maysa's birthday part 2

I had to blog maysa's bday in two separate posts.

Not because we did anything extravagant on her birthday, but just because I took too many darn pictures and didn't want anyone to fall asleep looking at them all. You're welcome.

So here is part 2

The weather was beautiful on her birthday

so we went to Henderson park and Jimmy went and picked up pizza for us. We're pretty high class like that.

The kids had a blast!

And I promise my husband did not kill anyone after this pic.

If it's not obvious from his facial expression, he just loves  getting his picture taken ;)

Another attempt at a picture of all 5 kids.

Heaven forbid they might all be looking normal (heck I would be happy if they were all just looking!)

for once!!

five

It seems like birthdays are all I blog about lately.

What can I say - we've had a slew of birthdays this spring.

this little girlie is now a 5 year old!!

How is that possible? Soo crazy!

It pretty much makes me wanna cry.

We did a little photoshoot on her birthday.

If in the right mood (and with a little bribing), this gal is money.

She is quite the poser.

So we took a million few pics.

Those big brown eyes kill me. 

and that smile...

I told her to give me some poses and this is what I got

So grateful for this little munchkin!

Love her to pieces!

my maysa

this little girl had a birthday.

And she's now a 4 year old.

I'm not gonna lie - I'm a little depressed about it.

I wish she could just be frozen at this age forever.

there's something about this kid that makes me want

10 more of her.

She goes to preschool next year, and I seriously have toyed with the thought of not sending her,

just so I can have her all to myself for 1 more year.

But I know she'll love it and she is SOO excited and ready.

we've been kind of attached at the hip these last 4 years, 

so it's gonna be an adjustment.

For me, not her.

so what can I say about my Maysa.

She is hu-lar-i-ous!! 

She keeps me laughing all day long.

I am NOT a morning person, but for some reason,

the second I see her in the morning, 

my mood completely changes.

And I kinda crave her when I'm not with her.

I know, I know, cut the umbilical cord already.

I just can't help it, she has this effect on me.

It's funny how when my older 3 were this age, 

I was so excited for them to reach the next stage and get older.

But now, I just want time to stop, 

and keep them this age forever.

I'm not gonna be a very happy empty nester, I'm guessing.

This little girl taught herself how to ride a 2-wheeler about 

a month ago. 

She just got on a bike and rode it. 

And that is pretty much all she does now, every day all day.

She is such a farm girl and LOVES to go to work with her daddy.

Her favorite toys are probably her toy horses,

which she has to take everywhere she goes.

She is such a sweetie and I can't seem to get enough of her hugs and kisses.

She LOVES babies.

I think her baby brother is gonna get mauled.

It's so fun to see the 3 olders with Maysa.

They completely ADORE her.

all the kids on maysa's birthday.

(Yes, I'm well aware of the fact that Gracie looks homeless.

She's not quite into her looks yet).

So happy birthday my sweet Maysa,

WE LOVE YOU TO PEICES!!

it's a ...

BOY!!

Yah - we're a tiny bit excited around here!

   Ryder was starting to wonder if he'd ever get a brother (and so was I). And I totally thought I was gonna have a girl this time, so what an awesome surprise. Of course we would have been happy with a girl too - who wouldn't want another one of these

 Anyways, I was so excited I had to pull out all my boy clothes today and see what I had - after all it's been 8 years since I've had a boy. That only got me more excited to see all the little blue onesies and sleepers. 

  So I've been thinking a lot lately about finding out the sex of the baby while you're pregnant. I have some friends who gave me some flack about finding out. These are my thoughts on the topic. Finding out, for me, kind of breaks up the pregnancy. 9 months is SUCH a long time, and it's nice to get that little surprise half way through. It kind of refuels me so I can get through the rest of the pregnancy. I'm so excited now to start making blankets and shopping for the baby. I feel like it is so overwhelming and life-changing when you actually have the baby, and that finding out the sex then, just kind of adds to that overwhelming feeling. Plus, I kinda like knowing what's growing and kicking inside me - it kind of feels a little less alien-ish. It's also nice to be totally prepared when the baby comes- cause seriously, who wants to shop for baby clothes the weeks following giving birth (especially with 4 other kids tagging along)? Not me. Finding out isn't for everyone, but I love knowing what I'm having. 

 This is the good 'ole belly at 20 weeks. It's funny (well actually pretty sad) that I have next to no pictures of me when I was pregnant with my other 4 kids. How does that happen? That's like over 3 years of my life that I've spent pregnant. And maybe 4 or 5 pictures. Maybe it's because the maternity clothes back then were hideous (believe me, they have come a LONG way since then), and mostly I just wore the hubs clothes. So attractive I know.  So I guess it's a good thing there are no reminders of that. So this pregnancy I told myself I would take lots of pictures, since this could very well be my last. Don't expect to see my head in the pictures though, that would require me to actually put on makeup and do my hair, which, lets be serious, doesn't happen everyday. 

 just another one and an outfit change. Thanks to Sadie, my little photography assistant.

 so this pregnancy has been going good except for the first half being spent on pins and needles and thinking I was gonna miscarry any day. A couple previous miscarriages will do that to you. It was pretty nervewracking but it's definately made me appreciate the total miracle of hearing a little heartbeat for the first time. And now to feel every kick is so amazing. I don't think I fully realized how incredible it was with my other four. So I guess losing those babies has given me such a greater love and appreciation for this pregnancy and this little babe that's inside me. Seriously, SUCH a miracle! I can't wait to meet him!

 Here's a few more pics of my little Maysa. The poor child gets so tired of me constantly taking her picture (not that you can tell that from these shots - she can sure turn it on it a second). And I promise I have more kids that just this one. The others are just lucky they are at school all day while the lighting is optimal. I'm am so aching for spring so I can go outside and take pictures. I'm SOO done with winter!! Ugg.

ok now I want another girl. Maybe this won't be my last :)