shoulder for a least a few more weeks. He's only 3 days and already trying to do it. So I had to tell him, "No no - too soon little one."<br />
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Mikey's stats and schedule so far have been eat, eat, eat sleep and poop. He likes to put down groceries. Thankfully this has helped a lot with my milk coming in and engorgement hasn't been an issue. I'm feeding him on demand which turns out to be almost hourly during the day and I don't mind that a bit. The nights have gone well. I never take issue with newborns who wake to eat or be changed, only when they stay up to play in the wee hours of the night. And he isn't doing that - yet. He is all business then cuddles up nicely into my arms to doze back off. If I'm being honest I do like the quiet alone time at night just he and I. I know as the sleepless weeks wear on it gets less and less fun. But I am enjoying it for now.<br />
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Lastly, how are the big kids adjusting and what is life like around the house? Thanks to a husband/daddy who has been through this 5 times now and a grandma who can read my mind, the home is running like clockwork! Tyler has been adorable and so helpful. He stayed with me the entire hospital stay, wrote in Mikey's journal as he's done for all of our kids (a tradition my dad started for me), brought me home to a clean, quiet home made possible by my mom and got me and baby camp all situated in our room. He has been hands on packing lunches and putting kids to bed and really allowing nothing of me but to do the baby, which I SO appreciate. In between and around all that my mom has worked tirelessly to provide meals, do laundry, get groceries, keep the house clean, manage homework, complete projects, deliver birthday donuts, etc etc. I told them the other night, the three of us make a great team! ;)<br />
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All in all I feel blessed. I have the sweetest bundle in my arms who is healthy and strong and content. I have a loving husband who supports me and rubs my feet and works me through my illogical emotional roller-coaster rides. I am surrounded by my older children who need and want and love me as their mom. And I have the help of extended family and friends who lighten my load and ease my burden.<br />
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5 children. Wow. I'm still getting used to how that feels. As I wrote in my journal from the hospital, one of my mantras, "The most difficult things in life will be those with the greatest reward"certainly applies to pregnancy - and raising a family. I feel like Heavenly Father looks down on us in this crazy world with everything going constantly in different directions. He sees our home and watches our efforts as parents to provide consistency, peace, love and perspective to these children, His children and ours. And I feel Him whispering to me, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."<br />
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And it is.Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988567404017817492.post-64757901218033103612013-09-25T05:36:00.001-07:002013-09-25T05:40:33.684-07:00Beautiful Ashley turns 10!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Its a special birthday for Ashley this year because her baby brother is coming. To be safe, we celebrated early, since his due date is only a couple days away from her Oct. 1st birth date. Saturday night daddy and I took her to The Old Spaghetti Factory. She's simple to please in the food department, wanting mainly just noodles with butter and some good bread! We gave her a few new clothes then walked into the mall to buy some earrings at Claire's. Her big present was waiting inside the car for her when we returned - the RV for her American Girl/Our Generation dolls. She was a happy girl!<br />
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Lately I have been struck by Ashley's beautiful little face when I look at her. Her hair is growing out her looks must be changing. There have been several moments recently where I glance over at her and say to myself, wow - she is growing up and getting so pretty!<br />
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I tell her and other people constantly how much we love having Ashley in our home. She is my friend! Ashley is unique in that she understands and is interested in things many other 10 year olds aren't. She likes to watch shows I like (mostly on TLC and HGTV) and enjoys activities that I genuinely do too! For instance, instead of having a birthday party with friends this year she wants to have a girls day out with grandma and Ali. She wants to go walk thru model homes, have our toes painted and go to dinner. I can handle that! She loves watching House Hunters and may become a good little realtor like her Nana someday.<br />
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Ashley doesn't always love that she is sandwiched between two brothers. Some times she's got it rough from them. But more often than not they take good care of her and I like how they represent two strong protectors on either side of her. Thankfully she's got her sister and those two have sure bonded this summer now that Claire is old enough! They now share a room and bed and I absolutely love to see the way Ashley is caring for Claire, reading to her every night, helping her find her blanket, getting her a drink of water or bedtime snack. Claire is learning to love and trust her big sister a lot, and that just makes me happy.<br />
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All in all, Ashley is a hugely important part of this family. I know how much I enjoy her and everyone else does too. She is super smart, well-organized, on the ball, funny as anything and has the best one-liners. WE LOVE YOU ASHLEY MARIE!!<br />
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<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18322109570664799792noreply@blogger.com2