Never ask your husband for cake

Never ask your husband for cake and ice cream when he's been the one watching you puke and be sick after eating for the last 8 months. Why? Because he'll literally bring you two bites of cake and a teaspoon of ice cream to be eaten with a fork. He very solemnly said I should really only eat what the fork could catch of the ice cream. Seriously.

I would be irritated if he wasn't the one having to put up with me groaning in pain every time I eat. And the worst part is I know he's right. I won't be able to sleep if I ate anymore, but man, I do love birthday cake. I would confess all my secrets to a torturer if he ate birthday cake in front of me.

I really, really can't wait until our newest baby girl is born for many reasons, but one main reason is simply so I can eat again. But I have it in good authority that other parts of me after the delivery might hurt more than an upset stomach.

Why update my blog?

Well, it has been about a year and I can finally look at a computer screen without barfing. And I feel guilty about the kids' birthfamilies not seeing updated pics very often this year.

And perhaps the best reason of all -- this simple facebook post I got from Lynette which made me laugh very, very hard:

"You need to update your blog dearie."

Oh, only Lynette.

Sweet tooth, anyone?

This is how I found our sweet little Miss Carolina this week. She found the remnants of our chocolate pie in the garbage and was quite, quite pleased with herself. I, however, was not quite so pleased with the diaper she made afterwards.

Happy 5th Birthday, Carter!

Carter turned 5 today. It brought back all those memories of being so nervous and scared and meeting our little baby boy for the first time. I fell instantly in love. I can remember driving back to OH, amazed that we actually had a baby in that carseat. Here are just a few things I love about you, Carter:

1. How you tell me randomly throughout the day that you love me and miss me while you're at school.
2. That you still love to cuddle with me and a minute later, you're wrestling with Daddy.
3. When you ask for things and get a "no," you just say, "Maybe tomorrow" in response.
4. How you kiss my belly and then pretend the "baby" in your belly is kicking you, too. And of course, I can't forget your sympathy pains when I was so nauseated. You carried around your puke bowl just like I did.
5. How you insist the baby will be born by coming down my leg and out my foot.
6. How your hair gets so crazy in the mornings.
7. Your laugh.
8. How gentle you were with me while I was so sick this winter, massaging my feet, putting blankets on me, and giving me kisses and hugs.
9. That you are such a good big brother, always watching out for Carolina and Noah.
10. How you proudly list our names "Daddy, Mommy, Carter, Noah, and Carolina", and say happily that we're a family.

Happy Birthday!

The zoo

We went to the zoo with Carolina's birth family a couple of weeks ago but you probably couldn't tell from most of our pictures because the kids just wanted to play on the playground and amusement park. Oh well!

Prego Me

Here are a couple of pictures of me 32 weeks pregnant (2 weeks ago) for those of you who have been wanting to see me fat and swollen! I was tempted to post some pictures of my ugly swollen feet, but I decided to spare you -- this time.

I love to see the temple

On August 1, 2009 we were sealed to our baby girl for time and all eternity. It was a beautiful day and one we'll always remember. I love, love that we get to take our little babies to the temple when we adopt. It's like Heavenly Father is saying, "You know, you've had a rough journey to bring your children into your family. So, I'm going to give you a treat. You get to have a beautiful, sacred experience with your little ones inside my temple." I've even thought before, man, I'd be so sad to have a biological child and not get to take them to the temple. LOL

I am so grateful for our little family. There is nothing more sacred to me than holding our little ones in the temple and being made a family forever. Truly the most memorable moments.

Thanks to Mom who made her the most perfect gown and to Marsha who made her a beautiful blanket. Thanks to everyone who made her day special by taking pictures (Brysha, Paul, Tabitha, and Steve -- for trying to help Carter smile) and to our friends and family who helped make it a perfect day.