In Case They Ever Wonder

I have always loved babies. I don't remember a time when I wasn't playing with dolls dreaming about being a mom. I picked out names from the time I was a preschooler myself. I can honestly say that having children has always been one of the greatest desires of my heart. And even though we've just had our fourth, and I'm certainly waaaay more relaxed (maybe a little too relaxed) about welcoming a new little one, I can also say that there is still something completely magical about a new baby. As I think about the way we've welcomed our children, I love that each one has been so special for a different reason. With Sophie, everything was brand new. She was the typical doted on first born. I saved the bandaid from her first immunization, and I probably took pictures of her first diapers. It was utterly ridiculous. I rocked her and stared at her for hours on end. With Will, he was our first boy, and not only Matt's and my first boy, but the first boy in our family i

Well, Miss Lucie White Roden finally exerted enough energy to get around to meeting her family! After being told I was dilated to four on October 18 and to expect her "any day," by Halloween, I was briefed on what to do if she was born in the car! By November 7, I was dilated to six, and even my conservative midwives began to talk about induction! In fact, one of my favorite midwives wouldn't give me the "recipe" for the labor-inducing concoction because she felt sure I would never arrive at the hospital in time! So, after having contractions for most of the day on Tuesday, I went back to the midwife so they could monitor me, and I only had two contractions the entire time I was there! They did agree to induce me early Wednesday morning, but with the warning that if I went into labor that night, to make haste to the hospital! With visions of Will's labor dancing in my head, I quickly made arrangements for a hotel at the Vanderbilt Loew's (thanks, only t

Though Zoe has only been here for six months, it is hard to remember life without her. She is such an important part of all of lives, and we are amazed by how much and how deeply we love her in such a short period of time. We wonder exactly how this little girl from thousands of miles away has worked her way so quickly straight into the center of our hearts. To say that Zoe is a lot like her mama is quite the understatement, and that makes me love her all the more deeply. I can't imagine that Tori could have given birth to a child any more like her. Both of these girls are crazy competitive, sharp as tacks, full of mischief, and overflowing with love. Not to mention that both of them will laugh their tales off if they happen to see you fall! They are quite a pair, and I wonder as I watch them that even though Tori didn't give birth to Zoe, they are as much mother and daughter as any two could be. And I'd love to report about all the amazing things Zoe has learned to say i

I know there are only so many ways to say that a baby is sweet without sounding trite, but if you know Lillie you realize that there is an unbelievable kindness, gentleness, tenderness about her that is unmistakable. Especially when you consider that she is my child. Sophie and Will are amazing kids, but they both have heavy doses of their mama's personality, and run a little light on sweetness. Lillie is the child who wakes me up with kisses in the morning and sings her own lullabies with me at night. I honestly can't imagine what I ever did to deserve her. Matt must have done something. At any rate, Lillie radiates joy. Though my joyful girl isn't without a will of her own. Lillie knows exactly what she wants even though she is kind about expressing it. She is probably sneakier than either of her siblings, and because she is so charming, she gets by with a fair amount of mischief! She definitely plunders more than Sophie or Will ever did, and I can't count how many ti

All three of our kiddos experienced a sort of first day of school this year! We celebrated Sophie's first day of second grade at her new school, Foundations Christian Academy. Will celebrated his first day back-to-preschool, which is even more exciting because he and Zoe are in class together. And even Lillie got in on the first day action, with her first day of "school" (going one morning a week to childcare with Zoe)! The schedule has worked out great, with Sophie in school on Mondays and Fridays (something we thought we wouldn't like, but is actually working well), Will is in school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Lillie goes on Wednesdays. It has been great for me because by only having two home for at least a big chunk of any given day, I have a little more to give to whoever is home. Now, we'll have to see how all that goes once Miss Lucie arrives! Sophie's teacher, Mrs. Griswold, could not be any more perfect for her. They are truly kindred spirits. Sop

Baby Lucie still hasn't joined us, but that didn't stop four little trick-or-treaters from having a blast on Halloween! Ariel, Lightening McQueen, Princess Tiana, and the cutest little flower you ever saw walked all over the neighborhood, faithfully chiming "trick-or-treat" followed by "thank yous" that were music to the mamas and daddies ears! We had our annual pumpkin-carving fun the night before, and Matt and Derek really outdid themselves! Unfortunately, there was a run on pumpkins, so the adults weren't able to carve, but everyone knew that I would have won the contest anyway! As it was, Zoe's first pumpkin, a joint effort between Derek and Matt stole the show this year! (Although, Will absolutely could not have been happier with his Lightening McQueen! He doesn't get that excited that often, but boy, when he does, it really melts your heart!) Even little Lucie had a pumpkin, but that girl is on her own if she isn't here by Thanksgiving!