Last week I got an evite from Cindy to Brittany's shower. I really wanted to go but didn't know if I could pull it off with a three and a half week old baby, 3 other kids and a 2 hour drive (with the shower starting at 10:30 am). BUT Brittany is a dear friend, not only to me but to the girls also. They LOVE her. I didn't tell the girls or any friends I was going to try and pull it off in case I couldn't after all.
As you can see I pulled it off. Wednesday night I got everything ready and Thursday morning I woke the girls up and told them the surprise. Their faces lit up and Claire yells, "I don't have to go to school!!!" They could hardly wait to go. After feeding Julia we loaded up and took off. Julia did great in the car and only fussed for a little bit.
When we showed up at the shower everyone had to look twice. It seemed normal for us to be there! It was so fun to surprise everyone.
It was LOVELY to have company. I have been really lonely and it was wonderful to be around my friends.
The second big surprise came that evening. When Claire was going to Woodway before we moved she was going to be in a big program called BUGZ. Well, we ended up moving before the program and she was devastated. She wanted to go see the program really bad but I didn't know if I could take all 4 kids with Julia being a few weeks old. With it on the same day as the shower I was so excited to be able to surprise Claire. So in the afternoon I told Claire, "Do you want to know the other surprise?"
I say, "Tonight is the BUGZ program!"
Her face lights up and she yells, "Can we go?"
I say, "yep" and I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled she was.
She says, "Oh I am so happy I could just hug you. Oh I will hug you!" She runs over and gives me a huge hug and kiss and just grins and squeals with delight. She thanked me over and over and over. It was so sweet.
Seeing her excitement was worth every minute that the surprise took to pull off!
We went and took a picture with her class just before the program.
The program was darling and her class and teacher were SO excited she came!
I can't believe I had all 4 kids for the program. It was too last minute to find someone to watch Audrey although I did try a few people. Luckily I had my sling and had my hands free to grab Audrey from going on stage! Julia was an angel the entire day and slept it away. I was worried she wouldn't sleep that night but she did GREAT. Apparently Cindy had a little talk with Julia before I left! ;) It worked!!!
The drive home was pretty good too!
I had to eat packs of fruit snacks to stay awake.
It was a wonderful day of surprises and fun. Definitely a day that will be remembered.
Well friends, it's official...
Claire is such a little mommy and loves to hold her. Hallie is fascinated with her and is my biggest helper. Audrey showers her with kisses from the minute she wakes up to the minute she goes to bed. The girls LOVE their baby sister.
I had to post picture in the darling hat my mom crocheted for little Julia. I love it mom, thanks!
Audrey is constantly calling Julia, "Little stinker, punkin, peanut, sweetheart..." She says it all. The other day when she woke up, Audrey asked to hold Julia. Then as she was giving kisses she sweetly says, "We love you so much Julia." 
As you can see I pulled it off. Wednesday night I got everything ready and Thursday morning I woke the girls up and told them the surprise. Their faces lit up and Claire yells, "I don't have to go to school!!!" They could hardly wait to go. After feeding Julia we loaded up and took off. Julia did great in the car and only fussed for a little bit.
When we showed up at the shower everyone had to look twice. It seemed normal for us to be there! It was so fun to surprise everyone.
It was LOVELY to have company. I have been really lonely and it was wonderful to be around my friends.
When Hallie was sitting on Brittany's lap she said something that broke my heart. She said, "I didn't know if I wanted to come because I knew I would have to say goodbye." When I was telling some friends that, later that afternoon when we hung out at Cassidy's house, I started crying. I was not prepared for the emotions but they came! We have missed all of our friends so much.
The second big surprise came that evening. When Claire was going to Woodway before we moved she was going to be in a big program called BUGZ. Well, we ended up moving before the program and she was devastated. She wanted to go see the program really bad but I didn't know if I could take all 4 kids with Julia being a few weeks old. With it on the same day as the shower I was so excited to be able to surprise Claire. So in the afternoon I told Claire, "Do you want to know the other surprise?" 
I can't believe I had all 4 kids for the program. It was too last minute to find someone to watch Audrey although I did try a few people. Luckily I had my sling and had my hands free to grab Audrey from going on stage! Julia was an angel the entire day and slept it away. I was worried she wouldn't sleep that night but she did GREAT. Apparently Cindy had a little talk with Julia before I left! ;) It worked!!!
Especially after a day like today and a night like last night. I wanted to take a nap today more than anything (and quite frankly I NEEDED one). But in the end it was my kids that got to sleep. 
Since they didn't have cinnamon bears, the girls opted for cotton candy. Their excitement over an air woven food-colored web of sugar is apparent on their faces. 
Hallie made it most of the way through hers, but I think I ate the last quarter. Claire ate all of hers except for the very last bit around the paper cone, which I begrudgingly ate. It's hard to have to eat cotton candy when you're trying to save room for a cheeseburger, but dads have to make hard sacrifices. 
And despite all that sugar in their stomachs, both girls came out tummy-ache free. Leave it to the offspring of my wife to be able to devour a ball of sugar larger than your head and come out with a smile. 
In fact, as you can see from this picture, both of them were ready to go down to the field and show the Royals what's-what in Texas. 
I went to my two week check up yesterday and I have gained 5 ounces. I weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces and am a healthy peanut. In the Doctor's words, "Perfect check-up!" 
I hope you had a Happy Easter!
This hat is HUGE and I have no idea why my mom insisted on making me wear it. I just think it looks goofy....but anything for a picture, right?
To all of my Aunites, Grandmas, and adopted Aunties: I hope you like the pictures. I love you and wish you could hold me. I can't wait to see you sometime soon!
We lined them all up by age and let the little ones go first. It was pretty cute.
Zeb wanted a shot of all of them running which turned out darling.
Here is Audrey,
Claire, and Hallie in action. They had a blast.
Yes, I did get my hair cut, finally. Zeb had Friday off work so he insisted I go get it done. He is so good to me and makes sure I take some time just for me. I like the cut but the color is a little "chunkier" than I am used to. But overall I am very happy. Thanks, babe! And thanks to my little elf that gave me a gift card to beauty brands for Christmas! I know, I know, Christmas was a LONG time ago! ;)
As much as I joke around about having "14 kids," I cannot imagine my life without this sweet baby of mine. The moment she was placed in my arms I was a different person. I have more love for her than I could ever have imagined.
I am so grateful for Julia and for the little angel she is. I know I have a lot to learn, and will always be learning and growing as a mother, but I am so happy to be mother again. A mother of four.
My "four princesses" as I call them. I love you girls.