First Things First

 We've had a couple weeks filled with 'firsts' around here. 

Lynden isn't generally first at anything.

Walking for example... 

Haha!

But, thanks to his hardworking Daddy, he now has a big boy bed!

The first week or so took a few tumbles and being returned back to 

bed innumerable times, but he's getting the hang of staying in bed now.

For the first few days Ryder borrowed my blanket ladder to get into his top bunk.

I'll have to get a new picture with the matching walnut ladder Braden made for him.

And I finally finished Lynden's first big boy bed blanket. 

How's that for alliteration? 

 Quincy had his first doctor's appointment last week as well.

Getting three kids up, dressed, fed, and to the doctor's office on my own by 

8am was a task of Olympic proportions, but we made it with 5 minutes to spare. 

I think this is my new favourite photo. 

Lynden still won't walk on his own, but to give me a break, 

Braden took both big boys to the shop with him on Saturday.  

Quincy accompanied us in the Lillebaby on our first 'family of 5' walk. 

And this sweet big brother was absolutely 

tickled to be able to hold his baby brother for the first time. 

Lynden is not my sensitive and affectionate boy, 

but he was fiercely possessive of Quincy 

and even bestowed a few kisses on his soft head.

Looking forward to more 'firsts' to come. 

Day #1

My next few posts will just chronicle the 

first few days and weeks of life as a family of 

5

What a thought! 

Here's Quincy's first photo with Daddy & Mama.

Nothing looks nearly as uncomfortable as those couches the 

Daddy's have to sleep on at the hospital.

Having a buddy makes it a little better.

Quincy weighed in at 7lbs 10oz.

Exactly 1lb less than Lynden and 2lbs less than Ryder.

That'll make it easy for me to remember!

Big brothers were excited to bring their baby brother home on Monday morning.

But in all reality, this is a little more what life looks like...

Haha!

So grateful to have this little sweetie as a part of our family. 

He's Here!

Quincy Oliver Apperson

We welcomed our third sweet son into the world on 

Saturday, August 13 at 10:27.

7lbs 10oz

For the first time, I experienced over 24 hours of labour.

After 10 and 5 hour labours, I have a whole new appreciation for those 

Mamas who are in it for the long haul!

 This little fella is the sweetest baby a Mama could wish for.

And he's got two very adoring big brothers.

Our hearts are filled with gratefulness to God for blessing us with this boy!

Week 37 and a Freezer Meal Party

This week was #37!

It won't be long now. 

These two cutie pies were on their best big-brotherly behaviour at my check-up this week.

Of course they were well rewarded afterwards.

Their drink of choice is a sample cup of whipped cream.

And for me?

Just a Grande Starbucks Double Shot on Ice.

Ahhhh....

Being pregnant in this weather is no joke. 

We get out to water the garden and play in the mornings 

and then after dinner we're usually out the door for a family walk or bike ride.

But during the day, we're usually tucked away inside with the AC running.

 I tried a new banana bread recipe this week.

The boys were only too happy to partake.

We attended our 6th baby shower celebration of the summer!

And speaking of baby showers...

In lie of a shower, a few dear ladies from our Bible Study group at church came over this morning and spent hours working in the kitchen, stocking my freezer with all kinds of meals and goodies to enjoy after Baby #3 makes his debut.

A am so blessed to have had these sweet ladies spoiling me!

And if any of you are looking for some freezer meal inspiration that is more than just a cream of chicken soup casserole, here's what my freezer now holds:

Sausage Balls 

(for dear husband)

We omit the onion.

The Pioneer Woman's Breakfast Burritos

Blueberry Muffins

Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Quinoa and Black Bean Enchilada Bake

Three Bean and Beef Chili

White Chicken Chili

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Quiche

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

BABY #3 - IT'S A....

After almost 22 weeks of carrying this precious baby, 

today we had an ultrasound to find out if #3 was a little miss or mister.

We had originally arranged for the boys to go and play at a friend's house. 

But everyone came down with runny noses and congestion, so we tried to kept our germs to ourselves and the ultrasound became a family event. 

IT'S A(NOTHER) BOY!

I guessed correctly and Baby #3 is a boy. 

I love the relationship my two big boys have and look forward to adding one more to the mix.

Thanks for celebrating with us.

We have much to be thankful to God for!

Spring Break and...

Since we don't do any organized schooling with the boys yet,

Spring Break didn't change our schedule much

except for a week off of teaching piano.

Less structured days made for more fun time - 

like enjoying the crazy snowfall that came out of nowhere the day after Easter.

Ryder's throwing snowballs at the backdoor.

This little cutie had a fever and was a little cranky for a few days, 

so he stayed in and close to Mama.

I finally tackled the huge tub of ironing I've been putting off.

It's like having a whole new wardrobe without a price tag. 

Haha!

And by the end of the week, these cuties were ready for a fun day in Reno.

On Saturday, I took a rare day off.

Sometimes as a stay at home mama it can be hard to step back 

and admit that I could use a little recharge. 

After Braden's last 3 week work trip I finally asked for a break and he was only too happy to be the cool Daddy for the whole day while I visited the spa for a deep tissue massage, 

treated myself to Cold Stone ice cream,

did a little 'fun' shopping,

(new knobs for the nursery dresser)

and got to enjoy a whole smoothie without sharing with little back-washers. 

Ha!

And by the afternoon I was missing all 3 of my boys and ready to get back home 

and get back to the jobs I love so much.

Speaking of mothering, since we haven't made an 'official' announcement, 

Baby Apperson #3 will be making an arrival in August, Lord willing.

We couldn't be more excited!

Park Days are the Best Days

Park days are the best days.

Look who has graduated to the dinner table!

'Farm' life at its finest.

I was pampered by a sweet friend who did my nails this week - a true luxury - and enjoyed a night out with the girls and this handsome guy.

And just in case that all sounds too peaceful for a mother of 2, here's what we woke up to the other morning. Someone got into the fingerprint inside and then decided to go play in the backyard barefoot  and well, just about bare everything. Haha!

Just keeping it real. :)

Baby Fun

I'm can't think of anything sweeter than a new little baby! While I'm enjoying my big and little babies, I'm also looking forward to helping a sweet friend (and fellow Navy wife) welcome her first little one. 

In spite of my endless 'to do' list, I took a little break to make a few handmade gifts. :)

Here's the finished product. A reversible bib and natural maple teether with nautical prints. 

Bunny Eared Teethers

Reversible Bibs

Thanks Pinterest!  

I'll be making some for Lynden next. 

And because I had so much fun making these ones, I went ahead and bought a whole bunch of certified organic cotton and flannel to make a few gift sets for my Etsy shop as well.  You may not hear from me for a while.... ;)