Springtime Butterflies

We gave our kids a kit for "growing" caterpillars into butterflies. My friend, Lisa, told me about these butterfly kits you can buy that include a butterfly "cage" of sorts and an order form for the little caterpillars. The butterflies stayed in our home for a week or so. During their stay, the kids named all seven, set them free in Emily's bedroom (without me knowing), and even cried when I suggested letting them go. The kids finally agreed to set them free. Hopefully they survived outdoor living.

2 Weeks Young

Robbie and I took Tessa to her 2 week check up yesterday. The scale went back and forth between 8 lbs 15 oz and 9 lbs. She's about 20 1/2 inches "tall".

(Adam's favorite photo of Tessa)

I forgot how much newborns sleep. Her doctor reminded me that it's around 18 hours a day! We are still adjusting to having 4 kids. I guess we'll be readjusting when she isn't sleeping for so many hours each day.

Tessa meets the family

Meet Tessa Marie Anderson, age one week.

I can't hardly believe it. Just last Sunday, I awoke at 4:15 a.m. and felt some backpain...ouch!...and grabbed the cell phone to start timing contractions. 5 minutes apart, 15 minutes apart . . . could it be a false alarm? Then 5 minutes apart, 3 minutes apart . . . and we were out the door and on our way to Memorial hospital.

5:30--Adam and I walked in to the hospital, a nervous smile on my face. I was wheeled in to the birthing center where we would wait for a room. I was wheeled in to "suite" 426 at 6 a.m. Our doctor arrived (finally!) between 6:10 and 6:15, and I was holding our baby girl at 6:20.

Now that's the way to start a morning!

We were all so happy to finally meet and hold baby Tessa in our arms.

She's Here

7lbs 90z

19 3/4 Inces long

Mom and Baby are doing well.

Name coming soon!

Meet Rachael Serene

Samantha puts a smile on everyone's face. . . one way or another.

Elsa's new baby. Rachael Serene is one beautiful girl!
(I'll be bringing one of these cute little bundles we call "a baby" home in a couple of weeks, believe it or not)

The "Post-Get-Away to Post Falls Post"

Adam and I spent our Anniversary weekend, Mother's Day weekend, and Pre-baby get away in Spokane Valley. Why Spokane Valley? Because I was participating in an evaluation contest for a Toastmaster's Division Conference.


We stayed at a hotel in Post Falls, Idaho that looked out to a lovely view of the river. It was a nice weekend, although I was anxious until the contest's end Saturday at noon.

Me with other speech and evaluation contestants. Fun times--don't know how I ended up being involved in this :) It just sort of happened.

Emily could not wait for me to open her big envelope of gifts--all made with the kind help of her teacher, Mrs. Ireland. Too excited to wait for me, she opened a pink, jumbo sized envelope and started handing me laminated picture after picture, and tissue-wrapped gift after gift. She spoiled me with gifts galore.

Father and Son

Michael and Adam ventured out for a Fathers and Sons outing. We decided to have Robbie stay home this year, just so Michael could really have Dad's attention during their overnight adventure.

Michael's enthusiasm was high all week with anticipation. I wore a smile as I admiringly watched my husband and son work together packing and preparing. Michael was especially anxious to get up there and roast marshmallows at the camp fire, play with the other pack of boys, and sleep (like a rock) in the tent.

When getting ready to leave the campground, Adam asked Michael, "What would you like to do before we leave?" Mikey's reply--collect more air-soft BBs (those tiny colorful balls we see all the time at parks). That was the highlight.