Sweet Baby Girl

I just love this picture of her. I had went in to feed her and could not let this sweet moment pass without a picture!

I just love this little girl so much, as does the rest of her family!

Last week was crazy, I am praying this week is not as crazy!! We are just about over our flu, still have some cough hanging around but the kids and Bryan seem to be over the yuck! Praise the Lord, Joanna is still great! Although last week was tough and I was beginning to think that the end would never come, God showed me some positive things in the midst of our struggle. I wanted to share a few of those things with you. #1) Our church family has went the extra mile this week in bringing meals. We have had meals brought every day and what a great blessing to not have to cook!! Praise the Lord! #2) Joanna is here and healthy. So thankful to have her home and that Labor and Delivery went well. God is so good!! #3) I have a wonderful hubby who has done awesome even while he was not feeling well. I could be doing this alone but God has been so good to provide a hubby who does above and beyond. #4) Friends that have text or called everyday to check on us and who have faithfully prayed for us. #5) God has provided and met our needs. In our weakness He is made strong! #6) Our 4 older children are in good health and just trying to get over the flu. I will be so glad to put last week behind me but I don't want to forget the many great things God has done even when things don't seem so great. I am thankful for Him opening up my eyes and showing me these blessings that were right before my eyes!

The BIG 40!!

Today is a day to celebrate! First of all, my wonderful hubby is 40!! I can't believe that! I am so glad and thankful to be married to this man! When I think about God putting us together I am reminded that 40 years ago when Bryan came into this world God already knew that I would marry him (even though I was not born yet). I thank God every day for making Bryan and for making him for me!! I love you Bryan! Happy Birthday!!

We are close to the end of our sickness. Sarah is completely over it, the little boys are almost there, Isaac is still coughing and not wanting to eat, I am still struggling with a cough & stuffy nose and Bryan is feeling much better, just a little weak. We rejoice that Joanna is doing so good and we continue to pray that she doesn't get this stuff. I went in to our room this morning and it looked like Bryan was going somewhere so I asked him where he was going. He said he was going to see his girl!! Because of all of us being sick he has not been able to hold her much and he was going to go and spend some time with her. I thought that was the sweetest thing! I know they will have many more bonding times in the future. Today is also Joanna's one week birthday! Can't believe she is a week old already!

Monday was my birthday and since we were sick there was no celebrating. On Tuesday Bryan went to the store to get some tylenol for the kids and Sarah went with him. After supper they pulled out a balloon and this ice cream bar and sung "Happy Birthday" to me!! How thoughtful! That was so sweet and I enjoyed every bite of my ice cream. I believe Sarah actually picked out the ice cream, she knows what I like!!

Miss Joanna is such a joy and we can't wait to love on her!!

This is of Joanna the day we came home from the hospital. She did really well on her first car ride.

All I want for my birthday is...

my family to feel better. That's right yesterday was my birthday and guess what....6 out of 7 of us have the flu!! Actually Sarah was sick last Thursday but just had a fever and a headache,"just" because I didn't think it was flu because no body aches and no other "flu" symptoms. So we just would take extra precautions. We made sure she would wear a mask at the hospital and we made sure she stayed in her room all day. On Friday morning our sweet little Joanna was born. Then by that afternoon Isaac had a fever and did not want to eat. So we put him in Sarah's room and would not let him come back to the hospital on Saturday. Sarah was not running a fever Saturday morning so we let her some back to the hospital as long as she had a mask on. It was so hard, I wanted them to be able to enjoy having a new little sister but it wasn't quite that way. As we were coming home on that Saturday afternoon I did not feel the greatest, but just thought maybe it was post delivery. By Saturday night Bryan was not feeling great. On Sunday Timothy started running a fever and had a cough. On Monday morning we took the two smaller boys to the Dr. and one had Type A flu and the other had type B which meant that both strands of flu were/are running through our house. I was so sick yesterday so I too went to the Dr and I tested + for type B flu. Although Elijah never started showing symptoms we had him checked and then today he has coughed, ran a fever and now his throat hurts! Will this ever end?


The kids waiting in the waiting room with their Big brother and Big Sister shirts on that we made.

The kids coming in to find out if the baby is a boy or girl.

Bryan is a very proud Daddy! And a GREAT Daddy!

Joanna Ruth Camp! I love her!! She looks so much like Sarah (I will post about that soon).

Me holding Joanna for the first time! I was very surprised she was a girl.

