Spoiled Girl

It is no secret Piper has been very spoiled the past 6 weeks with getting snuggles and love from her family members. It would be a toss up between Beau and Banx with who is obsessed with her more :) Banx is always asking "where is that cute girl? Can I hold Piper? Want to see a picture of my baby cousin?" I love this :)

Beau and Baine Wishing "Night, Night"

I was missing the boys Saturday while we were in Des Moines for our anniversary. So that night, my dad sent me this video of the boys---it completely melted my heart :)

Day at the Farm With Papa

Baine spent the day with Papa at the farm on Saturday. He absolutely loves being outside, getting dirty, and of course seeing the cows. He is always asking Papa to go see cows :) Beau was able to get one-on-one time with She-She while Baine helped Papa chore. This kid has no fear! He climbed the fence and let the cows come right up to him and didn't even blink an eye. I love this, yet it scares me at the same time! :)

6th Wedding Anniversary

Joe and I had our 6 year wedding anniversary yesterday. I cannot believe it has been 6 years already. We spent the afternoon Saturday in Des Moines to celebrate our day (along with Piper of course since I'm not ready to leave her yet). While we didn't do anything extravagant or fancy, it was the first time in weeks, if not months, that we have had alone time together. I could not have wanted anything more than that.

Joe and I were reflecting on the past 6 years and it is just crazy to think of everything we have been through. Six years and 3 children definitely means we have been busy building our family, focusing on our kids, and not always dedicating enough time to each other. I want Beau, Baine and Piper to know that they are always going to be Joe and I's main priority in life. However, I am a firm believer that husband and wife should always come first. I want my kids to know that and understand that someday when the time comes for them to get married. Joe and I are not perfect in this department, but we're working on it ;).

Marriage is hard work, it is not always a picture perfect moment. And usually when it is portrayed as picture perfect, that is usually when there are issues. There have been times where we fight and deliberately hurt each other's feelings; there have been times where we say the wrong thing and accidentally hurt one another's feelings; and there have been times where we talked too much when we shouldn't have said anything at all. Through it all, I am thankful I am taking this journey in life with Joe. Even though it's not always flowers and rainbows, I wouldn't want to be doing this with anyone else. I am so incredibly thankful for Joe and our family and I cannot wait to watch everyone grow. Cheers to the past 6 years and to the years to come, Joe!

Sleepy Babes

Joe's favorite time of the day now is when he gets to snuggle with Piper on his chest. Beau and Baine are always close to Piper and where she naps, they like to be! Whether if it's on Daddy's chest, mommy's lap, or on our friends Holly's legs, our kiddos like to be near one another 24/7. Please stay this way forever :)

The Circle of Life

Shari's mom, Ruth, passed away Friday from her 10 year battle with Alzheimer's. While funerals are never easy, it does seem to be the time to see friends and family that you haven't seen in awhile. Great-grandma Betty met Piper for the first time and was able to get her snuggles in with her. When Mel, Dennis's dad, passed away last month, my mom kept saying that me being pregnant was a sign of the circle of life (since we were due right when he passed). I truly felt that at the funeral service for Ruth today. Time passes too fast, and life is too short to take what we have for granted. I am so blessed to have had three, healthy children. That is truly the best gift I could have ever received. While it can be easy to question God and be mad at him when we hurt or lose loved ones, at the end of the day, God is good and His plan is far greater than ours.

Library Play Time

I had all three kids by myself, full time, for the first time during spring break last week. I was a little nervous to have all 3 this early on, especially still not 100% with my leg yet, however it was great and so much fun! We tried to make the best of the week but were limited on our activities since I either need to nurse or pump every 2-3 hours. We did manage to make it to the library and the boys just love it there. The play groups are so good for them and they love craft time there!