23 Weeks old

She's getting so big. Her 3-6month clothes are getting too tight!

 But boy does she love to smile!

And one last sleepy picture...

Sisters

 These 2 are going to be best friends, I can tell. Kara will not leave Ashley alone.

 Aren't they the cutest?

She's 5 years old today....

Happy Birthday, Emily!

Wow, our biggest baby girl, Emily, is 5 today. This is the one that made me a mom, made my husband a daddy, made my parents grandparents. She changed everything for us. And it's so amazing that it has gone this fast. 

God has blessed us beyond our wildest thoughts with this girl. 

She keeps me busy, keeps me on my knees.

I can't believe how she has changed....

And now she is 5 years old. 

She is the biggest big sister. 

She is smart, athletic, outdoorsy, can't wait to go hunting with Daddy, (which she got to do yesterday!) full of her own ideas,

 loves bugs, loves chickens, loves to run, loves to roar, loves to sing, loves purple, 

loves to be the center.

 How old are you, Emily?

(can you tell she's saying the word "five", making the f-sound with her lips, and showing me 5 fingers?)

Love you to heaven and back, sweet girl. 

On my birthday....

This is me (picture taken by Emily).

Today's my birthday, and I must say, the Lord has given me the best gift ever. These 4 people.

 I can't imagine my days without them.

 What was it like to be single? Or childless? I can't even remember.

They (yes, even Matt (sorry Babe, but it's true)) are my biggest challenge and my biggest reward, 

all wrapped up in one blue-eyed package. 

I thank my Lord Jesus everyday for them. 

Wow- I love them so much. I am blessed.

Nothing like a Naky Baby

These are all pretty much identical pictures of a very happy Ashley at 20.5 weeks old

 sporting her tu-tu.

 She has the greatest smile!

5 Months Old

Ashley is 5 months old!

She wakes up with a smile, every day. She can sit up supported and prefers that to laying down. She loves her crazy sisters. She can roll tummy to back, and almost the other way. She sucks on her hands all the time, loves to chew on whatever she can grab. She's taking about 2 naps most days, about 1.5 hours each and her nights are getting a little better. And it's crazy she's 5 months today already!

Kara

She had just woken from a nap and didn't really want me to take pictures.

 But I was able to catch that amazing smile!

 And she's always available for a hug or *kisses*

Emily

This girl is way too much....

 but we love her like crazy!!

She's turning 5 in a few days.... 

UNBELIEVABLE! 

 and she's got some crazy dance moves....

Daddy & Ashley

They love each other deeply....

Mommy & Ashley

I got in a few pictures this week....

this on was at a friends house to celebrate our October birthdays.

 Then Matt took these for me, just to prove that I exist!

21 Weeks

I can't even decide which of these are the best this week....

 I just love the pink outfit (it's still summer like in October!)

and her bright blue eyes. 

 Kisses from Kara