Timothy giving his baby sister some kisses!!

Elijah did not want to hold her at first but then he couldn't keep his hands off her. He loves her!!

I don't even want to post this picture because Sarah has that mask on but this is exactly how it was. She did pretty good about keeping it on. I know she can't wait to love on Joanna!!

Proud Big brother! I can see the sick in his eyes in this picture! :(

My dad enjoying a moment with Joanna. We always talk about how my parents had 1 child and now have 5 grandkids. That's a quiver full of grandkids!

A proud Pop!!! Joanna makes #8 grandkid for Pop and Gigi!!

My Dr. cuddling and loving on Joanna!

Bryan's mom and dad came up and stayed at a hotel on Thursday night. That was great for us so the kids and Bryan could go there on Friday afternoon and take a much needed rest! We are so thankful they were able to come up and help out with the other 4 kids and have some bonding time with them. Thanks Pop and Gigi!!

My mother stayed the night with me at the hospital. We wanted Bryan to take the kids home so they would not be out of wack and so they all could get some decent rest. My Dad was able to go home with Bryan and the kids and help there. We are so thankful they were here and able to help!!

I have posted some pics at the hospital. Needless to say we have stayed in the house as much as possible. We are praying and have asked others to pray that we will all get better soon and that little Joanna doesn't get sick! Please pray with us and for us! We are trusting and leaning on the Lord!! He is our great Physician and our ultimate Healer! Maybe when we are all better we can celebrate Joanna's birth, my birthday and Bryan's birthday (21st) and celebrate just being well!!

The voting on the blog for boy or girl....Girl won!! Looks like you guys were right. Wasn't that fun? Thanks for joining in on our fun!

Happy Birthday, Joanna Ruth!!

Our Baby Girl! 8 pounds and 3 oz. 20 inches long. Born at 11:48 this morning. Mommy and baby are doing good!

Snow of 2011!

Our house!

Timothy helping get snow for the snowman

Elijah is being silly....as usual

Sarah would stay out in the snow if she could

Isaac man off doing his own thing

5 inches!

Mr. Rabbit

I told Bryan today that snow is beautiful but I am ready for some sunshine! When we got up Monday morning the snow was everywhere. The kids were so excited and could not wait to get out in it! Bryan took the kids out late that morning and they measured the snow...5 inches!! I have to say the kids did have a great time playing in the snow. Then on Tuesday the snow was still there so the kids got to play in it another day! We bundled those babies up and sent them out to play! They actually built a TALL snow man yesterday, but it was not the prettiest so I did not take a picture (I think they were done once they got it built....there was no nose, eyes or scarf, just 3 balls of snow)! Today there is still snow but it is more like hard chuncks of ice today. It still looks like a winter wonderland around here. The roads are drivable so that helps. We did have a small friend who liked the snow, a rabbit. He was so far down in the snow the kids thought at first it was a shoe or something they had lost while out playing. When I opened the back door that little rabbit took off, he was FAST!!

Pregnancy update: I am 39 weeks today. No baby yet! Hope to post over the weekend and let you all know that this baby has come!! We could not be anymore excited! I just feel like a sitting duck. I have had some contractions and we will think "this is it" and then nothing! I am thankful that this baby hasn't came yet, I want our parents to be here and I do need to do a few more things. I will keep you posted!

Apple Dapple Cake

Wanted to share an awesome recipe with all of you. My dear hubby is so selfless that he never thinks of himself. If I am making out a menu or grocery list he will never be specific about what he would like. He is NOT a picky eater. So the other week when he said he would like an Apple Cake I wanted to make it my goal to make sure he got that before the baby came. My mother-in-law is who I turn to for recipes and she does make an Apple Cake. I called her and asked her for this recipe, thank you Joan! I had never made an Apple Cake before and I was really worried that it would not be any count...but Bryan LOVED it and went on and on about how good it was! I have to agree it was a very delicious cake! I thought I would share it and maybe you too could try it out and see what you think! Enjoy!! (Again thanks to my mother-n-law for this recipe!)

Apple Dapple Cake

2 c. sugar 1 t. vanilla
1 ¼ c. butter flavored Crisco
1 c. chopped nuts
4 eggs
3 c raw apples, chopped
3 c self-rising flour
½ t. cinnamon

(1) Mix sugar, Crisco and eggs. (2) Add flour. (3) Add vanilla, nuts, apples and cinnamon, mix well. (4) Pour into well-greased & floured tube pan (may use a bunt pan) (5) Bale 1 hour @ 350. (6) Let cool about 30 minutes, then turn onto cake plate.

