Family fun

Zach had Spring intermission (spring break, just longer) from March 9-23rd. We did some fun activities while he was home. Luckily, Chris was in town most of the time, so we got to have him come along as well. We hung out at the park, went to the Phoenix Zoo, Castles 'N' Coasters (a small amusement park), a small hike in Papago park and just enjoyed being together. Here are a bunch of pictures from our adventures.

At the zoo, Brady Barr from the National Geographic channel came to do a presentation to the kids. The kids had a front row to see all the creatures he brought out. No thank you for me! Yuck - snakes!

Chloe was brave enough to sit in the front with Zach, but he had to hold her. Such a good brother keeping her safe!!Zach getting Brady Barr's autograph.
Parker, doing what he does best....just hangin' out. He missed all the animals!These next few pictures need explaining....Chris was asked to go out to the site where they will be building the power plant and discourage the Burrowing Owl from making its home and laying eggs on the site. Why does it matter, you ask? Well, this Owl is on the endangered species list and if they burrow on the site, then construction will be delayed until they have their babies. Since Chris is the first one out here before construction, he got the lucky job. One day, he even got to fight off a badger!
Zach went out with Chris when he met with the scientist to teach him all about what to do. He taught Zach a lot of things while he was there. He got to go out with Chris several times to help probe the holes. They had a great time together being buds.
Castles 'N' Coasters - ridin' the go-carts! One of Zach's favorites!
The roller coaster went right above the track and some of the other rides. It was quite loud being right under it!!Chloe decided she was brave enough for the little roller coaster....until she was on it! She didn't quite like it after it started! Zach got to ride with Mr. Cool that didn't want his picture taken. Sorry dude - that's what you get when I have to take a picture of my son!!! Thanks for being his riding partner though!!Parker did fabulous on this little outing. He was about 4 weeks old. Most of the day he spent sleeping in his stroller. Chris and I just took turns riding with the kids.

Zach is sitting on the end seat. Chloe actually went on this green ride too a little later. She HATED it! Finishing her yummy snack! yum - ice cream!!!This is the front side of the hole in the rock at Papago Park. We hiked up the back side to the hole to look out over the city. Even Parker got to go! He was all cozy in the front carrier.I sure do love hanging out with my family!!!

My beautiful baby....

IS NOT A BABY ANYMORE!!!


This is becoming more and more real to me since having Parker. Chloe is going to be turning 3 in just a couple weeks! It is so hard to actually accept that she is growing up! I have many nicknames for my kids, usually pretty corny. I guess when you grow up with a funny mom that rhymes everything - you kind of tend to do the same thing! My mom has weirder nicknames for all of us kids than I think I do for mine! Zach probably has the weirdest names out of all my kids - poor guy. Maybe that's because I have had almost 9 years to come up with them!! (can't believe that either! - he is almost 9!! Oh, I am getting old, and getting grey hairs to prove it!)

When we brought Parker home from the hospital, I really started to notice just how big Chloe is getting! I would call out to her, "Hey, little baby, can I have a hug?" Or, "Hi babe, did you sleep good?" In other words, one of her nicknames is "baby" and it is just not fitting her like it used to. It makes me sad! But at the same time, she makes me happy, so I can't be too sad about it! But I think she will still always have that nickname even if it doesn't fit! She is just my little doll face, my "little miss!" (another nickname)

Well, a few weeks ago, Chloe and I decided she needed a haircut. So, we headed for the bathroom with scissors in hand and started chopping! It was a little bit longer, but then she was adament that it wasn't quite short enough. So, off came another inch! I attempted to put a few little layers in, but I am not quite sure how much you can tell. I think she looks totally cute, but is now looking even more grown up! Auughh, why did I cut it!!! When I look at the above pictures, I really miss her long hair. I haven't taken the time to try to curl it up, so one of these days we will have to attempt it. I just think I could squish her! She is so dang cute!!!

(thank you to my wonderful Mom for making her darling dress and matching purse, as well as the pink and brown polka-dot dress above! Love them!!!)

Here is just a short little video of her at the park. She decided she wanted to play on the smaller slides this day. I just love listening to her cute little voice, so I thought I would share!!

Chloe's comment...

Tonight before bed with a smile on her face, Chloe said, "Mom, when I be Karleigh, I will not die and go away from you! I will stay with you and hug you and you will be happy!"

