Happy Father's Day!

This is so late, but I wanted to pause and express my gratitude for my wonderful husband. He is a good man who loves his family with all his heart. I am grateful for his example and appreciate what a wonderful father he is to our five beautiful children.

Since we had only been home a few days from the hospital, we celebrated quietly at home. The kids surprised Samuel with some of his favorite things including Cheese Whiz (I normally do not allow that product in our house!) and Plums!

With the girl's help, we prepared a family-style lunch-no cooking necessary (oops-except for the fruit tart)!

The kids and I attempted to dye some carnations blue...

...it didn't work but we had fun anyway!

Finally Gabriel joined the party!

Samuel was surprised with his gift...

...a pressure washer!

And of course the next day he was out in force trying it out!

Happy Father's Day!

Meeting the Family

Coming home from the hospital is always a surreal experience. It's a little like when you come home after a vacation. Everything looks the same...but a little different too. Things are even weirder when you've spent several days away from your children. Add bringing home a new baby, and then you've got the perfect mix for a chaotic homecoming!

Luckily, Gabriel is no stranger to the constant buzz of laughter, tears, and yes, fighting, that is a regular part of the soundtrack of our home. He had nine months and five days to acclimate himself to his new family!

Finally we're settled enough to take a nice family photo!

And another with mom.

Ava & Gabriel

Iris & Gabriel

Isabella & Gabriel

Owen & Gabriel

The boys!

And finally, some alone time with dad.

Going Home...and the BIG needle!

As we were preparing to leave the hospital for home, the nurse stated that we were almost ready to go unless we were interested in getting the Whooping Cough Vaccine before we left. She said we could always get it later, but if we wanted, they could do it right then. I am all for vaccinations, and I thought that this was something we could certainly take care of before going home.

The nurse left to prepare the shot, and I placed Gabriel on the bed and loosened some of his clothing.

Some time later a new nurse came in and explained that they had just had their shift change. She said she understood that we were all ready to go. We explained that we were waiting on the Whooping Cough shot, and in a surprised voice she stated that she was unaware we consented to this, but that she would be right back with it.

A few minutes later she came in with a shot saying this was the BIG needle, and then asked me to lay on my side so she could inject it into my thigh!

I said, "You want me to what?"

"Isn't this a child vaccine?"

Nope!
The nurse explained that the shot was a new optional vaccine to protect adults from Whooping Cough-hence, the BIG needle! Unlike child vaccines, which are highly recommended, this was something new for adults, and she suggested we research the topic at home and make a decision at a later date.

Samuel was dying from laughter that I was so willing to stick my son, but when the tables were turned, I was unwilling to offer myself up as a human pin cushion!

Sorry Gabriel!

After that adventure, Samuel was given the green light to buckle up our son for the ride home.

He was a little crabby about that.

But in the end, he settled down-sans any pokes for mother and son!

Grandparents + Grandchildren = LOVE

There is something special about grandparents and their grandchildren.

What a blessing to see apart of you in your children's children, or in my Grandma Lopez' case, her children's children's children!

Great-grandma Lopez (my mom's mom)

Grandma Rose (my mom)

Grandma Clista (Samuel's mom)

Grandpa Gary (Sam's dad)

At long last...my Gabriel!

My son! My son! My son!

Where are you?

These are the words Samuel and I would utter every night and every morning as we waited anxiously-and yes, a little impatiently-for our son!

As the days crept nearer to my due date, June 12th, I realized with dismay that he would NOT come early like his siblings. And when the date came...and went...I was convinced this little guy, our last baby, was giving me a little extra time to enjoy being pregnant.

And enjoy I did.
I truly love being pregnant. It is something I have always enjoyed, and I will miss this season of my life.

But with those extra days, I was determined to keep busy, and find delight in simple things.

Hence:

The belly shot!

The crazy morning hair...

Fun crafts with the kiddies...

Do you like our homemade crayons?
(I'll blog about this later.)

And even tried out a few recipes too!

But on June 17th, the long awaited contractions began. And at 11:40 PM that night, Samuel and I arrived at the hospital to find that I was dilated 9 cm!

What joy!
We were having a baby!

But guess what?
Too late for an epidural!
OUCH!

But "beggars can't be choosers" and "the show must go on"!

I was ready as ever with my cozy socks!

And I had my honey! He is such a comfort to me.

And on June 18th, 1:23 AM, after 8 minutes of pushing...

Gabriel Dodge Lopez Ramos Elmer
7.5 lbs and 20.5 in. long

...made his way into the world...FINALLY!

He is, quite simply, beautiful.

The journey must be exhausting.

Father and son.

How wonderful to be warm and cozy again.

Amazing!

He is absolutely delightful in every way.

I am one happy momma!

Samuel and I are so grateful for this child of God!
What a blessing!

Welcome home Gabriel!
We love you so much!

Summer Lesson Plans...oxymoron?

Yes, summer is the time for rest and relaxation, but if your kids are anything like mine, they love to learn!

If you'd like some help stemming some of that summer boredom, check out this website, entitled "Hot Chalks Lesson Plan Pages" for over 3,500 free lesson plans for all grade levels. They're organized by subject, or you can utilize the "Seasonal Lesson Plans by Date", which allows you to view lesson plans pertinent to the calendar year. For example, I found tons of fun lessons and projects for Independence Day.

Here's to a fun, and yes, educational, summer!

Losing Kites, Blowing Bubbles, and How bout' a round of Golf?

On Saturday my grandma, mom, and Julia stopped by for a visit. They came bearing kites and since it was such a windy day Sam took one to the skies almost immediately.

Samuel decided to let out all the string, and as he was attempting to pull it back in, it slipped out of his fingers!

He had to chase it two blocks over, with four kids screaming after him, but he finally tracked it down. It was stuck in someone's backyard, and after knocking and explaining the situation, the homeowner came out with the kite. Unfortunately, it was the wrong one. Apparently his house is like the Bermuda Triangle for kites! Eventually Sam came home with the right one, and of course it took to the skies once again.

Time for a kite break!

How about bubble time?

Or a round of golf, anyone?

Resting on the green.

These are some of the best days!

Just relaxing with the people you love!