Recent home pictures

Jenelle took this one of ClayJenelle dresses herself sometimes

Grandma and Grandpa talking with Stephen. He smiles and "talks" a lot.

Matt, Ethan and Mike

The boys hanging out in a restroom at Babies R Us. Clay sat there very nicely.

Precious sleeping Stephen

Stephen's 3 month pictures Part 2

Jessica came over again today to take some more pictures of Stephen. Our mom-in-law allowed us to have the older three children at her house for the photo shoot. Thanks, Mom. It was fun to set up different backgrounds. Here's Jessica's blog so you can see more: jesshekman.blogspot.com Thank you, Jessica, for using more of your time and energy to takes Stephen's pictures.

Stephen's 3 month

My sister-in-law, Jessica, came over this morning and took pictures of Stephen. Here is her blog: jesshekman.blogspot.com. I think she did a great job.

Our Family Trip

We left on Friday morning. Before we had left our street, Clay said, "Where are my cousins?" It was a long day, but not sio bad for having three kids. I sat next to Stephen so I could feed him while Jenelle and Clay sat together in the back with their TV screens for DVDs.

We spent a couple of hours with my Aunt Sandy, Uncle Dennis and my cousin, April. We got to have lunch with them on Saturday.

Olivia, Amanda, Ian and Emily with their youngest cousinAnnette and Mike

Breakfast at the hotel

Uncle Mark with his 2 nephews

Jenelle proudly holding Stephen on the hotel bed
Jenelle and Clay shared a bed for the first time and did pretty well (except for Clay falling off a couple of times)

Stephen slept in the closet. All of our kids have slept in the closet during their first hotel stay--saves room from having to pack the portable crib.

We stopped to see Grandma Fredriks on the way home. Stephen may be her newest great grandchild. I'm not sure.

It was a good trip and we got to spend time with 10 family members. When we got home on Sunday night about 7, Mike helped me to unpack and we got two loads of laundry done and the kids showered. It is good to be home and have more space. I am glad to not have to nurse Stephen in the bathroom at night.:) He is basically sleeping through the night now. :)

Fun in the Mud

Mike made a mud pit for the kids (and him) on Saturday. Clay said he was "working." Mike said Jenelle had good balance standing/walking in the slippery mud. Where did she get the good balance?

Clean Up Time--first layer came off with the hose

I'm glad Mike is their dad because they had a great time and I don't think I ever would've done that.

Memorable times

Our three blessingsParent dedication for Stephen at our church on Mother's day
We were blessed to have both sets of grandparents there. (That's Stephen's picture on the screen behind us.)

We had Mother's Day lunch at my parents' and Mike's parents were able to be there, too. I like to get pictures with our kids and their grandparents. Neat to have them all local--except Great Grandma Fredriks, who lives in central Calif.

Our Engagement Anniversary

Our engagement anniversary was April 23--10 years. Mike surprised me with this rose from our garden. He's very sweet and romantic.

New toy for Stephen

We just got out this toy yesterday so Stephen could have another place to be when he's not being held. Jenelle and Clayton are enthralled with it. I thought this was very cute of them.Who is more entertained by it? :)

Stephen's first smiles

He is such a precious gift from God and he is so adorable. Now, when he smiles, it's just over the top!

Stephen's first 2 months of tiger pictures

Having a third child is wonderful. We love Stephen so much. However, the only things I am really keeping up on are the meals, dishes and the laundry. Obviously, I am not keeping up to date on my blog. But, here are Stephen's first 2 tiger pictures.

March 28

April 28

This Sunday, Mother's Day, is our parent dedication for Stephen. Our pastor leads the parents and the church in prayer for the babies and we, as parents, agree to raise our children in a way that is pleasing to God. It's a special time.