Snuggle baby and soccer.

I finally got pictures of the boys game. Both of them played so well! The field they are playing on is way too big for them, but they manage. Micah is wearing the yellow socks, and Christian is right in front of the ball in the second picture. While we were there Brielle was sitting on the ground watching the game, and slowly kids started to gather around her. I took a picture of the huddle that ended up surrounding her. She was very entertained by all the kids.

The last picture is of Ruthie in her baby sling. She loves being in there, although Brad and I think she looks terribly uncomfortable. I remind both of us that she was more squished in my belly than in the sling. So Ruth does dishes with me while she's in there. :)

Busy Busy Busy...

Wow have we been busy! This last week has flown by! I am finally settling down to get this blog updated, but in the back of my head I'm going over what needs to be done for tomorrow.

The boys have started soccer, and they are loving it! Christian has scored a goal in both games so far, and Micah is doing a tremendous job as goal keeper. I don't have pictures yet, but they'll come soon. Micah decided since he and Christian were in soccer they had to stay in shape so they started an exercise class...Micah's the teacher. Pictures are below.

This week we went to two different doctors. Christian saw an ENT and we found out he is getting his tonsils out...Micah is happy because it means Christian won't snore anymore. :) After the Dr. told us Christian was getting his tonsils' out Christian looked at me and said; "I'm not doing it." After I informed him of all the ice cream he would receive he changed his tune.

Then we went and saw a dentist and Micah had his first tooth pulled. He was thrilled to wake up to $2.00 from the tooth fairy, and he was also happy because now he's not the only kid in his class who hasn't lost a tooth.

I've also included some pictures of Brielle helping me make a cake for a baby shower. She's really great at cleaning spatulas. :) She's had a rough time lately, I discovered that she is getting in 6 teeth at one time! So we've been setting her up with soft foods and pain meds...it doesn't always stop her crying, but she's been doing better!

Exercise boys

Tired after riding motorcycles.

Thanks for the help!

Just the girls and me...

Brielle, Ruthie, and I have found that we are getting a lot of time together now that school has started. The boys leave early in the morning, and we have sometime to snuggle and hangout. I'm trying my best to slow down and snuggle, but it seems housework and laundry try to pull me away more than I would like. I want to remember these sweet times so I have been taking pictures here and there trying to capture these irretrievable moments as they come. Usually it's easier said than done.

This is Brielle after a nap one day.

My binki girls.
Giving Solomon "mmmauhs" aka kisses
Proud to be walking!!

Flying by...

These past couple weeks since we brought Ruthie home have flown by. The boys have started school, and Brielle continues to get closer to becoming a full time pedestrian. Ruthie is a very good baby, and for the most part has been sleeping through the night. I've been trying to keep up on picture taking because these moments I get with our babies are fleeting. It's becoming more apparent with every day that sprints by. As we get further into the school year the more activities we'll be involved in, and I will post those events as they come. For now here are some snap shots of the kids I've managed to get.

First day of school!

Sweet baby Ruthie and more...

I know that it's been way too long since I last posted, but I guess being a mommy to four is a great excuse! I have been trying to catch up on sleep and laundry...it's quite the struggle. I guess I can tell you about the days leading up to little Ruthie's arrival.

My Gram and Grandpa Simmons came into town, and so did Wes and Kathy, Brad's parents. I got into town on Friday and picked up Kathy from the airport. My Mom, Kathy, Brielle, and I got to hangout for a couple days and it was a lot of fun! What a blessing that I get along with my mother in-law, and so does my Mom. Brad, the boys, and Wes came to town on Sunday, and that night my Gram made a big spaghetti dinner. It was so wonderful to have both side if my family sitting down and enjoying each other.

Brad and I sent the kids off in different directions, and we had the night to ourselves. It was so nice to have a moment of calm before the excitement of a new family member rushed in.

That Monday Brad and I were up early and off to the hospital we went. Kathy also went with us, it was her job to make sure the nurses were doing their job, since she's a nurse herself. However I think she made my nurse a little nervous and she couldn't get my IV to go in...thanks Kathy. :) They started the induction at about 8:30 and at 12:24 Ruth Anna Solberg was born. It was great having my Mom and Kathy in the room for that sweet moment...Of course Brad is my calming presence through it all.

The Lord has completely blessed us with a healthy sweet baby girl, and we are all enjoying her so much!

Me and the kids with Gram & Grandpa Simmons

Brad and me the night before the induction.

Last time being pregnant.

She's here!

The boys meet the new girl in town.

Grandma Kathy and Ruth

Grandma Julie and Ruth

"I want that binki!"

"Thank you!"

Quiet time with mommy...

A conversation between a girl & her Dada

This is a video I shot of Brielle talking to Brad after he had gotten home from a convention. He was gone for 5 days and she really missed him. It is so much fun to watch the relationship between a girl and her daddy. She's learning that a man that really loves her should be captivated by her, and he definitely is!

Quick update!

I haven't written in awhile we have been very busy with travel, and Dr. appointments, and farm chores. I never seem to be able to catch up. I think that's the complaint of most mothers everywhere. Brad has been out of town since Sunday, and he won't get back till Thursday. I don't like being a single mom, however it does give me an appreciation for what he does when he is here...like letting nap for hours.

Anyway I had a check-up with my doctor, and I haven't gained any weight in two months...It's wonderful! I have to attribute part of it to Brielle, she makes sure that I am regularly working on my biceps, triceps, gluts...you name it...she's a great trainer. I pray that she handles seeing mommy hold another baby well. She is going through a separation anxiety phase, and it seems to be a wee more dramatic than the boy's. Pray for us that all goes smoothly. :)

Micah also seems to be going through his own kind of phase. He rolls his eyes at me, when I ask him to do something he does it the way he wants to, not the way I want him to, and I've been catching him lying. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the countdown of new baby being here. I don't even think he realizes where his anger is coming from. We are working through it all, but prayers are a must! He's such a great kid and when he pulls attitude I tell him this is not who God created him to be, he usually says: "I know". We are all works in progress.

Christian is doing wonderful. I am attributing that to his brother being in trouble a lot. Christian is enjoying not getting in trouble and has really spurred him to be in his best behavior. Sometimes he likes to remind me of Micah's punishments...just in case I forget. I have to smile, because I too remember the feeling of elation when I was the "good kid". For the record I think I am currently holding that title with my parents. :)

Anyway I'll post pictures soon! Before we know it baby #4 will be here! We can't wait! Pray for us!