The hard part...

I've decided that I prefer having my babies in the late fall or early winter- that way, I still have some time before the dreaded swim suit season!!!

As with most of my pregnancies, baby #8 left me about 50lbs heavier right before delivery than I had been when I started. Fortunately, I've lost 30 of the 50lbs that I gained.....

Unfortunately, I still have 20lbs to lose..... and that ain't comin' off easily!!! It's always those last 10-20lbs that are the hardest to lose, and the only way they're going away will be through diet and exercise ;-)

Has anyone ever heard of the cookie diet?!?! I saw a commercial for it on t.v. the other day. Of course, I'm sure that it's one of those things that sounds too good to be true, soooooooo.......

...lunch today- a bowl of fresh spinach, a handful of nuts and a "light" yogurt. And.....

I start exercising this weekend......;-)

Baby Face!

Baby Caleb is 3 weeks old today!!! And while my blog has suffered, I am happier than ever to spend every spare moment of time I have snuggling with this little angel- he is such a joy!!!

Not only is he sleeping through the night (6-7 hrs at a time!), but he has been doing it since day 4!!!
And during the day, he is amazing! I have to wake him up to feed him- he is the most laid back little guy and demands nothing!!!
His current weight is 8lbs. 5oz., and while he was jaundiced and there was some initial concern about weight gain, he is nursing like a champ and doing great!
And while things around here are hectic and chaotic as the end of school draws near (that would be next week!!), I am on "baby-time!"
That means things get done when they get done.... and some things don't get done at all ;-)
But it's all good!!!
So, while my posts may be few and far between for a while, I'm sure everyone understands....
....that I never want to look back on this brief period of my life with any regret...
...because, you see, I've learned over the years that children grow up way too fast....
...and I'm NOT gonna miss it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Loving our new addition!!!!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies out there ;-)

Welcome little one...

Okay everyone, here he is in full-color! I started with some pictures taken during labor, just for fun, and then you can meet Baby Caleb just like we did!



This first picture is of me faithfully "tweeting" through a large part of my labor...

Epidural is in, catheter is in, and I'm a happy girl....
Heart-rate is low, so must be having a contraction....
I was THRILLED to have my sister there for the birth, and although she has her own child, she has never witnessed another birth before- so exciting!!

Zack & I as I was beginning to transition- feeling more pressure and discomfort.....
I waited too long to tell them I was close to pushing- it happened really fast as I went from a 5/6 dialation to a 10 in about 40 minutes! This next picture is me trying desperately NOT to push as I waited for everyone to get set up- I was thankful for the oxygen!
Getting ready...
HERE HE IS......
Caleb Abraham was born at 2:39pm, weighing in at 7lbs 15oz, and was 20in long. He was face-down!!!!!!
He ended up with some brusing due to his very quick descent and exit- he was out in just 2 pushes!!!


Just minutes old and his daddy's first time holding him....
MY turn...

The boys were so excited when they were finally allowed to come in- Caleb was about 20min. old!


Allie and Sophie were in the room for the birth, but the boys had to stay in the waiting room with Emily.
All FIVE of my boys ;-)

Matthew LOVES his new baby!! He can't get enough of him- uh oh........ ;-)
Jacob doesn't want to hold him yet, but he thinks he's pretty neat!
Gramma finally got a snuggle!
And then on to Aunt Kate!!
I'm in heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is nothing better than adding to your family and bringing a new life into the world! Welcome Home Baby Caleb!!!!!!!!!!!!!