windowsill

We took the kids to Story Time at the  library today. I'm glad to report that they didn't even take over the class as they tend to do in group settings. This windowsill at the librry was just too great of a photo opp to pass up. I love this photo of Lainey-wearing a dress clutching onto her race car.

2 pears.. and a finger

there's 6 of us

Our shift from a family of 5 to a family of 6 has actually been as smooth as we ever could have hoped for.  It really does seem like our lives have been much calmer since Edison arrived..largely in part because I have actually taken friends and family up on their generous offers of help. And Will is the best dad and husband ever. And I suppose because this is our second/fourth time around. Anyway, life with 4 kids under the age of 2 is exactly as crazy as I anticipated, yet so so much more wonderful!

Edison at 2 weeks - already weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces.

 Willie Grace helping out with snack time

Rare shot of Edison with open eyes

Connie, being the incredible friend she is, left her little ones at home to come help take care of ours for a week. We all had so much fun with her here and were sad to see her go.

Will with the crew

Lainey loves anything that can be a hat, except for actual hats of course.

Oscar helping Edison out with the swing.

first bath

Edison needs to graduate to the baby bath already - his first bath in the sink and he's already too big!  It's hard to believe that Edison was born at the same weight as his siblings were at 2 + months.

 

welcome home baby boy

What a big day.  Our little Edison came home.  This time around, on the same day as me even.  It brought back so many memories of having to leave the trio in the NICU when I was discharged.  The house was painfully empty that first night.  Well, 19 months later, our house felt anything but empty on our first night home!

I took this shot of Will and Edison just before leaving the hospital-Edison looks like he needs some reassurance that going home is a good thing!

big sister time

Edison, meet your siblings

It was so much fun introducing each of the kids to Edison. As is with every new experience, they all had very different reactions.
Oscar was the first to meet his brother. I think he likened Edison to talking Elmo because he would just laugh at every movement and noise Edison made, especially when he pushed on his nose. His attention quickly turned to all the new 'toys' in my hospital room and seemed to be just fine with me holding a baby (we were a little worried about that with Oscar!).

Lainey came in second to meet Edison. She was definitely the most put off by this new baby. She wasn't too impressed with me either.  My poor girl even seemed a little scared.  Now that she's had some time to take it all in, she's chosen to mostly just ignore Edison, though she will give him a kiss every once and a while.

Willie Grace has been absolutely enamored with Edison since the second she saw him.  She just sat with me holding Edison for the longest time, giving him hugs and kisses. She's the calmest and sweetest she's ever been in her whole life when she's around him -- much to our surprise!  

While Edison and I were in the hospital, Will would go home each night to take care of the kids - I should say help Gram take care of the kids!  Thank you Joanie for making Edison's arrival such an easy transition on everyone, especially the kids.  I will always treasure the first quiet nights in the hospital with our sweet sweet Edison.

Edison Allen has arrived!

Our sweet baby boy arrived on August 22nd at 2:18pm.  He's a healthy 8 pound, 7 ounce, 21 inch long baby with a head full of dark hair.  I hope to write his whole birth story at some point, but the short version is that I went into labor and was admitted to the hospital Sunday evening and on Monday afternoon after 2+ hours of pushing, Edison made his way into the world, sunny side up. He is just as sweet as can be and I love him with all of my ever growing heart.  He is the most perfect addition we could have ever hoped for.
Edison is named after his late great grandfather, S. Allen Unger, an incredible man who we hope inspires him every day.
Here are just a few photos taken after he was born. Our wonderful photographer friend, Brooke, was there during his delivery, so we will have more to share soon - not of the delivery of course, but of Edison!

19 months: before baby #4

The girls have become such good friends this month. They just love hugging on each other and playing these sweet little games that send them both into giggle fits.  It may have something to do with Oscar going through a biting phase... but they don't want to have much to do with him.  It all works out because he doesn't really want to have anything to do with anyone except mommy this month.  I think he knows something BIG is going to change very soon.

at the children's museum. tea time for one.

 

 

 We have to stop to smell every flower Oscar spots. Not such a bad thing to be reminded to do!