Family Update

The past nine days have been such a whirlwind as Patrick and I have tried to adjust to our new roles as Daddy and Mommy to FOUR children. Our days are incredibly busy and as with any new parent, filled with so much emotion. It seems as though with each new life God grants us, we recognize and appreciate all of our children to a new degree and even though we never thought it possible, our love toward each of them grows even more.

It has been such a joy to watch our older kids get to know their new little brother. He certainly is very loved. Brody takes every opportunity he can to honk the little guy's nose, tickle his toes and give him some hugs and wet juicy kisses. Ella and Cassidy have really stepped up as Mommy's Little Helpers. From the beginning they have been there helping me with Joseph's diaper changes, fetching his pacifier, rocking him to sleep, burping him after his feedings and reading him stories. It is just too cute how maternal they really seem to be. One afternoon while Ella was helping me give Joseph a sponge bath, she kept trying to sing "Jesus loves me" to him to quiet his cries (I don't think any of our children liked those sponge baths!). The louder Joseph screamed, the louder Ella sang. I didn't have the heart to tell her she was making my head spin because she truly was trying to help and make little Joseph realize that everything was going to be okay. As much as I absolutely love and cherish this time with the kids as little youngsters, I truly look forward to the day my girls have children of their own...and are able to experience the joy and blessings that comes with being a mother...