I'm going to stop apologizing...

I'm going to stop apologizing for being such a terrible family blogger. I really don't feel that guilty for not posting regularly. I wish I was more committed to it, but in all honesty, I'm just trying to parent my munchkins well, be a good wife, help my husband plant a church, keep a house somewhat in order, and be a faithful follower of King Jesus. Oh and also growing a baby. :) Yep, I'm actually almost done growing baby Rico #4. We plan to welcome him/her into our family in about 5 weeks. We are all really really excited and eager to meet this little one. For now, Isaiah Mercy and Daniel are enjoying feeling the baby kick and wiggle and give lots of kisses to my rapidly growing belly. It's pretty sweet to see all the ways they are processing the impending arrival of this little one. Mercy is faithfully praying for a little sister. She asked me a few months ago, "Mama, if Jesus already knows if the baby is a boy or a girl, should I still pray for a sister?" Sweet girl trying to process the deep mysteries of our great God and how he works in and through our prayers. Isaiah and Daniel are more hopeful for a new brother, but they aren't nearly as passionate about it as Mercy. I overheard Mercy educating Daniel the other day, "Daniel, Mommy says that if the baby is a boy, we still need to take care of it. So, we are going to love the baby no matter what, ok?" So cute. Apparently the little talk I had with her about God knowing what is best for us, whether baby boy or baby girl, made a bit of an impact.
We moved the boys in a room together in the basement after Thanksgiving. My Mom helped me paint and decorate and so far they have loved sharing a room. Over the holidays when I needed Daniel to sleep elsewhere, he cried saying, "But mama!!! I need someone to snuggle near. Not a stuffed animal. I need a real brother to sleep close to! " He is pretty fond of having his big brother in the bed across from him and though there are plenty of times they keep each other awake with giggles and chatting, I'm happy to see them enjoying each other and their shared space.
Daniel's old room is now prepped and ready for the new baby. That room had fire engine red walls when we moved in and we have now finally painted them and have a nice soothing neutral cream color. I am loving the change!


Mercy started K4 this year at Isaiah's school and is loving being in class across the hall from him. In the mornings when I drop them off together, it is not uncommon to see them walk into the building hand in hand. Isaiah has been so good to her, helping make sure she goes to the right places and checking in on her periodically. He is such a sweet big brother and often amazes me with his nurturing and concern for his siblings. Here they are on the first day of school this year:

Isaiah is thriving in 1st grade, reading like a maniac, loving Math and Science, and learning to play the piano. He had his first piano recital a few months ago and I was super proud of how he stepped up to that piano in front of over 100 people and played his Christmas songs. He was very proud of himself and we were bursting with joy over his hard work and accomplishment.
Here he is on his 7th birthday back at the beginning of December.

Daniel turns 3 tomorrow. He is such a big boy! His favorite things to do are build lego duplo towers and creations, play dart gun wars with Daddy and Isaiah, and wrestle and tackle anyone willing! He especially loves to tackle Bear (his grandaddy). He loves to eat and seems to be constantly hungry. Some days the food consumption in this house seems outright ridiculous! I can't imagine what it is going to be like in a few years when they are all teenagers. Wow!
Tonight when I tucked him into bed, we snuggled and he patted my cheek with his chubby little hands and said, "Mommy, I love you. Can I keep you?" Sometimes I really do feel like I might burst wide open with love for him and his siblings.


I really do love this busy, full life. My family is precious to me and I am eager to get to meet and know this new little baby. Maybe I'll even get better at this blogging thing... probably not though. :)