"What are you doing up there Mom?"

The boys love our new train we are going to put around the tree!

Samuel is good at keeping Michael happy.  :)

Samuel thinks we should get Michael a toy puppy for Christmas since he loved his so much. 

This little guy is getting over (at least I hope) an ear infection now too!  At least Michael seems to be doing better.

Sweet Mikey...

Although in this one he looks a bit irritated.  ;)

 

Things have been a bit dull for the kids since Michael was born, seeing how we can't get outside much or go too many places.  So yesterday we had a little "pajama party".  It was Sam's idea and he wanted his cousins to come wearing their pajamas and with a stuffed toy.  His only other request for his "party" was that we have balloons.  :)  I think they had a fun afternoon. 

 

Cozy Emmy and Sam.

And cozy Margie and Jacob.  :)

"Hey there baby Mikey! "  This poor little guy has double ear infections.  Everyone here has been getting over a cold (except me), and I've been so careful trying not to let Michael get sick, but I think it was inevitable.  He is on an antibiotic and doing ok, just a bit congested.  Let's hope it doesn't go beyond that! 

 Sweet Michael...  :)

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that Elsie, Samuel and Jacob were wrapped up in their special blankets knit by Great Aunt Joann! 

Just the boys and I

I've been trying to keep the kids occupied inside while Elsie's at school, since it's too cold to bring baby Mikey outside.  Here's Jacob excavating Smarties from his "cracker crumb dirt".  :)

 

And here's our makeshift volcano.  It kept them entertained for a few minutes anyway. :)

 

Michael was waiting for the doctor at his most recent visit.  It was so cold in there so I had him all bundled up.  He weighed in at 9 pounds, 11 and a half ounces. 

 

Jacob experimenting with some goodies sent from Aunt Joann. 

Halloween

Thank you so much for the beautiful sailboat blanket you knitted Aunt Joann!  Michael is always so comfortable wrapped up in it, as you can see.  :)

 

Little "peeker"!  I can't get over how much this baby looks like Elsie when she was a newborn.  I also get glimpses of Samuel.  I wonder if he'll end up a blondie like his brothers! 

Enjoying Aunt Keely's company.  :)

The three big kids ready to trick-or-treat with Daddy.  I stayed home with the little guy this year.

Jacob switched from Batman, to the lion costume at the last minute. 

Batman and the Blue Dragon. 

 

The happiest little pumpkin on his first Halloween.  :)

 

Elsie and her classmates dressed up as slices of pizza in the Halloween parade.  Glad Matt got some pictures for me!

 

Love having my hands full with all these kiddos! 

Enjoying roasted pumpkin seeds and cider while watching a Halloween movie.  :)

Playing in the leaves on a warm fall afternoon!

 

Posing with their pumpkins, but where's Jacob?!

Master of disguise.  :)
 

Baby Michael

Sweet little Michael Frederick picked his day, and arrived Sunday October 28th at 5:05 am.  He weighed 9 pounds and 7 ounces!  I know I was huge, but wasn't expecting a baby quite that big!  Anyway, he's just wonderful...   This picture was taken in the NICU, where he stayed for a few days because he was breathing too rapidly and had aspirated.  But he quickly turned this around so we could all be home together as a family of SIX on Tuesday!  :)  Matt and I are trying to get used to the extreme lack of sleep, but are feeling oh so blessed!  :)