Sauce
1c. light brown sugar
1 stick margarine
¼ c. milk dash of cinnamon

Mix all ingredients, bring to boil in microwave, let cool a few minutes. Pour over warm cake.

Pregnancy update....

I went to the Dr. yesterday and had some progress!! I am 38 weeks and 3 days today. The baby's heart beat was around 160 and everything is going great! I wanted to know for sure that the baby was head down so the Dr. did a quick sonogram and I got to see this cutie and I loved it!! I saw his/her nose, mouth and hand. I just can't believe that this baby will be here soon...I mean real soon!! Last week I had some really BAD contractions, more than just practice contractions that I normally feel. Thursday night I even had one that started in my lower back and then it went around to my lower abdomen and was hard. When I went in Friday I was a 3 1/2 cm and 60-70 % thinned!! WOW!! So Bryan has been really watching me and making sure he knows what is going on (contractions). I still don't see me going on my own because I never have before, but they say this could be the one! I have been working today to get some things done around here so that if this little blessing decides to come soon I will be prepared as much as possible. If no baby is here next week then we will induce. I will do my best to keep our blog updated and let you know what is happening! We covet your prayers!!

He looks like a little man!

OK we are in the "preparing for Baby" mode around our house!! One of the things that needed to be done was all the boys needed a hair cut. So our personal barber (AKA Dad) got out the clippers and went to work. Timothy has had a trim before but this time he was due a true cut! He did so well and sat so still for his daddy. He didn't cry or wiggle. I was so proud of him. Now he looks so much like a "little" man. Looking at him, he looks different in that the baby hair is gone. That is OK because he is not a baby NO more! I think he looks so cute and now all the boys are ready to welcome baby #5!! BTW... I had a Dr. visit this morning and will post that update soon.

Pregnancy update....

I went for my Dr. appt this past Thursday and all is well!! Yay! I will be 38 weeks tomorrow and this pregnancy is almost over. I am making some progress and hoping there will be even more progress this week! I just love my Dr. she is so sweet and takes her time. We are all so excited about this sweet bundle of joy coming, especially now that it is so close to time. Sarah said this morning that she just couldn't wait any longer, but she will have to wait a little longer. The voting on what you think this baby will be (boy or girl) has come to a close and the girl votes won! In 15 days (give or take) we will all know the right answer! It is amazing to know that God knows and has already ordained this baby's days.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in your book were all written

The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.

Psalm 139:16

I have officially started wearing Bryan's t-shirts and sweat shirts. They are much more comfortable and even fit better than my maternity tops. :) We are trying to do some things to prepare for baby and to get the house in some kind of order. I went to the grocery store last night in hopes of buying so in case this baby decides to come soon (which I really doubt will happen) my family will not go hungry. I have somewhat and to the best of my ability entered that nesting phase. Maybe just the fact that I want things done so I don't have to come home from the hospital trying to conquer all. I know Bryan will be a BIG blessing in taking care of the day to day things (as he already does) but I mean those things that only women think about. :) I go again this Friday for another appt. so I will try and update this weekend on any progress. We covet your prayers as we prepare for the baby's arrival, Labor and Delivery and for recovery.

See this sister....She loves her brothers!! She really would like a sister but if God chooses to bless us with another boy I do believe she will love him just as much as she loves the others. Timothy fell asleep on her the other night and she just ate it up!! If they are watching a movie together she wants him to lean on her and she puts her arm around him. She plays so well with the little boys and sometimes loves them crazy! She is such a blessing and such a great, fun and loving BIG sister!! God only knows what He has in store for our family and Sarah!

Snow on Christmas Day!

Our backyard covered in snow!!

If Timothy fell over, Bryan would have to help him up. I bundled him up GOOD!!

Elijah was busy playing and enjoying the snow!

Sarah was wanting Elijah to ride his bike.

#1 Dad!!

It began to snow on Christmas Day and continued to snow on the day after! It was beautiful!! My parents were here and thought they might get snowed in, but they did make a break for it right before lunch on Sunday. Our kids got to go out and play in the snow on Sunday afternoon and loved every bit of it. Bryan is such a great daddy, he took them out and played with them in the snow. The kids would love to build a snow man but the snow here just doesn't stick like it needs to. Of coarse the snow is still just as fun to play in! What fun!!