April day to day

I'm so glad we have dates scheduled, especially in such a difficult transition period for the whole family, one-on-one time with each kid is so valuable. April was Paige's date with Dad. She begged and begged to go to Roller Kingdom since Leah got to go with her friend. I was surprised that Doug took her, and so grateful because she was beaming and obviously felt so important.

Doug came home with a sore bicep from holding Paige up. And true to Doug's character, he went out during the adult only skate and tried to go as fast as possible. I think he made Paige proud.

My kids have a great Dad- he just knows how to stop and make the kids feel loved. I'm so grateful for him.

I lived one of every girls' childhood dreams of playing "doll" with a real baby. The girls got a kick out of seeing Brigham in Sydney's baby dolls bed. I kind of enjoyed it too!

This is just too cute!

The vacuum that we've been using (or not using) was one that we got out of the dumpster during residency. It was once a good one, before we acquired it. Doug did a little maintenance and it worked ok for us. Recently, all its good for is to make lines on the carpet. Doug is usually responsible for vacuuming. One Saturday during chores he was so fed up that he went to purchase a new one.

I know this doesn't seem that important but this is a big deal. For the past nine years, we have been pinching pennies. There was no room for purchases like a vacuum. The fact that he could go to the store and purchase a need/want without it be crippling us financially feels so good.

Purchasing the vacuum was a good story. As he was staring at the selection, one of his patients came down the isle, who was an employee there. She basically talked Doug into spending $60 more for a much better vacuum. She asked what his budget was, he said around $80. Her reply was, "I just got your bill in the mail, I think you can afford more than that." I loved that! 

Anyway, Doug was so excited about his purchase he came home, vacuumed the whole house and declared that he was giddy with his purchase, and looked forward to the next time he got to use his purchase! 

I'm happy too...it feels like a new house!

Doug and The Shark

The only good thing about the end of pregnancy is that you no longer have to take extra precaution. I did all sorts of physical activities. It never puts me into labor but at least I enjoy myself.

One Saturday after chores, we packed a lunch and went for a family hike. It was a beautiful day and felt so good to engage some of the muscles that have been a bit dormant lately. I love that my girls love hiking. 

Our lunch spot. That's one fat looking pregnant woman...blah!

A preggers helping kids cross a river on rocks. I think I needed more help, turns out balance isn't exactly a strong point with that big belly. 

Leah's Spring Concert- I was so happy I could make it (and wasn't in labor/in the hospital) and such a treat to have Grandma attend a school event! 

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The girls wanted to do a craft for April Fools and this is what  they came up with...mirror images of fruits and vegetables talking to one another. Crazy kids!

Love these girls. Love the constant dress ups/changing of outfits, and all the sass that goes with it.

And we have such great helpers with Brigham...sometimes they want to help a little too much but its so nice to have the extra hands/love with this needy baby. 

And yes, you can love a baby too much...as Sydney has proven to me many times.