he's here!

And to answer the much asked question, his name is . . .

Enoch Benjamin Lounsbury
Born November 3, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
9 lbs 14 oz *** 21 in

My beautiful baby

This is what I like to see about 11:30 p.m.

There's nothing in the world like a sleeping baby

This baby's arrival has been much anticipated by the whole family. On the morning I was being induced, Isaac said the morning prayer with Grandma, who was with the younger kids. She later told me he said, "Please bless our new baby, that he won't be scared when he's born." When she asked him why he thought the baby might be scared he said, "Well, when he comes out there will be all these strange people and sometimes it's scary to meet new people."

No one could be happier that he is here than me! Being pregnant . . . not my favorite thing. But I feel very blessed to have another healthy baby. Right now we're still in hibernation mode--feeding, sleeping, changing diapers, staring in awe at my beautiful baby and repeat. Despite the sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, etc. I try to remind myself to enjoy the moment. It only happens once.

homecoming

For starters, who does this outfit remind you of??? (think back about 10 years or so) This is Zack all ready for the soccer float in the homecoming parade.



Austin, Nicole, Heather & Zack




the boys--Jake, Austin & Zack


the whole gang



dinner masterminded by Sheila Wetlauffer--she did a terrific job! All we had to do is clean the house! Now that's the way to entertain.



Emma's homecoming started at her friend Ashley's. Let the primping begin!



The three beauties--Ashley, Emma and Ami


all gussied up



With instructions to bring home LOTS of pictures, this is the only one Emma brought me with the whole group. (She's not a big fan of pictures.)

noah loves tractors

Earlier this summer our family went to visit our neighbors, the Farrs. While there, Noah discovered their tractor. We could hardly get him off of it. I decided it would be a good place to go back and get some cute pictures.





I didn't anticipate how hard it would be to get him to sit still and LOOK at me for a few pictures! He was much too busy driving, fixing, and checking out every lever, etc. But here's what we got:















At this point, he was seriously annoyed with me. "I already DID look at you, Mom!"






But I know I'm not in too much trouble when he picks me flowers. I sure love this guy!

our last summer fling

This was our family's last summer fling to Yachats, Oregon on the coast. Unfortunately, Zack & Emma were unable to join us as they were both at soccer retreats that weekend.



I wasn't feeling too well so I mostly rested & read and Dan took over kid duty, including several trips down to the beach where the boys searched for rocks & shells, got buried in the sand, and had to be rescued from a couple bigger-than-anticipated waves!



We hit the Newport Aquarium where the boys were especially fascinated by the SHARKS. cool.



Madeline's friend, Paige, came with us too so that poor Madeline wasn't completely outnumbered. (as she will be in a couple of years!!) Here they are modeling their cool new shades.


Noah liked them too.


Caleb & Isaac messing around while we wait for some yummy Mo's clam chowder. That coconut shrimp isn't too bad either!


The girls couldn't leave Newport without getting this picture at the yellow submarine.

caleb earns his wolf!

A lovely sideways view of Caleb awaiting his award. (nice blogging mom)


flag ceremony . . .


receiving his award . . .


and pinning on Dad's . . .


Isaac & his buddy Luke had a good time at the pack meeting too. (smile Luke!)

8 lake basin

Dan & his annual summer trek with his scouts--this year to 8 Lake Basin near Detroit. Here he's with Zack, Caleb Moore, Alden Papritz, Brooks Peacock, Austin Papritz (showing off his fine legs) and Nat Levy.


Dan loves his float tube. I'm never sure if he has more fun buying new camping/fishing gear each year or actually camping/fishing!


Austin, on the other hand--not too into gear. Note his high-tech hiking boots--perfect for snow don't you think?


Zack testing the waters. icy cold. Notice the snow on the far edge of the lake.


The scenery was gorgeous.


A moment of quiet


more scenery . . .

Mt. Jefferson with Marion Lake & results of forest fire in the background.


Probably the last father-son scout trip for these two. Our baby's growing up! Three Finger Jack in the background.

happy birthday mom!

Today I wanted to wish my mom a HAPPY, HAPPY birthday. She is just finishing her 18-month mission to Sao Paulo Brazil & we can't wait to have her home! Her mission has been very rewarding but also had its moments of discouragement. There are no words to express how PROUD I am of her--more proud than I ever thought I could be. I respect her so much for her courage, faith, and especially her hard work. She is the most hard working person I have EVER known. She always pushes herself harder and goes the extra mile when a normal person (i.e. myself) would . . . well, take a nap! Thanks for your amazing example to us all!

I love you Mom. Parabens pelo seu aniversario!