Earlier at dinner she said, "Karleigh is up with Heavenly Father."

I guess she was thinking about her sister a lot tonight....Hmmm, so was I.

Time to show off our baby!!

So, I have been wanting to get some more pictures up of darling little (or shall I say big) Parker all week, but haven't had a chance to sit down and do it. I am sure those that have kids know what it is like that first week or two with a newborn! Feeding, diapers (getting sprayed if it is a boy!!), no sleep, some sleep, hormones, adjustments, etc. Parker is such a good baby!! He is so calm and rarely cries! Oh, so wonderful! For the most part everything has been going ok, with the exception of his eating. I will save the details because I usually get emotional just thinking about it! That has been quite the challenge this week! Not to mention my raging hormones, lack of sleep and sending my mom home hasn't helped! But I am loving having another little person to squeeze and kiss! Parker is such a doll and I am so glad he has joined our family! Zach and Chloe are in love with him! They love to hold him and kiss him.

Minutes after being born.

2-18-09

Proud parents

(feel privilaged I am posting pictures of me after just giving birth!!)

I love watching Chris with the kids! He is such a good dad!

Parker's first bath.

(This was the only "first" bath I got to see with any of the kids.

They did it right in the delivery room, not in the nursery! It was fun to watch!)

My fabulous MOM!! (2-19-09) She got to stay for 2 weeks! What a blessing she was! I am so grateful for her keeping me sane on many occasions and taking the "mom" load off my shoulders so I could rest! She had to go home on Friday and I miss her LOTS!! I hope I can be as good of a mom to my kids as she has been to me! Thanks, Dad and Joy for giving her up for 2 weeks! I know it is a sacrifice for all of you and I appreciate your support!

Zach and Chloe seeing and holding Parker for the first time!

Look at Zach's proud face!! I love it!

This is what Chloe loves to do all day long!

She sure does love her new brother and has been a big help!

5 days old - so sweet!

2-24-09

8 days old

(look how much he has already changed!! And I LOVE these little pants!)

2-27-09

Yesterday - 9 days old

(sleeping soundly in his swing)

2-28-09

Parker Clay Stimpson

February 18, 2009

9:49 pm

9 lb. 7 oz., 21 inches long

Seriously Annoying...

So - NO - I have not had this little baby yet.....

The hospital called this morning and said that they were full!! They couldn't get me in today and aren't even sure if they will be able to tomorrow! So....I am still pregnant and praying that this baby just wants to come on his own VERY soon....like tonight!! The more prayers, the merrier!!!

THE END =)

Happy Valentine's Day....EARLY!! ... and baby update

I snapped some cute pictures of the kids before church on Sunday. I thought they looked all ready for Valentine's day! I sure do love these guys. They make life so much fun and make me laugh every single day! I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's day this weekend!
Baby update...

I know I have been totally slacking off on posting anything to my blog. I really haven't taken any pictures and we really haven't done anything "fun" that might interest anyone. We are busily getting ready for this new little baby to get here, along with normal life of schoolwork, housework, mom-work, etc. I think the "nesting" period is definitely setting in - although it could just be that I have slacked off on cleaning my house and now it really needs a good cleaning. But, my load of cleaning has actually gotten lighter since I now get to inlist the help of my handsome 8 year old. (yes, there is a story behind that, but I won't go into details about it on here! Let's just say, he is earning some freedom back from his dad and I!) It's a good thing though because I move pretty slow these days and am pretty tired all the time.

Sunday I went to church and got to explain about 50 million times that, NO, I still have not had the baby yet! Yes people - I know I am HUGE and swollen and puffy and did I say..... HUGE!!!!!! But....yes, there is an end in sight! Relief is on the way!! I am checking in to the hospital at 5:30 AM Monday morning (the 16th) to be induced!! I'm scared, but excited all at the same time. My fabulous mom will be here on the 14th to take my place as mommy for a little while! I just love my mom being here! She is such a huge help! I told her she could stay for a month, but unfortunately, she has a life and will have to go back after 2 weeks! I feel quite blessed I get her here for that long though! So, as long as everything goes as planned, this little (unnamed - still trying to figure it out) baby boy will be here on Monday!

Well - unless I get really on top of things in the next bit, I probably won't post for a little bit. I still have lots of baby clothes to wash and fold, diapers to buy and cleaning to do. I will try to get some pictures as soon as I can.