She's Here!

Our littlest princess has arrived, and she is beautiful.

 Jake is a pro baby holder by now.

Abby is thrilled that there are so many girls in our family.

Grace is fascinated by this new little person.

And Cameron and I can't believe we have four children now. But we feel very, very blessed. Life is beautiful.

Baby Hungry

We were having one of those lovely family evenings together. We had decided to do a movie night, and Jake had selected his favorite movie for us--Mountain of the Lord. (Yes, our children live a wonderfully sheltered existence.) Cameron was in the kitchen popping the popcorn, and the whole house was scented with the buttery, salty smells of anticipation and family togetherness. I was sitting on the floor with the kids while they rolled around together in their jammies. Jake squeezed Grace, Grace laughed, and Abby and Jake launched into a discussion about how much they love Grace. I smiled and thought, "This is why we keep having kids."

There is something delightfully joyful and addictive about babies--their soft squishiness, their smiles and belly laughs, and the cute things they do that we all coo over. I love the way Abby and Jake adore Grace. They love to hug her, play with her, and laugh at the silly things she does. When our patience with her temper tantrums runs thin, they step in to help her. Families are a beautiful thing. I can't wait to see the kids fawning over our new baby this fall. August can't come soon enough.

Drum Roll Please...

I know you've all been waiting on the edges of your seats for this news...

As it happens, Baby #4 is going to be another little princess. Abby is excited. Jake is adjusting to the idea that he isn't getting a new wrestling partner this year. Grace is somewhat oblivious. Cameron's first comment was that he is going to need to learn how to french braid.

For now, here are a couple pics of Her Royal Highness.

Are those eyes going to be blue?

Cute little baby feet.

We are getting pretty darn excited for her arrival. Too bad we (read: I) have to get through the heat of summer first.

Of Babies and Blanket Forts

Jacob: "I'm glad we're having more babies, Mom."

Me: "Really? Why is that?"

Jacob: "So we will have more mattresses so I can build bigger forts."

Me: "I'm glad this is all working out so nicely for you."