Nick

As we were driving down our street yesterday, Nick suddenly said, "Should I help that guy?"

I had been looking down at my nails or something, so I had no idea what he was talking about.

He quickly pulled to the side of the road and said, "I'm going to see if I can help him." Just like that, he jumped out of the car and was gone.

I craned my neck to look out the back window of the van, and could not believe what I saw.

There was a man wearing sunglasses and a backpack, half on the sidewalk and half in someone's yard, flopping around wildly like a fish out of water. It was one of those horrible sights that just take your breath away.

What really took my breath away was to see Nick crouch down beside the man, talk to him gently, try to help him up to his feet, and then kneel in the grass with empathy as the man writhed violently again and again. During one seizure, the man's nose was broken as he helplessly banged his face into the ground.

Nick took the time to comfort the man and hear his story (homeless, no money for epilepsy medication). He was able to offer assistance while also giving the man dignity. He was there when the ambulance answered the call and took the man to get help at the hospital.

It was one of the proudest moments of my life to watch this scene unfold with our children. They watched their dad help someone in need while others just drove past. I hope this memory becomes a permanent part of them...a way of life they embrace for themselves.

Will - Two Months

Will is 2 months old.

He is still as sweet, happy and contented as ever. I tell people all the time (and I mean it), that if every baby in the world was as wonderful as Will, parents wouldn't want to stop adding children to their families!

He coos and "talks" all the time, and SMILES these huge grins that just light up his face. I've never seen a baby so young that is so full of smiles. Here are a few recent pics...

One of Our Favorite Places

Today's Soundtrack

Eva

In all the commotion of Will's arrival, I have majorly neglected blogging. I feel as though I have tons of material to write about, but not the time to sit and gather my thoughts. So, here's a catch-up post from February...

We celebrated Eva's second birthday.



It was a fun day of balloons, cake, presents and special surprises.



We asked her what her favorite things to do were, and she listed going to Chuck E Cheese, getting ice cream, and going to a candy store. So, that's what we did!



Eva is growing up into a beautiful, spunky, sweet and intelligent little girl. She loves books, hockey and football, food, dressing up and jewelry, singing, and playing with her big brothers.



Her latest love is her new little brother, whom she affectionately calls Baby Will.



We call her our little firecracker, as she's full of light, energy and sparkle.
We love you, Eva Diva!

Will

My baby is a month old.

Unbelievable!

Will has been a seamless addition to our family...a sweet baby boy who sees no need to fuss or complain. From day one, he's slept well through the night (wakes up once to eat), and is usually content to just quietly observe the family commotion all around him.

I have felt a special bond with him. Maybe it's because he's our last baby, so I am really treasuring the smallest moments...his adorable little self is so easy to love!

It's Time

My ankles disappeared last week.

The baby's head dropped into position, making me constantly wonder if I need to pee or not...and of course, that's not something you can leave to chance!

My back and pelvis ache, my stomach skin is about to split, and I think my ribs are permanently bruised from little baby feet.

BUT, tomorrow is my due date! The day that promises that my body's aches will soon be over, and our family will be able to hold a tiny, sweet-smelling little boy. I don't expect him to arrive right on his due date, but it's enough for me to know that the time is here...he will probably join us some day this week!

I also enjoy knowing that this little guy will complete our family (at least the members I am responsible to give birth to!). I can't express how much I am looking forward to this next stage of life...turning back into "Rachel" instead of "pregnant mom".

Funny story...we always keep our baby's name a secret until they're born (I know, I know), so the other day I told the boys that one of our favorite names for the new baby starts with a 'W'. Asher's guess?

Wedgie Hausam.

New Year

I love beginning a new year. Fresh calenders begging to be filled. Birthdays waiting to be planned. Vacations beckoning. The idea that growing, changing and living await me in the 365 days ahead.

This year, the thought of newness is even closer as our little son squirms and wiggles inside me...a mere three weeks from joining our family. I am so eager to see his sweet face, and also uneasy about the changes his arrival will bring. I am a bit nervous about scheduling, cooking, shopping, cleaning and parenting as I figure out how to juggle having four children ages 5 and under, but I also feel confident that things will work themselves out...if I just relax and don't try to be superwoman too soon!

The decade of my 20's brought college, love, marriage, home ownership, children and career changes. What will come in my 30's? I anticipate personal and spiritual growth, parenting challenges and successes, a thriving marriage and deep friendships. I hope we reach specific financial goals, travel to some new places and challenge ourselves to live even more generously. I really look forward to getting back into shape for good! : )

Welcome, 2011. Can't wait to see what you have for me.