Henry's blessing and Weiler fun

My parents stayed for one more night while the Weilers drove up so we could bless Henry with both sides of the family here. The Weilers stayed here for the weekend on the way up to a reunion in Pennsylvania, so we hosted lots of folks for a few days (28 people was the max at one time).

 Robbie absolutely adores uncle Joseph. It is so sweet. Joseph is so kind and patient with all the grandkids and they love him!

 Michael's brother, Seth, got married the week before to Marissa Worsham, and they both traveled down from their honeymoon in Maine to be there for the baby blessing and PA reunion. She is stellar.

 Grandma Weiler holding her newest grandbaby!

 Grandpa Weiler with Henry and cousin Hannah.

 Some antics with the cousins and Joseph--playing frisbee while carrying Robbie on his shoulders.

 Love.

 Most of Michael's siblings were there, which was cool--here's Michael with his brother, Caleb.

 That night Henry received a beautiful blessing from his daddy, grandfathers, and uncles.

 Proud parents.

 Henry is wearing the tuxedo that a friend made for Robbie's blessing. Over the top but super cute.

 So grateful for such wonderful men in our family!

 Three generations.

 Father and son.

 We had everyone eat all their meals outside so we could reduce the mess and stress inside. Here's Robbie and his cousin closest in age, Samuel.

 Sunday breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and fruit with cousins--doesn't get much better than that. (I put Michael to work on his own Father's Day to make the pancakes and sausage. Great guy.)

 Clara had a wonderful time with her cousins, Anne and Abigail.

 Grandma and Grandpa Weiler with Henry and William, Henry's closest Weiler cousin.

After everyone left, Grandma stayed to help with Henry and the kids. It was such a blessing and I was so spoiled to have my mom and my mother-in-law to help for so long. They both wore themselves out with cleaning, reading Geronimo Stilton to Clara, holding Henry while I did other things, and letting me sleep and rest. I confess I don't know how we'll manage without them, but I guess we'll make it somehow. I am truly blessed.

To a great dad

We are all Daddy's biggest fans. Happy father's day!

Fun with Bapa

It was so great having my dad come up for a few days at the end of my mom's visit.

 He had brought a little pirate ship kit from Lowes to make with Robbie. Robbie hammered a few times but preferred to have Bapa do it. Note the awesome necklaces Robbie is wearing.

Ta-da! A pirate ship and a green smoothie mustache. Nice.

And of course, they went to the children's museum and enjoyed playing there with Nana and Bapa.

Mother's Day

This year, I didn't mind Mother's Day as much as I have in the past. Not sure why. I am so thankful for my mother and all she did for me as a child and continues to do for me as an adult. I am also very grateful for Michael's mom and the way she raised him and how she helps me now as well, accepting me as a daughter despite my failings. With a third child now, my amazement and appreciation for both of them continue to grow.

 Enjoying breakfast in bed from my sweet husband and kiddos (well, Clara was asleep, I think.)

Robbie enjoyed eating his oatmeal in bed with me.

Phone pics

The weekend before the baby was due, we went strawberry picking.

We didn't realize that we had picked nearly 30 pounds until we got to the check-out and had to pay nearly $60. Oops.

 And this wasn't even all of them! I also made strawberry muffins and we ate a ton fresh.

 Me and my Robbie.

 Playing with their live baby doll.

 Henry weighed ten pounds at his two-week appointment. Yay!

Bath time!

Henry received a lot of help during his first bath. Since he still had his umbilical cord on, Michael was very careful to wash around it.

 Big brother Robbie is an eager observer . . .


. . . and got to help with the bathing.

 He likes it!

 Okay, maybe not. Actually, he did seem to really enjoy the warm water and didn't cry.

Bathing a baby is a family affair.

At home with Henry

My mom came a few days after Henry's birth. It was great to have her help, especially when I had to take Henry to get his blood checked twice for bilirubin levels, in addition to cooking, cleaning, etc. etc.

Talking to her newest grandchild (number 26?).

Big sister with baby brother. Clara has really done great with Henry and with the transition in general.

 Henry gave Robbie and Clara kinetic sand. Wasn't that nice of him?

 The kids chose this stuffed tiger to give to Henry, and Clara made him a little book.

 Trying to have some normalcy around here, Michael spent one evening with the kids in the baby pool and on the trampoline. They love it when he jumps with them. Apparently Robbie loves to jump on him, too.

Michael has the kids sit or stand on the side while he shows off his flips and tricks. One big kid and two little kids.

 Bathing beauty getting some sun.

 A little fish in the water.

 More time with Nana.

 She was especially great about reading with the kids and even sewed a denim skirt with Clara and helped her make a denim church bag, too.

In reality, this is mostly how we are feeling these days--pooped out.

Fortunately, little by little we are getting things figured out. Three kids is exhausting, but somehow, with the Lord's help, we will do this.