January 31 - The Babycatcher

We had our 2 week follow-up visit with our midwife Claudia today. She is such a hero in my life. She has been at the births of all 3 of my children, and I have so much love and admiration for her and the work she does in our community.

January 30 - The Need for Speed

I'm trying to win a Kickboard photo contest, so the last couple of days of photos have been heavy on capturing scooter moments.

January 29 - 68 and Sunny

The weather was perfect today, so the whole family went to the park to play. Lucy loves scootering as much as her sisters!

January 28 - Ride 'em Cowgirls

Lila and Nellie love to ride their "horses" and play cowgirls on the swingset.

January 27 - Say Cheese

My friend Cason came over today and took some photos of little Lucy Jane. She was a very content model for the session.

January 26 - Back to School

Goggy is substitute homeschooling for Lila while Lucy and I are babymooning. They make a good team.

January 25 - Sisters

Together again! Lila and Nellie came home today after a few days away at my mom's house recovering from colds. Lucy was so happy to have them back to play with her.

January 24 - Ankle Bones

I was so delighted to wake up today and see my ankles! I've lost about 14 pounds of water from postpartum swelling. It feels so good to be able to move my feet and ankles freely!

January 23 - Mattress Shopping

About 5 minutes after I gave birth to Lucy, I suddenly found our 10 year old mattress unbearable. Lucy liked this one best, so we bought it!

January 22 - Cousins

Lucy got a visit from her Parker cousins today and slept through the entire visit.

January 21 - Changes

The milk is in. The meconium is out, and diaper changes occur about every hour now. We've got a very healthy baby girl!

January 20 - Papa Visits

Lucy got to meet her Papa Parker today. I think they liked each other.

January 19 - First Outing

We took Lucy to see the pediatrician today, so she got a peek at the outside world. My dad gave me the beautiful bouquet next to her. Three roses to represent my three little girly girls.

Lila and Nellie went back to Tennessee with my mom and dad for a couple of days while things settle in here with the new baby.

January 18 - I Love Lucy

Lucy Jane Parker joined our family this morning at 3:00am. We are smitten.

January 17 - I have a dream

For homeschool today, we discussed the significance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Later this evening Lila drew this picture depicting the love he brought to the world (hearts) alongside his assassination and grave marker. I'm glad the story of his life had an impact, and the workings of the 5-year old mind continue to amaze me.

January 16 - It's Not Easy

This is Nellie on the floor at Target which captures the tone of our outing this evening. Nellie was tired and cranky, and so was I. At least, Rick and Lila were good sports with good attitudes.

January 15 - Partied Like Rock Stars

Today we helped our good friend Sofia celebrate her 6th birthday at her Girls Rock party. There was much dancing, playing, laughing, and best of all: PINK HAIR!

January 14 - Belly Mapping

It took me over 2 hours in horrendous traffic to get downtown tonight to go to a Spinning Babies workshop. Ultimately, it was worth the hassle to just get out of the house for the first time in many days, confirm a good birthing position, get my belly painted, and get a quick peek at the baby via ultrasound.

January 13 - Baby Prep

Some mild, regular contractions spurred us into doing a little preparation for the baby this morning. Rick organized diapers before heading in for a half day at the office. The girls and I remained snowbound and stir crazy.

January 12 - Snow Day #3

This pretty much sums up our day - the look of wild-eyed madness, pajamas, a toysplosion, and snow boots.

January 11 - Snow Day #2

Board games and housekeeping helped get us through another day of being snowed in.

January 10 - Snow Day!

We loved having Rick at home and playing in the snow today!

January 9 - A Two Party Day

Lila celebrated Hannah's 7th birthday at Chuck E Cheese, and Nellie celebrated Alannah's 3rd birthday princess style.

January 8 - Blessed

My sister and dear, dear friends held a Mother Blessing for me today. I feel so lucky to have such an awesome group of women in my life supporting me through my mothering journey.

January 7 - A Quick Dip

We had a fun afternoon playing at the pool. Floating face down is pure bliss for my big, tired pregnant body.

January 6 - Scooter Fun

The girls are loving the Kickboards they got for Christmas. Nellie is a daredevil and Lila is cautious. Nellie fell on her face a few minutes after this photo was taken.

January 5 - 37 weeks, 6 days

Today was my last visit to the "back-up" midwife. Baby was very active and everything looks great for birthing at home any day now.

Photo by Lila, 5 1/2.

January 4 - Back to Our Normal Routines

Rick went back to work today after 2 weeks off, and the girls and I got back to homeschool, gymnastics, and a playdate. We're all glad to be back to our daily rhythm! This is a shot of Nellie in her first "big girl" gymnastics class.

January 3 - A New Recliner

I was feeling very nesty today and decided that we need a new chair for the new baby. Yes, after griping for 10 years about how badly I wanted to get rid of Rick's ugly recliner, I willingly bought another La Z Boy.

January 2 - Get Fit

Lila is starting her New Year with lots of yoga.

January 1 - New Year's Day Sleepies

Everyone stayed up too late on New Year's Eve resulting in a tired crew on New Year's Day.