"Babies don't keep..."

On August 29th, 2012, we officially became a "Party Of Five".

We welcomed our sweet Laylah Paige onto this Earth, and into our family...and just as I had felt with My other little ladies, I was instantly in Love.

...still a little shocked, (since I had over-prepared myself for having a boy... ) but no doubt, still "head over heals" with our Little L.P.   See- aren't surprises AWESOME?!?!

The hardest part for me, is remembering to take my time.  Even while pregnant, despite not being able to bend over, or aching feet, or being exhausted just keeping up with my other kiddos, you could still try to get stuff done!!  But when a baby comes -- nothing gets done.  Certainly not with out help... and that's hard for me... hard to accept...hard to recognize, I'm just not going to get it all done today...

But now-- I accept.  With daily reminders to myself, and a lot of prayer for strength and patience... I accept...

...That the laundry may (or may not) get washed, and may (or may not) be folded today...or tomorrow...
... That you don't need guacamole for tacos if there's no time to make it-- good'ol avocado will be just fine...
... A pony tail, chapstick, and sunglasses are my beauty routine, for now...
... That it's ok to go to bed at 8 pm...
... That even though Gary does things differently, they still get done...and I Love him for that...
... That showers are a luxury...
...and much, much more...

I accept.

So, even after baby # 3, I'm still learning to take my time -- To take my time with my baby, especially....
because...

"Cleaning and scrubbing

 can wait 'till tomorrow,

for babies grow up,

we've learned to 

our sorrow...

So quiet down cobwebs,

dust go to sleep...

I'm rocking my baby,

and babies don't keep."

(Author Unknown.)

Jellybean Dimples and Marshmallow Cheeks

When Mia came into this world, I was convinced she was the itsy-bitsiest baby I had ever seen.  She was so tiny, she used to take one leg out of her romper, and put it together with her other leg, like a little mermaid.  

She has always been my "Sweet Petite", with jellybean dimples and marshmallow cheeks.  She has a scrumptious little face, and she never grew out of clothes that were the same size as her age.  She wore a 2T until after she was 3! 

That changed this past summer, when suddenly, pants that I thought she could wear for at least another 6 months were too short... and the sleeves of shirts that were once long, became 3/4 's length.  Her tiny feet got bigger. Her sun bleached locks were longer.  My Baby was growing up, faster than what I was used to, or even ready for.

Expecting a flood?

Thats why it really hasn't hit me yet, that yesterday was her 4th birthday... 

  But what a fun day it was!!  We all had a blast with Auntie Katrina at Disneyland!  Watching Mia's face light up with excitement, and watching her jumping and skipping with happiness brings true joy to this mommy's heart.

My Littlest Peanut. My Crispy Cracker. My Mimi Pea. My Cutie Q -- I Love You!!

Happy 4th Birthday to you, my most adorable Mia!!!

*Special THANK YOU to Aunty Katrina for the gift of your time, park admission, and this picture! ;)