Savana's Baptism Session

I ended up doing an indoor session one day and an outdoor session another.  I was waiting for the weather to warm up and things to start coming back to life outside.  I did them indoors at a much earlier date because I was unsure what was going to happen with the little baby inside my tummy.  A few of my kids have had the tendency of making a surprise debut and I just wasn't sure if little Brooklyn would  be doing the same.  The outdoor session I did the weekend of Easter at the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. This temple in particular holds a bit of sentimental value to us so it was very fitting.  Savana is a natural beauty and loves to be in front of the camera.  I enjoy it because it makes my job easier!

Maternity Photos

So, I was extremely lucky to stumble upon a fellow photographer that has now become a very good friend of mine! She was so very sweet to take some pictures of the last baby bump I'll ever have.  I can never say it too many times....Thanks Shanna!!

Easter 2012

We seem to always make a new tradition for Easter anymore. This year, we were hoping to have a few babies, but no bueno! It was my Mom's birthday on Easter Sunday. She was secretly wanting to induce either my sister or myself, but no such luck! Easter morning we woke up to all kinds of baskets filled with goodies and candy spread through out the lawn. The kids had a blast and I love seeing their faces light up as they hoard every little piece of gold they lay their eyes upon.

Cruising

We've had this walker for a few months now.  In ways it's been a love/hate relationship, but really for the most part....love.  Lincoln has been practicing indoors and it finally was warm enough to take it out.  He loves the outdoors!!  If he hears a knock at the door, he's right there with the rest of the kids to greet the guest.  Most of the times it results in him trying to escape.  He could have gone on and on this day cruising along.  He had no issues trying to walk on the grass or concrete, it was all fair game to him.  We just recently unlocked the front wheels so they would swivel.  He's doing really well with it.  In this particular video, I was a tad nervous when he headed up the driveway knowing he'd have to eventually come down.  To my amazement, he controlled it like a pro.  I'm super anxious, as I'm sure he is as well, for the weather to continue to stay nice so we can keep him going.  It's fun to see his progress to this point.  I was hoping we wouldn't have to depend on a walker, but if it's the tool we need to get him walking, we'll take it. 

Just Can't Get Enough

Okay, this little guy kills me. I seriously can't get enough of his big blue eyes, plump velvety lips, and ladies man demeanor. He LOVES to flirt. If he sees a lady at the store, he'll stare her down until she finally gives in and falls into the spell of his dreamy eyes. He flashes a big smile to let her know he's won.
Lincoln had an evaluation with the opthomolagist a few months ago at his neonatal follow up clinic. Dr. Larson was concerned about his occasional eye-crossing and prepared me that we might have to delve into the eye glasses torture again. He had another follow up three months later where they determined it would be best to get him in glasses again to try to correct his alignment. I wasn't too ecstatic, but I knew it was for the best. After meeting with the doc and figuring out Lincoln's prescription, I met with a psychologist. He gave me a few pointers in how to make sure Lincoln wouldn't mess around with his them. I have to say, so far it seems to be working wonders. It could help that he's a bit older and understands when he is told "no"as well. We'll see how long it lasts, who knows how permanent it may be. I think he is handsome with or without them ..... either way, we're good!
Maybe next time I can get a picture with him looking at me and smiling :)

Bump in the Belly

Just wanted to show just a teeny glimpse into the journey so far. There will most definitely be more photos in the future! This pregnancy has really been such a sweet blessing. It is nice to know that Heavenly Father really is mindful of each and everyone of us, our desires, our sorrows, our triumphs and on and on.

Growing belly

I decided to be brave and post a photo of what I look like at 30 weeks. I've felt big for quite a while, but my progress thus far is really redefining big! And to think..... I have two more months to go ... Lovely! Really, I'm not trying to sound ungrateful. I don't remember what it's like to be this far along in a pregnancy. The last time I got to this point was over five years ago. It's amazing the things you forget. She is definitely getting bigger and protesting her limited space. I'm at the point where we go in for a prenatal appointment every two weeks now. Before we know it she'll be here. I'm hoping she is a good girl and sticks it out like she's supposed to.
The differences I've noticed with this pregnancy, aside from all of my others (let's face it, I'm somewhat of a pro at this point)- ummm, nausea...what's up with that?  Okay, okay it only lasted a very SHORT while, but nonetheless, it made it's presence!!  Wedding ring not fitting....huh? sorry, never experienced that before either.  But for some reason my joints are having fun swelling on me this go round!  What else?? Oh that's right, looking like I'm ready to pop ..... now! I have TWO more months.  Not sure how this is going to work out exactly.
But.....I'm really trying to take it all in and appreciate it.  I have had a few bold people tell me what a lot of people might actually be thinking but too afraid to say.  They can't comprehend my courage in attempting one more time given the circumstances with my last two pregnancies.  I can honestly say I just knew everything would be okay.  Not sure how, I just did.  And if by chance things didn't turn out okay, I'm experienced in the field. Not that it wouldn't be hard, but I know I could handle it because I survived it twice before.  I may sound like a glutton for punishment, but I just know there are so many things out of our control. I'm not one to not live my life because I'm afraid of what MIGHT happen.  As hard as my past experiences were, they helped me to grow and appreciate the little things that much more.  I followed my heart and that's all you can do!