Welcome Hailey Gibbons!

Since Hailey is one month old today, it seems fitting to finally introduce her to those of you who check out our blog. Hailey was born at 1:30 AM on May 24, after a quick labor, just 2 hours from noticing contractions at home until her birth! She was 20 1/4 inches long and weighed 7 lbs 0.5 oz. We are all happy to have her in our family, and grateful to know that eventually, little babies get big and learn to sleep. We're not doing very much of that right now, but having that perspective makes it a little easier to get up at 2..and 4...and 6!

Early signs of OCD

Shawn and I had an opportunity to take just Abby to lunch today. We looked over and noticed that she was neatly lining up her french fries. When we saw her starting to count them, we realized that Abby's similarities to Shawn are definitely more than skin deep. Straight lines, counting repetitively...just like her Dad! I'm sure this will surprise some of you, because Shawn comes off as so relaxed and fun loving. She definitely doesn't get this trait from me!

Happy Birthday Rachel

Rachel turned 12! She has been anxiously awaiting this birthday for a long time now. She had a weekend full of her favorite things. Two soccer games, the new Narnia movie, giant burritos, and chocolate cake with her favorite chocolate ice cream.

She was nice to let everyone share in the fun. Ian lit all of the candles on her cake (she didn't even complain about the wax he dripped.) Abby got to help her open gifts and wear the bows.

Sunday she got her certificate of graduation from Primary and her Faith in God award. We are so happy to have her in our family. She is a great daughter and sister and tries so hard to do right things.

Thanks for a great visit, Dad!

We enjoyed having Dad (Grandpa Baker to my kids) here to visit at the end of April. We watched lots of soccer. Dad started a new trend--loud, VERY loud, canned blowers for every goal scored. Everyone seemed to like it though, and when we missed a week, several people asked where our noise makers were. This past weekend, Shawn decided we really needed more and found a larger size can (good for boats up to 65 feet!). Ian said he could hear us from the porta-potty when Rachel's team scored. :)

We also ate Texas Roadhouse stake and took in a movie. Abby's stomach flu was the only glitch, but even she was better by Sunday and loved having a walk with Grandpa outside instead of nursery.

I Am a Princess!

Cute story about Abby: She was having a bath yesterday and kept throwing the washcloth out of the tub. I called her a "little Muchkin." She was quick to correct me, she is not a muchkin, but a princess. I thought "Oh no, here we go, just in time to share everything with a new baby sister!"

Then she surprised me further by saying, " I Princess Leia"! Ian has been reading and watching lots of Star Wars lately, and apparently, so has Abby. No Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty for her, she wants the action filled lifestyle of Princess Leia. ( I don't think she'll ever be able to pull off that hairstyle though!)

Just another lesson that each child definitely comes with her own personality, but certainly is influenced by her family!

Spring Break

We took advantage of the 2 warm days during spring break last week to play outside. Rachel is thrilled to be back to outdoor soccer. She practices on her own every chance she gets and is looking forward to their team's first game this weekend. Last night at practice, her coach suggested that the girls could be a little more aggressive. After practice he told me he had seen a totally new side of Rachel. Encouragement to be aggressive in any competitive situation is very dangerous for someone of Rachel's genetic make up!

Ian loves all things outdoors and quickly sheds his jackets as soon as I am out of sight! Cowboy boots are still his favorite shoes. I can only get him to wear anything else on gym day or for soccer. He was very pleased with himself the other day because he beat all of the kids in his class in a race, while wearing boots.

Abby is also so pleased to be outside again. She is fearless this spring and chooses big kid swings over baby swings every chance she gets. Tall slides are also so fun! She likes her little bike, but has definitely realized that until she figures out pedaling, running is much faster. She rides for about 1/2 the block to the playground and then quickly abandons her bike so she can catch up with the other kids. She is never one to be left out of fun.

It's hard to believe we have 7 weeks (or less!) until a new little girl joins our family. She is definitely growing and stretching out to find every available inch in my belly. I wish I could say I'll sleep better once she is born, but experience has told me that is definitely not true!

Evidence

My family has convinced me that it's only fair you get to see a "before" picture of me pregnant. Normally I get to just send pictures of a sweet newborn with an almost back to normal mommy, but here goes...