Fun in the Summertime

In case the hot and humid weather wasn't hint enough for you, it's officially summertime!  We have spent our time eating cool treats,

 and chillin' by the pool in the backyard. 

We had family come in to visit on their summer break to meet the newest member of the family

and to reconnect with cousins. 

Our backyard looks a little different after a rain storm blew through this Tuesday so we are in the market for new trees to shade our backyard. 

Our little Allegra is still as precious as can be and I am adoring the newborn stage of cuddling and round-the-clock nap time.  She was 10 lbs 5 oz at her two month appointment and she has grown 2 inches since birth.  She is now cooing and gurgling, trying to communicate with us.  At 10 weeks, she has grown out of her newborn clothes and can fit 3 month clothes perfectly.  Siena has given her a bottle and Carson enjoys holding his baby sister.  We are so blessed by these gifts from God and even though it is hard work, it is the best work that we have been hired to do.   

Life with Three

The most commonly asked question I hear now is, "How is life now with three kids?"  And to be honest, it hasn't been too bad.  Poor Kurt has more work though keeping the older two entertained while I nurse and care for the youngest who luckily sleeps most of the time.  Siena & Carson adore their baby sister and why wouldn't they; she is sweet, passive and doesn't care about their toys or food....yet.  Everybody loves a baby, even kids.  

Our house has been full with visitors coming to meet Allegra and the kindest people bringing us meals, even now.  Once again, this is nothing new for us as we welcome guests into our home as often as we can so we have all enjoyed it.  

Sebastian couldn't get enough of his new baby cousin.  Looks like he has had some practice holding little ones with his baby brother. 

 We got out of the house one afternoon to show the Kansasans how we pick strawberries in the South and to show "Baby Strawberry" just how little she once was.  I don't think there was an empty belly or basket as we left the country side.  

I am not sure how but one month has passed since little Allegra arrived.  Although she still spends most of her time eating and sleeping, she has spent a few hours with her eyes open, she has learned to smile and we have started to hear her coo.  

Memaw kept everyone occupied with story time and several fun activities she brought along for the journey to Tennessee.  

Baby Allegra is absolutely precious and already having two other children that we have witnessed grow up in front of us, we are guarding each and every moment with our newborn as a gift.  Not too far down the road, she will be crawling and walking and talking and playing with the neighbor kids, but for now, she is our sleeping beauty who gazes at us with wonder and amazement as we stare back at one more reason we put our faith in a God chooses create something so beautiful and incredible.