It's a beautiful life

I can't believe I have three such fantastic kids. Ben and I marvel at them every day. Life just doesn't get any better than this!

We had a gingerbread party at our house last weekend. We made a stable for Santa's reindeer, complete with fence and feeding trough.

Newest pics of the kiddos.....

Baby Mac is 3 months old today! He is growing and changing daily. He is the sweetest little soul.

He babbles and coos continually, but my favorite is the giggle.

I hope this stuff washes off....

We got a bit carried away with the face paint. The kids thought it was only fair that if mom and dad got to paint their faces, they ought to have a go painting ours and each others.

Gratitude

I don't know if it's the beauty of autumn, the plenitude of harvest time, the countless hours I spent in church during my childhood, or having consumed my first caffeinated coffee in months, but I find myself feeling especially blessed (yes friends...blessed) this Sunday morning. I would be remiss if I allowed the moment to pass without acknowledging the generosity and kindness of the Universe and the bounty I enjoy in my life. And I'm not just referring to the obvious things that we all take for granted daily such as our health, our jobs, our homes, our children and spouses, our country....I'm also thinking of the number of days of sunshine Utah experiences per year, the way the cat keeps my feet warm at night, the way my far away friends turn up in my dreams to remind me of their love and loyalty (thanks Amy, Leann and Keely), the absolute pure indulgence and pleasure of a good massage, the sweetness of my 3yr old's voice when she says "I love you," a good book, the burn that only a Coke can make in your throat, complete silence during a 2am feeding.........I suppose these are all "simple pleasures" and maybe not worth noting or sharing. But I hope that I can pay it forward in some Karmic way, so that they continue to come unbidden and often into my life.

Reflections at four weeks

Life in our household is gradually resuming its usual rhythms. The girls are busy with their activities and school work, I'm in charge of meals and laundry again (it was a nice break though), Ben is finally able to sleep through the 2am feeding, and Milo is beginning to establish his own schedule. He has mastered 2 new sounds this week: ahn-goo and oooohhhhh (see video clip below). He also has started to giggle, but his dad is the only one funny looking enough to make him do it.

Here are the latest pictures. Enjoy!

Mommy in training....

I feel like I should legally change my name to "Milk Truck."

Liv has earned some new badges in Brownies.

Kiki has enrolled in gymnastics again.

Liv has decided that painting requires formal wear.

I'm new at uploading video clips, so forgive the strange angle of Milo's movie.

Kiki is reading her favorite book.

Milo MacAvoy Benjamin Craner

That's right, he finally has a name. And call me crazy, but I am loving the newborn phase. There is nothing more precious than his milky sweet mouth, his eyes just the color of the Mediterranean Sea, his silky soft head that forms a perfect question mark in profile, his quavering little chin when he cries for mama, the way he smiles in complete adoration at his daddy, and his purity. I am in love with this boy.........

Baby Boy Craner has finally arrived!

Well, as you know, the "due date" came and went....followed by 9 of the longest days of my life. But it was well worth the wait. Our son finally arrived Wednesday, Sept 17 at 8:12 pm. He weighs 9lb 7oz and is 21 1/2 inches long.
The birth was beautiful, although slow to start. My water began leaking at 3am, but we waited until 4pm for my contractions. Once they started, they intensified rapidly, and I was surprised when I felt the undeniable urge to push. It was a peaceful moment for Ben and the girls and me as we welcomed him into the world. He is healthy and calm and sweet, and we are so happy to have him here at last.
We're still trying names on him....hopefully we'll have a decision soon!


Kiki is so excited to be a big sister Liv put on the first diaper (with midwife Chris supervising)
He's a champion breastfeeder, even during my "porn star" stage of motherhood
Isn't he handsome?

Any day now..............


So tomorrow is the official "due date" (how I detest that term). I'm feeling so many things right now....excitement to meet my son, anticipation of how labor will start and how the birth will evolve, denial that I'm about to start over with an infant, fear that I won't be able to handle juggling three children, joy over the promise of new life, love for this small but profoundly important person, wonder at my body's ability to grow another human being, gratitude for Ben and the girls for caring so gently for me, sorrow that I'll never experience the miracle of pregnancy again, sheer awe at the power of womanhood.......

Hopefully my next post will be of the baby on the outside! I'm prepared to go a week late, like I did with both girls, but my fingers are crossed that I won't have to! Stay tuned.......

1 week to go......

Two big sisters just counting the days until they can give proper hugs and kisses.......

3 weeks to go.....

I've begun the serious countdown now. My body is ready to stop being pregnant, but my brain isn't ready to accept the intensity of caring for a newborn. He's so much easier where he is now...
My local friends had a party for me called a Blessing Way or a Mother Blessing. It's a Navajo tradition that honors the mother's journey through pregnancy in preparation for birth. It was amazing (thanks Jenn and Andie!) and made me feel like the most powerful woman on earth. The rituals consisted of energy cleansing, foot bath and massage, decorating my belly with henna for good luck, offering a bead for a labor necklace for me and a bead for a birth bracelet for the baby, and everyone brought a meal to fill my freezer. The women who were here are wearing a string around their wrists at this very moment to remind them to send me positive energy during the remainder of my pregnancy, and they have all agreed to light a candle when I go into labor to continue sending their support until the baby is born. I feel so grateful to be included in such a wonderful circle of women. And for all of my long distance friends....I lit a candle during the party in honor of all of you who continue to send your love and support across the miles. Thanks!

Fun in the Sun

I don't know about the rest of you, but we're trying to cram in as much fun as possible before summer is done. These are our latest outings......

Ben is trying match my pregnancy weight gain by taking the kids out for ice cream every night.
Liv and auntie during our camping trip to the Uintah Mtns.

It's not a coincidence that the pool is located next to the raspberry and blackberry bushes. When they finish picking (or eating rather) berries, they are purple and in definite need of a wash.

Beus Park:

Kiki and Grandpa camping in the Uintah's.

LAGOON: