Snow!

Luke and his "best friend"

Last year we didn't get a great snow.  This most recent snow storm DEFINITELY made up for last year!  We had over a foot, daddy got to stay home from work, and sledding was awesome.  It was freezing, so Evelyn didn't get to venture out for even a picture.  The big kids had the most fun on day 3 because the wind had died down.  Even though their main sledding hill had been plowed, they sled down the bank and had a blast.  Luke might be small - but he sleds like a big kid!  I love these kids.  So many moments this weekend I have heard them laughing from the other room while I'm feeding Ev, and I've stopped to just be so thankful for these 3 big kids.  Their love for each other, the way they look out for each other, the way they laugh together... I am a blessed mama.

The first bath at home

Years ago, before kids, my mom told me about how my grandmother was the one to give me my first bath after I was home from the hospital. I've made sure for each of my children, that my mom is the one to give them their first home bath. We all crowded in the bathroom with the door closed so it would stay warm, and let mom carry on the tradition. Evelyn wasn't a big fan, and still isn't, of bath time. But it's such a sweet memory watching my mom bathe my last babe, for the first time. 

One month down...a lifetime to go.

Today was my official first day back at work - I had a newborn shoot in our house.  Since I had all of my gear out, I went ahead and shot a few 1 month images of our girl.  I did a monthly shoot for Luke on the couch at the old house, and I loved looking back at how he grew in his first year!

Friday we took Evelyn to the doctor, and these are her stats:

7 pounds, 10 ounces.

20 inches long.

Loves:  milk, mama, sometimes her siblings, sleeping during the day, partying all night.

Dislikes: nakedness and baths, trying to sleep between the hours of 4-7am.

She officially gave her first real smile to her daddy this week.

We adore you, my sweet girl.  You fill a gap we didn't know we had.  You complete this crazy house we live in.  And you are pretty awesome.

More hospital photos

After 6 full days in the hospital, we were so ready to go home.  My blood pressure was the determining factor of why we had to stay longer than normal.  And when I returned home, my blood pressure stayed elevated for a month.  I am so thankful my friend and fellow photographer, Jen, came by often and picked up my camera to document some of these special moments of Evelyn's first week - her first bath, and pictures of Ev and I.  We were also blessed that my sisters Christmas trip fell during Evelyn's delivery week, and Bekah was able to come meet her at the hospital.  Those 6 days I won't forget easily - my recovery was a lot tougher than normal.  But we were so blessed to have our girl be 100% healthy and able to come home with us.  We fully expected her to be in the NICU for a few weeks.  God is good and knew just when she needed to join us.  And He has protected me as I've battled this crazy blood pressure.  Lastly, I wouldn't trade Matt Siak for a million dollars.  He is amazing. He's the best dad.  He protects me even now, a month out, from over doing it.  He takes care of all our needs.  And loves us better than we deserve.  I just adore him, and am so thankful he is my partner as we parent these FOUR awesome kids.

Evelyn's Newborn photos with Soulshine Photography (Sarah Jacobs)

www.soulshinephotography.net

My most favorite gift I was given at my baby shower was a gift certificate from Sarah Jacobs for a newborn session.  I adore Sarah and her talent is amazing.  I knew she was the one I wanted to professionally document this time in our family.  I am so thankful for these images!