Ahh! I now have an eight year old! When he woke up on his birthday I wished him a happy 5th birthday, I just wish time would slow down. Seems like yesterday that he wanted me to pick him up and now it will be no time before he is at eye level with me.

Thankfully he hasn’t outgrown the big bear hugs he almost knocks me over with when I pick him up from school and still wants mom to be involved in his activities. Nothing slows him down and he is always throwing some kind of ball and making up a game to go with it.

He calls himself the “king” of the kids, since he is the oldest and fills the role well setting such a good example for his younger siblings. He enjoys making them laugh and seeing them smile. He has such compassion for them and quickly reminds me that Grace and Caden are his babies since he was the one who prayed for them.

When I asked him what treat he would like to bring to school for his birthday he asked for cookies with a picture of Mary on them since he shares his special day with her. How could I say no to that, so I found someone to make them for us.

Last year he dreaded turning eight, because that meant he had to make his First Confession. This year he was filled with excitement for the special day, which happened to be the day after his birthday. On the ride to church he told us that he couldn’t wait to receive grace!

It has been such a joy to watch him grow, mature and thrive this past year. I look forward to this next year and to see what God holds for his future! Love you to the moon and back!! Keep smiling, it can light up any room!

Introducing Caden Joseph! He has stolen our hearts and is the most handsome, precious and content little guy. Birth story forth coming when sleep amounts to more than four hours a night. In summary he made his debut after a long 22 hour labor with a successful VBAC. A lot bigger than what the doctor expected, 8 pounds 1 ounce and 21 inches long.

Everyone in our house is completely smitten by him and the boys only wish they could take him to school with them so they could hold him all day. They were ecstatic that he has black hair just like them!

Grace has instantly become mother hen, she is a little helper although sometimes a little too much. She shows so much care and concern for him and thankfully hasn’t shown signs of being jealous yet.

My mom was with us for the first week, which was an absolute life saver and now we are flying solo and learning to adjust to a family of 6!! From 0 to 4 kids in two and a half years, nothing is impossible with God!! Our hearts are beyond full! Thank you for all of the prayers and love.

Has it really been two months since I last posted, yikes! I apologize for my absence it was an unintended vacay.

The last two months in summary, we finished out our homeschooling year (yay and yippee especially from the teacher), we are enjoying checking items off our summer bucket list and starting to prep for the arrival of the newest Everts in just 11 weeks!

We just returned from a short little family vacation and now I feel like I need a vacation to catch up on sleep. Not sure if it’s third trimester fatigue or that we packed a lot into our three days away. No matter how long or short it seems like the prep, planning and packing before hand is tiring enough leaving you feeling exhausted before the trip has even started.

It was such a blessed time to have as a family, I only wish it could have been longer. Memories made and time to just focus on the kids before the family dynamic changes again.

We are excited to announce the addition of the newest and smallest member of our family arriving September 4!! Fifteen weeks and counting! (Title credit, Aaron Everts. We are on our way to fielding a baseball team!)

The kids found out on Valentine’s Day when they opened a heart with the eight week ultrasound picture. They kept saying, look Gracie this is you when you were really little. After giving them a few hints it clicked. Kolbe and Ethan began screaming and dancing around the living room with much excitement. They kept repeating, I can’t believe we are having another baby!!! Kolbe glanced at my stomach, look mom’s tummy is getting so big!!

The excitement was followed by a million questions and them wishing the baby was already here. The next day Ethan carried the ultrasound picture around the house the entire day. He even stood in front of the keyboard holding it as he played the baby a new song. Melt my heart!!

They made sure to get the important details figured out immediately; such as the seating arrangement in the van, a schedule of who is holding the baby when and the birth plan. Their birth plan includes the baby being born on time and not too early, the baby being in the room with me and not in the NICU and them coming up to the hospital immediately to see and hold the baby.

A list of names has also been started as they discussed if the baby would be a boy or a girl. After much thought Ethan stated, it doesn’t matter we just want the baby to be healthy and that is his one prayer intention every single night. I love seeing their enthusiasm and excitement as they prepare to welcome their newest sibling.

Thankfully I have been feeling pretty good and for the most part am out of the morning sickness and extreme fatigue stage. I still have major food aversions and some nights find it hard to make dinner, because nothing sounds good. Interestingly all of my aversions are the exact same as they were with Grace.

So far no bed rest and we are praying it stays that way. Everything has looked great on all of the ultrasounds and seems to be going as it should be. My progesterone levels are being monitored closely and I get to have the fun injections again, but at this point I consider that routine for me. At the same time I realize we have a long ways to go and are not in the clear until baby is here, so I appreciate any extra prayers.

God continues to amaze me!!! Ask me three years ago I would have never thought we would be the parents to four beautiful children. His goodness and kindness far exceed our hopes and dreams.

He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4