"I want to hold the baby!!!!"

Jake is a popular guy. The kids are all fighting over who gets to hold him. He sure gets lots of kisses.

Nice to be home

We're back from the hospital- what a relief! Thanks so much to our Ward Relief Society for dinner tonight- it is MUCH appreciated! We are all very worn out and glad to be hunkering down at home together for a few days.

Introducing Jacob Warren Hess

Rough first day for a tiny guy- the trauma of being born and then a circ during the first 24 hours of life!! Poor guy! Talking to Grandpa Hess and singing to Jake at the same time
Good big brother
Luke looks so grown up now!
Cass held him most the afternoon

We just can't get enough of him!!

Father and son, sharing their first Cowboys game together

The big kids meet the new baby

Meeting their little brother- I love the look on Luke's face. Notice the interests in this pic....Thanks for the Star Wars book, Pops! It's given Cade something to do while he's been visiting! :)
Jacob Warren Hess....less than a day old
Luke first meets Jake
Happy to have her baby here at last! She's already planning another one- and picked out the gender (a girl of course). I told her to talk to me in a couple years.

Luke fell asleep on the way to the hospital to see baby Jake. We let him sleep for awhile. When he woke up, he ran as fast as he could to Jake and wouldn't settle until he could hold and kiss his new brother. I was so happy to see this reaction from him!

Mom, Cade, Jake and Cass
FOUR KIDS! Can you believe it?! Daddy and his boys

Baby Jake

Has made his appearance!! He was born at 8:27pm on 8/27/08 weighing in at 8lbs and 8oz, 20 inches long. He has got "meat hooks" for hands the doc says. Big Peters hands and feet. Maybe he'll follow along in the swimming footsteps and become the next Michael Phelps (Pops suggested). Everyone is safe and sound. Thanks to all who are helping with the big kiddos!

Earlier today....

I went to the doc and they sent me off to the hospital- I was dilated to a 5. That was at noon....

First Day of School!!

Leaving the house for 2nd Grade!!
Cass in front of her school
Duck/fishing ponds

Cass was so excited to ride her scooter to school today. She was so cute in her new school dress and leggings. She didn't even need me to walk her in! This is her 3rd school in the last 4 months- she's adjusting really well to the move so far! After we dropped her off the boys and I went for a walk to the ponds right near our house and visited the ducks. I can't wait for her to come home to hear all about her day!

Preparing for School

Now we're all set- they know what to do before school and after school. Hopefully it works!!
Finished jobs go in these file boxes
Luke's favorite book right now- The Very Hungry Catepillar, by Eric Carle. He likes to pretend the butterfly is biting his finger.

We have everything set up for a smooth running morning. The kids have their jobs all set out on the fridge and are ready to go! We're buzzing with excitement over here!

Still 3cm

No changes today at the doc's. :(

Parade- of sorts

Okay, so these schools here never cease to amaze me. What you are looking at is the tail end of a PARADE (the police car turning the corner is the last of it) of teachers and staff (from our local elementary school) that went around our neighborhood this morning. They were in their cars, pickups, etc all dressed up with posters and silly hats to celebrate the new school year starting on Monday. Luckily they came right by our house, so we just ran out the front door when we saw the big school bus heading the procession. They all honked their horns and waved at us as we waved to them. It was so funny. We get to meet Cassidy's teacher this afternoon. Cassidy is very excited.

Aunt Hailey is TONS of fun

Preparing Lunch with the kids
Hailey just got back from a trip to Ecuador and brought us back some GREAT trinkets!! The boys have had a blast playing with their new maracas and pan flute.
Hailey brought back some fun music and showed us how the locals do their dancing.

We are sad she is already gone- it was a short visit- we had such a fun time with Aunt Hailey. Thanks for coming!!! Come again soon!

Star Wars- the Clone Wars

So, Cade has been revved up for weeks for the new animated Star Wars movie to come out. He didn't move an inch for over an hour while in the theater watching the movie. As you can see they kids are all decked out in their own Star Wars shirts for the occasion. Definitely a movie made for kids, but we enjoyed having a family activity the kids were so into.

Fun at the Mall

Riding the indoor Merry-Go-Round
Luke watching the big kids- LOVES the stroller
We have had TONS of rain lately. So we needed a new activity besides running off to the pool. We have been enjoying the mall instead. The kids had a great time eating at the food court, watching the skaters at the ice rink, visiting the Disney Store and riding the Merry-Go-Round.

Okay, so I made the hotsling last night

But now what do I do with it?! I'm not sure how to wear this thing. It seems like it's too tight. I'm not sure if that's how it is supposed to be, if I made it too small or if it's because the baby is still INSIDE and I'm just bursting. Any tips would help!!

Luke's artwork

Apparently he didn't think I'd had enough of cleaning with all the nesting going on around here- so he colored with crayons all over the wall and the door. It took us half an hour to scrub it off using several different cleaners, various rags and scotch brite pads. Amazing- it only took him minutes to create it!!

You think Cass is ready for life as a mom? Talking on the phone, giving the baby a nap her purse and all! :)