Camping with Papa and Daddy

Daddy planned a trip to the beach, and a camping trip to Lake Hume while Mama and Papa were in town for Baby Jarod's birth. He wanted to show Papa a little of California, and it gave me a chance to rest and have quality time with Mama. The kids had a great time, and I think they'll cherish their memories of camping with Papa. He taught them songs from when he worked at the scout camp as a young man in Idaho.

They had hot chocolate and played card games.

Papa read them books.

They went on adventures and found great walking sticks which they put in a special place so they can find them again. ;)

They also visited General Grant. The sequoia trees are something everyone should see if they have the opportunity. I am always impressed by their grandeur.

Pool Fun

While Mama and Papa were in town the kids had plenty of swim time. No better way to beat the heat in Bakersfield! I was bummed that I could only watch from the side of the pool. Papa and the boys had water gun fights.

Jarod and Carly had races to retrieve the diving toys.

First Bath

He didn't stay this mellow.

Squeaky clean.

Mama Tess

Mama Tess took Carly and her cousin Kaela to Magic Mountain!! They had an incredible time! Josh had been asking Mama Tess to make a batman costume for him, and she did not disappoint! We couldn't get over the way he stared at us through his mask.

Can't Get Enough of Him

When we brought Jarod home from the hospital, the kids couldn't get enough of him. Things haven't changed much. They love to hold him, and so far he's very tolerant.

This picture is from our first morning home. Josh came in and held the baby and while he was looking down at his little brother, he said to Jarod, "our baby is cuter than baby Chloe". I'm sure he meant no disrespect to his cousin, he was just enamoured by 'his' baby.

Numero Quatro

Well, since it's been more than a month since Jarod joined our family, I guess it's time I put up some pictures of him. Jarod Richard was born July 13th, and I'm really having a hard time believing it's almost September already. Where has the time gone?

We were so happy to have my parents come out to stay with the kids while Jarod and I were in the hospital. They arrived the night before, and when Jarod and I left for the hospital, they took the kids to see Cars 2. They loved it!

This delivery was harder on me than the last three, which probably seems silly, since they've all been c-sections. After two failed attempts at a spinal block, I had to go under general anesthesia. I was less than thrilled about this, especially because I couldn't talk to, or see Jarod before I went under. After getting home, Jarod told me some things I said when I was waking up, and....WOW...I'm a nut case! It was disappointing not being able to hear my baby's first cry, see him when he was lifted out, or be the first to hold him. Needless to say, I was more than overjoyed to get to hold him for the first time, and see his sweet face. I don't think I've ever felt softer cheeks. The first thing I thought when I saw him, was that he had his daddy's nose. It was easy to name him after Jarod, when we saw how much he looked like him. Not long after getting out of recovery, we had our first guest. Grandma Tess came bearing gifts...mostly for me. She was so thoughtful to bring some reading material and goodies for me to enjoy while in the hospital. When they finally let me eat solid foods the next afternoon, I couldn't put down the chocolate covered pistachios she brought...yum!!
Not long after Grandma Tess' arrival, the troops showed up, and the kids got to meet their brother for the first time. We took our first picture as a family of SIX!!! This picture is a little less than flattering of me, but I'm cutting myself some slack, considering I'd just come out of surgery. Jack and Josh are sporting their Star Wars light sabers, as they had been watching the movies with Papa at home.
After a couple days we went home with our new bundle and began the adventure of caring for four children. Thank goodness I've had so much help to ease me into the new role of 'mother of four'.

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