We recently completed our soccer season and here is a picture of one day we were actually able to play. I coached Davis and his team and realize so much about my own patience level and the abilities of 4 and 5-year-old boys and girls. They provided me too much entertainment during games and practice. Davis decided after a very wet season that while he was ready to hang up his cleats the first game, during the game, and I quote as I was in the middle of the field attempting to ref the game, "Mommy, I wish I wouldn't have ever signed up for soccer," to playing even during halftime with his teammates.

Stella, as you can see, also braved the cold to see her amazing big brother play. She thinks he is pretty awesome. Right now she lights up every time he enters the room and squeals with joy when he talks to her. I really hope these two continue to show each other this level of admiration.

I realize I am very delinquent in my updating, but I never claimed to be consistent...Here is Davis above at the fair with his class and below in his ninja halloween costume. He is doing great and enjoying school so much. He continues to be a wonderful brother to his sister. He is also playing soccer when it isn't rained out, which it has been several times. He is always saying something hilarious, but has recently decided he does not like to be laughed at, so I have to watch my story telling.

And here is our sweet baby girl. Above picture shows everyone her gorgeous grin and happy demeanor. She is so easy to grin these days...most of the time. Below is her first cereal, which is always messy. She recently got her two bottom teeth and I think she may be trying to get more due to a couple of inconsolable fits she's had lately. Although she has yet to sit herself up or crawl, she managed to pull up in her crib yesterday. Travis lowered her bed before bed that night. Stella is just so sweet and we are really enjoying this stage. Can you believe she is 7 months old already?!

Just wanted to share a few more pics of my kids with everyone from our last trip. They were so ood and Bobo had a really nice camera I got to play with. We had a little photo shoot and a beautiful backdrop. I will try to update more soon as it gets closer to school time.

Zoo Trip

Well, the zoo was a big hit! Davis is actually holding a parakeet in this picture, which he said was his favorite part. We got there before the rain came down and left as it started, so it was cool enough to walk around and enjoy ourselves. Stella behaved, which we were so thankful for and actually slept better on the trip than she has ever since being home. We also featured a picture of Davis next to a Komodo dragon, which was posing for us. I think it looks like he's actually in the cage with the animal. Regardless, we had a great time and will do this again.

Stella's baptism

Here is our sweet little girl after her baptism on a very special star quilt made by Pam Houk, my sister-in-law's mom. She has made all three of our children beautiful and always meaningful quilts. This quilt has a star pattern, which is what "Stella" means. The quilt has scraps from Charlotte's quilt and the piano trim mimics Davis' quilt. There are many stars, both obvious and more you have to search for representing all of Stella's family. This sure is one lucky girl!

Here is our sweet baby with a look making me think she's up to something...

Here we are at the church. Stella did wonderful during the baptism and so did Davis. I'll get up some more pics as I receive them. Davis had already been taken to the nursery, so I'll have to get other pics of him later.

Here's our Incredible Hulk sleeping soundly after insisting on wearing his Halloween costume to bed. He looks ready to handle any bad dream!

An updated picture of our little piggy and her doting brother. He adores Stella and always wants to hold her. She generally doesn't seem to mind much. She is having better days for the most part, but has her first cold, which came directly from her brother kissing on her all the time.

Stella's eyes appear blue in this picture, but in person they seem to be changing. I think she will be our brown-eyed girl. Then she and Davis will identical.

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My friend Sara sent gifts for both of the kids and I have to share these pics. Davis loves pretending to be sheriff, although he may think he really is the boss around here. He actually put on his gear to ride his shiny red trike around the neighborhood; a very nostalgic scene.

Sara actually knitted this hat for Stella. The hat is so adorable, but even more so in person. I forgot how talented she is. I am demanding one for every year until Stella is 18. Love it!

Mmmmm....Chocolate Bunny!!
Easter is sooo exhausting! Love my Easter outfit.

Stella and I and my Mom stayed in for Easter while Davis and Travis went to church and out to Seth and Susan's place for lunch. Stella has slept most of the day probably due to the insane amount of crying she did yesterday. We think she might have a bit of reflux, but she still sleeps really great once she calms down. Davis got loads of great loot from the bunny and Stella got some new pacifiers, which she loved. Stella eats like a champ and is close to 10lbs right now; I think it has something to do with all the Easter candy...

Believe it or not, our perfectly sweet baby Stella exercised her lungs last night after Mom left. I told Mom if she keeps this up, she'll have to come stay until all this crying stops. She does really well at night, waking every 3 hours to eat and likes to visit a bit at 3am. Davis, of course, wakes around 6:30 to do the same. He has been very affectionate and protective of "baby sister."

Well, Stella had a weight check today and we are so proud of our little pig. She gained a pound in a week and is weighing in at 8lbs, 13oz. She worked up quite the appetite and had to eat again immediately after the appointment. As long as we don't have any questions, her next appointment is another weight check in a month!

Hmmm, I think it was love at first sight.

Davis is already a great help and a very loving big brother. He wants to hold, kiss and hug on "baby sister" all the time.

He told me a couple of days ago, "My baby sister is fantastical!" I agree.

We'll see how long this will last...

Stella Rose

Well, after nine long and anxious months, our perfect little Stella Rose arrived four days early. After having a few contractions during swim class Thursday, March 19, I went into a quick labor and delivery. Stella was born at 12:38am, 8lbs, 19 1/2 inches on March 20.

She has passed all her screenings and appears to be doing well. So far...she has a healthy appetite and is already outgrowing some of her newborn clothing. We cannot complain about her night schedule, but I am sure that will change in the coming weeks.

As for us, we are tired and relieved and worried all at the same time. My physical health appears to be just fine, although my sanity is always in question. Travis is just glad to have his family at home and is taking advantage of his extra time with Davis.

And Davis, he is full of excitement and will probably be the focus of several posts with his entertaining way of viewing life. He is overly affectionate and very helpful...so far.

Stella has a weight check tomorrow and I plan to keep everyone posted about her accomplishments.