happy half-year bday Phinn!

It has been six months since Phinn was born. Where has the time gone?

Here are some of his tricks:
* He can roll across the room
* Sit up alone
* Says "Gah"
*Giggles
* Is ticklish
* Is eating solids -bananas and mush
* Makes us laugh

Laura Bunker Photography did his 6 month pictures. I absolutely adore them. She is amazing.

Family Pictures 2010

For my birthday (back in August) all I wanted was some good, professional pictures of the kids and family. Well, Levi obliged and it was well worth all the stress and tears (the twins'). I love them. Laura Bunker Photography (click here for her website/blog) is amazing. She has the best style. So crisp, light beautiful and true to life. She totally inspires me.

cause I'm so popular

B: Mom! Baby Brother smilled at me.Why does he always smile at me?
M: Cause he loves you so much!
B: Why?
M: Because you are his big sister. And you are sooo nice to babies.
B: And Claire always smiles at me!

M: The babies love you!
B: Why? Cause I'm so popular? And I can do cool tricks without falling down?
M: Yep. That's exactly why.

Phinn is 4 months

I am coming to terms that our little Phinny isn't a tiny newborn anymore. He is getting chubby rolls, can almost roll over on to his tummy (except for one arm), has found his hands and voice, has discovered that sucking on his toes is a fun thing, and loves to play with his sisters.

I love his content nature. He has been such a very enjoyable baby because he is so easy-going and low maintenance. What's not to love??? I want two more of him. If I could just figure out how to make my body more resilient throughout the pregnancy and post-pregnancy. I took some pictures for his 3 month (he's almost 4 months now) in my in-laws back yard. I loved the rustic look there- it has been there all along. I just had to notice!

The other day I said, "Phinn is such a drooly kid." and Bella replied, "You can say that again!"

The otherest day....

I love Bella's words...
"Mom let's go to the park. The one we went to the otherest day,"

This one made me really sad...
B: Mom, when am I going to die?
M: Hopefully not for a long time. Why?
B: Cause I want to see what Heavenly Father looks like.
M: I would miss you. Stay with me for a long time okay?
B: Okay! (pokes her skin on her arm) I will! My skin isn't old enough yet!

This conversation with Papa Don yesterday at the park was priceless:
PD: Did you catch a fish when you went camping?
B: (Holds up a finger) One!
PD: How big was it?
B: (Holds out her hands to show about 12")
PD: Was it a boy or girl fish?
B: It was a boy. Cause it didn't have any eyelashes!

Very insightful.


Her Nana & Papa took her and the twins to Pirate Island over the weekend.
B: That was so much fun!
N: Yeah, we should do it again!
B: I'm available next Thursday!



Sometimes I am a little sad that she is so grown-up for her age. She has adult-mature insights and thoughts. But then I realize how lucky I am that she is my oldest. She is such a great help to me. I am not just saying that. I mean it. People ask me how I do it with 4 children 4 and under and some credit is due to her. She is so sweet and helpful with her siblings, she never complains when I ask her to help with something. She does it willingly and happily. I don't know how I could do it without her!

Bella's prayer

Bella's personal prayer last night:

"Please help me to have a good dream about unicorns, princesses and princes."

She is such a girly girl, but one that isn't afraid to get dirty and have fun fishing with her dad. She loved every minute of her camp out with Levi. I will have to have Levi document his camping trip with the girls to Rob's Reservoir. (I got to stay home with Phinn! Great, relaxing birthday for me!)