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!

Helping hands

Today was quite the day! The boys had their last day of VBS. They really loved it. I didn't really mind it either due to the fact they were gone from 9 to 3 Sun.-Thurs. Brielle really loved having her mommy all to herself! Back to our day...Brad took a big step for me and made sure that we are having no more babies. It really is a bag of mixed feelings for me. As I touch my big belly it's hard to imagine that this is the last time (God willing) that I am pregnant, this is the last baby we will raise. It is the end of one season and the beginning of another...sometimes I have to take big breaths not to get weepy.

I told the boys that dad was having surgery so that we would have no more babies. I cringed because I thought for sure they would ask me how that all worked, but they didn't. Christian just said; "No more babies!?" I said; "No. Isn't four enough?" He looked at me very sternly and said; "No mom, eight is enough." I had to smile, but there wasn't a lot I could say.

Brad made it through surgery well, and we brought him home. The kids are great helpers, although I acquired a new one tonight that I was not expecting. As Micah and Christian emptied the dishwasher Brielle crawled over to the silverware side and started handing them the silverware. It was really a sweet thing to watch. The boys were beaming, and informed me that they taught her how to be a helper. I told them that because they are such good helpers that is true.

I took pictures of my newest helper. She was proud to be apart of it all, and we're proud to have her.

Pantry invaders, Blue Angels, and family.

We had quite the weekend! We held a two day garage sale, and it was so successful! The boys sold some of their toys and pop, they made a good chunk of money and were pretty proud of themselves. We were all pretty tired after the two days of selling, but Brad's Aunt and Uncle came into town on Sunday, and that seemed to energize all of us, especially the boys!

Terry and Carole got to the house and shortly after we all got to sit on the back porch and watch the Blue Angels. It was quite the show, and at one point they flew right over us. The boy's couldn't have been happier. The pictures below are a few short clips of our weekend. At one point Brielle got away from me, and took off her diaper. I found her in the pantry...

Lake side...sooooo fun!

The kids and I spent yesterday at the lake. We had such a wonderful time! There was section where the boys could fish, and they both caught one. They went swimming, and on the water slide. They played for two straight hours. The water was not too cold so Brielle and I sat on the shore, she loved it!

Afterwards we got supper, went home and got ready to meet Brad downtown at a concert his company was sponsoring. The boys jumped in a bouncy house, and Brielle watched from her daddy's arms. We ended the day sharing milkshakes at the local soda fountain...marshmallow flavored...yum! The pictures throughout the day are below!

The belly is getting very very big!

Shes not happy, but we don't know why. :)

To my kids...

As I sit hear and listen to you all play I can't help but get a heavy heart. You won't be mine forever, and in all reality you are not mine to begin with. You are His. This is a concept I know will struggle with all your lives. It's hard to imagine that someone would have a greater plan for your life than I do, but He does.

It's a bittersweet thing bringing up children. I become so full of pride watching you all grow and navigate this life in your own way, and at the same time I yearn to keep you small. I can't help but feel a mix of emotions at the years that have sprinted by.

Micah did you know you saved Mommy and Daddy from a life of reckless living? Because you were born we became better people. I know God gave you to us for that reason. When you were a baby and you were so sick and tiny we would worry about you, and yet every morning was full of smiles because your eyes were so big and blue, your hair would stand on end, and your head looked way too big for your sweet little body. As you got older we watched you become a friend to all you met. You knew, and you still do that everyone wanted to be your friend. I love that about you. For your birthday we gave you a giant Lego's thing to put together, it was for ages 13-17...You spent hours on it, with me only helping to find parts. You finished it in 2 and a half days, your dad and I were dumbstruck. You are so good at being patient. I pray for you that you would grow into the man you so long to be, and more. God's plans for you are immeasurable.

Christian when you were born you didn't want to cry. The nurses were rubbing your feet and chest, but you kept closing your eyes and wanting to sleep. I had a feeling while I was watching that once you made up your mind you'd do what you want. I wasn't too far off. You are such a good boy! Ever since you were a baby you'd like to be right next to Micah. You were such a happy baby! We didn't think you could talk until we took your Binky away, as soon as we did a flood of words came tumbling out. You amazed us. You continue to do that with the way you have that natural ability to pick up a ball of start a game and be great at what it is you're doing. You are also very good at making people laugh, especially Brielle. She loves to giggle with you, and we all love watching it. I know that God has instilled a drive for success in your heart, and if you continue to pursue Him He'll take you places you could only begin to imagine.

Brielle while I am writing this you have come over to yell at me. I can't help but smile. You are 13 months and getting your top teeth in, I'm sure that it hurts. You are also trying to summon the courage to walk on your own. I know that any day you'll be off and running. This past year of having you in our lives has been such a blessing. When you were born everyone in the room cried, it was as if we all knew how precious you are from second one. Sometimes at night I sneak in your room and watch you sleep. Lately you've been laying flat on your tummy with your face in the mattress, it makes your daddy laugh. You love music and it moves you to sway. It's like you know the meaning behind the song, Grandma Julie thinks it's so sweet. God's hand has been on you since before I met you. You've brought such joy to our whole family.

New baby Solberg my what a surprise you were! I can't wait to see your little face and get to know you. A lot of people are anxious for you to be here. Everyone is trying to guess if you will be a boy or girl. Mommy and Daddy are having a hard time coming up with a name that is just yours. I know God will give us one soon. Less than a month and you'll be here...I'm ready to see you now, but your lungs need more time, and I know you do too. I have so enjoyed this pregnancy! I know that I will enjoy you a trillion times more. I thank God for you!

I love you all more than you'll ever know...And it's hard to imagine He loves you more than I, but He does and so I pray His blessings and His will over all your lives.