Spring is fast approaching and my expanding family has me feeling like a mother duck.

Even this morning, as I snapped this photo Henry followed close behind on his bike.

The next moment he is off to play on his own, seeing me preoccupied with feeding a baby.

“Be safe my little duckling” my momma voice calls out.

means rest 

and relaxation

celebrating with friends

sharing food

having fun

enjoying the outdoors

We walked for a good two hours through the stalls.

I resisted buying another purse and a print of a painting I like. I just looked and admired.

We took a break for treats.

I love the cotton candy faces.

Olivine’s first bathing suit (thank you Tami).

The heated salt water pool kept her mellow.

Henry had a little separation anxiety.

After swimming and some milk, she slept for hours.

Meanwhile Paul jumped right in and swam around pretending to be a diver.

Then came home and took orders

pretending to be a chef/waiter.

Look at these expressions…

smiling

talking

I spend time just smiling and talking back

We spent time with friends.

Ate a little pizza.

Envied the idea of having a front yard.

Noticed that Olivine’s congestion is clearing up, so the antibiotics are working.

Because it’s Spring Break we have every night to be together, instead of one of us being at school and the other one of us juggling three children. This also means spending time in the neighborhood.

Borrowing people’s homemade swings

Stopping whenever we want

Making it down to the beach

Feeling the sand in our toes

The colorful veggies I can throw into a salad.

The blue skies after a couple of stormy days.

The bigger brother who decides to turn himself into a robot using playdough and pencils.

The smaller brother who desperately tries to keep up.

The baby who kicks her legs wildly (her latest discovery).

The legwarmers that look like candy canes.

The sleepy look after all that exercise.

The sun is setting and we all have full tummies from dinner.

I am lounging on the couch while our baby girl sleeps.

The boys are busy listening to stories on record..Disney books from Joe’s boyhood collection.

Olivine turned six weeks old today.

I am trying my best to stay present and to notice the small, daily changes that are easy to miss.

Today she seemed very aware of my face and started making little cooing noises.

This is one sweet strawberry.

Last Sunday Olivine was dedicated at our church.

Janet was kind enough to snap these photos and pass them along.

We had a chance to pray with others for our baby girl’s life.

We are reminded that she was a gift and that one our highest responsibilities is parenting.

Like my view of God, I have to sometimes be reminded of the holy and sacred beauty of children.