Play Time

It is so much fun watching all three kids start to interact together...granted Sutton is just watching and being entertained, but Shayden and Quinton are happy to be on her main stage.

 

 



Full of Joy

I am full of Joy...

 

for so many reasons but lately just in the peace and contentment God has given me.  I don't know if the birth of Sutton has caused me to turn a corner I didn't see, but she has in fact changed us and caused me to reflect in all these moments at home and taking a step back to care for now 3 little ones.

 

I feel so much joy.  God is good each and every day and if I just stop to take Him in I so quickly realize all He does for me and my little family.

 

We are loved by a large and wonderful extended family and friends.

We have been blessed with a home to live in, food on our table and little ones to fill our days. 

We are in a country where, although frustrating at times, we are allowed and encouraged to love our Lord each and every day in the way we so choose.

We look forward to our future, not dreading the next day or wondering how we can provide for our babies. 

 

In so many words...I have it good, very good.

 

 

 

It's a Girl

Sutton Paige Testa

10-28-2012

8 lbs 1 oz

21 inches

And yes, officially 1 month old and I am just now posting.  Can you say "Mom of 3"...  Sutton was technically 11 days overdue, but perfectly timed by God.  My water broke at 10pm on the 27th and after hanging out and catching a few hours of sleep things really started happening around 4am...and kicked up to intense around 9am.  By that time we were comfortably settled at the hospital and I was making my laps around the floor.  

Everything was different with this pregnancy.  My morning sickness was the worst of all 3, my pain in the third trimester was really hard for a few weeks.  We didn't find out her sex at our ultrasound, so that was to be a surprise, and I really wanted to accomplish a natural labor without any interventions.  Chris stated it perfectly one night when he said "It's like we are doing this for the first time.  I have no idea what's going to happen".  Man was the build up and excitement all worth it...I was so excited to meet this baby, you could have handed me an orangutan and I would have loved it to pieces (okay, so minor embellishment  but you get the idea).

So back to labor...I unfortunately had rough back labor the entire time, but thanks to my strong labor coaches (Chris and Rachel) we worked through it.  We had a great team of nurses who cheered us on and were super encouraging.  It was definitely the most intense physical challenge of my life but more than worth the prize at the end.  When Sutton arrived and we found out she was a girl, it was utter joy and sheer pleasure.  I balled my eyes out like a baby.  

Sutton has been such a good baby, she is so sweet and very relaxed.  She cries when she is in need of something but otherwise very content and peaceful.  The boys love her and Shayden is a super baby entertainer.  He is constantly singing and dancing for her at times when I need a few minutes to accomplish a task.  Quinton loves her but has certainly realized that she is staying and has mentioned a few times for me to put her down and just be with him.  All in all though I would say we are transitioning to a family of 5 very well.

1 month stats:

Weight: 10 lbs 7.5 oz

Height: 22.25 inches

We love you Miss Sutton!

Welcome to the Family

Captain America turns 4

Shayden is 4 years old!!!!

Oh my goodness, I cannot believe how fast those years have gone...but they have and this past weekend we celebrated in Superhero Style.

Shayden really wanted a superhero party this year and after grabbing a few costumes while I was out and about he landed firmly on Captain America.  A solid choice in my mind, I have absolutely NO CLUE about any superhero's, as there were no swords/guns/weapons involved in the costume.  :)

We gathered all our superhero friends and family members and embarked upon an adventure fit for any little superhero in training.

The evening started out with our Superhero Training Course which was demonstrated so well by Captain America's Grandpa (in full costume I might add).  And the kids grabbed onto the challenge well.  The course included, running, sliding, jumping, climbing under ropes and finished with a human tunnel formed by loudly cheering parents.

A Superhero meal was next on the agenda as each little superhero needed to power up for their upcoming challenge....The Superhero Strength Test.  Each child, if they so chose, could have their parents wrap them up in toilet paper and then break out using their superhero muscles!  It was a big hit with the boys.

The night finished off with a Captain America cake and plenty of sugar loading for the kiddos.  All in all a wonderful night to mark our little man's entrance into his fourth year.

A few pics:

Shayden, Happy Birthday buddy.  We love you to the moon and back.  You are an amazing little boy and we are so happy and grateful to be the parents God chose for you.  You continue to amaze us with your interests and knowledge.  And while your negotiating skills are improving a little too fast for my liking I know God has great plans for the wisdom you are gaining each year.  

All our love and admiration,

Mom and Dad