we're still here

I've just been consumed by this:

(Baseball games)

(carrying Henry in a sling)

photos by Aunt Heather

Here are some photos of Henry that Mike's sister Heather took on Easter

Too bad he wasn't in a better mood. But we still got some good ones. Thanks Heather.

Happy Birthday Mike!

Mike turned 34 this year. And he is finally feeling old. I think it's because we have left the "student phase" of life. As long as we were students we felt young. But it is a phase we are glad to be moving past. Now we have the adventures of home-ownership to look forward to. Starting with our yard and new grill which Mike got for his birthday.

Mike is such a wonderful husband and father. He does so much for us. He tries so hard to serve each of us and make us happy. You're the best Mike, I love you.

we got grass!!!

piles of top soil which Mike distributed on his birthday.

We put the front yard sod in the evening it was delivered with the help of two neighbors.

The boys helped rake out the top soil in the back.

Then we put the back yard sod in the next morning.

I did a stop action slide show of it below.

We are so happy we have grass.

We can't wait to play on it in two weeks!!!

2 months

handsome baby Henry

(photo by Andrew)

Henry is two months old now. I wish it meant he is sleeping through the night, but it doesn't. However he is smiling and cooing and laughing and we love it. Of course the boys have made it a competition who can make him smile more.

Henry is growing faster than any of the other children. He is already 12 lbs. 3 oz. (75 percentile- the others were more like 25, 10 or 3!!!) He still wants to be held most of the time but is getting better at laying down now that he will look around and take in his environment. He definitely is happier at home. (probably because we rarely go out)

It's so exciting to watch our baby grow together.

Easter

Ethan got this kite.

Claire enjoying her loot.

Henry's feet, just because.

No photos of Andrew- but he enjoyed his candy and prizes as much as the other two. He got a baseball bat in preparation for baseball season this spring.

This Easter meant more to me this year in light of losing my best friend, Britney. I have gained a testimony of the Resurrection that I never had before. I know that we will all have perfect bodies again someday. And it will be glorious.

April

the months are slipping by, but here are some shots of April

Claire is being a bird in a nest (aka the boppy)

The very talented Hannah made this hat and shoes.

The shirt reads "Cry Loud, Rock Hard"

so appropriate right?

ahhhh, sweet sleeping baby

my mother

(Henry is crying because she is leaving)

(Claire helping with Henry-she gave him the cat to look at)

(Mike and Mom working in the kitchen together- I thought it was so cute)

My wonderful mother has come for each of my children's births. She came the day we got home from the hospital. We have been so glad to have her!!!! She is such a support. She did everything from shopping, getting the boys to school in the morning, watching the little ones while I showered and napped, sweeping, made lunches and dinners, and did all the dishes. AND on top of all that she painted each of the kids rooms. They had been planning what they wanted and were so excited for her to come for Henry's birth because it also meant they got their rooms done. I love how each of their rooms show their personality so well. I love the rooms so much. It makes me feel like this house is MY home. It makes me happy to see the awesome colors on the walls! THANK YOU MOM/GRANDMA for everything you did and do for us!!!!! You are amazing! We will think of you every time we walk into these rooms.

If you would like to hire my mother or see her professional work here is her website and contact info:

http://www.durrantdecorativepainting.com/

Andrew's Skateboarding room

The purple my mom picked is perfect (it's hard to tell in the pics) It's not too girly, not too bright, not too dark, just right.

Ethan's Mario room

The room started with a wonderful blue. But that was just the beginning......

Grandma let the kids help paint. She's braver than I am.

It feels like you've just stepped into Super Mario World! so cool !

Claire's pink ponies

After Claire saw what Grandma could do she wasn't satisfied with a pink room, but she also wanted pink ponies.

So beautiful!

oh Henry

more pics to come.....

Baby Henry

Today we had a baby boy! Henry Austin Wilkins. He was born at 1:38pm and was 7 lbs. 5 ounces. He was perfect. Right when he came out he tried opening his eyes and let out a loud cry. It was amazing. Becca is doing well too. She loved the epidural as usual. It was about 3-4 pushes and he was out. It went very quick once the doctor arrived. Our usual doctor actually had to go to an emergency C-Section surgery right when our baby was ready to deliver. So, they called another on-call doctor and he delivered the baby. It was a shocker at first, but the other doctor was a very good doctor as well. We'll post pics soon.