And then there were four

Life with a newborn is not easy and life with my little Bennett and his three older brothers is no exception. In the past almost two months I have not been out of the house with all four of my boys, unless Dad was with me.  I can still count the instances on one hand. But just because I am afraid to go anywhere on my own with four little ones, doesn't mean I'm totally secluded from the world...well maybe just a little, but we are still having a lot of fun finding our new normal with four boys.  We are pretty excited about our family right now and we are trying to really get to know each boy and let them know how special they are to us.

kyle-isms

Our little Kyle is quite the character and some of the things he says and does are things I really don't want to forget.
~"I'm standing on one foot" His left foot was literally standing on his right foot,
~while we where having a chamomile tea party "You eat coffee you die, The dinosaurs eat bad coffee."
~"Mom I blooming!" "Blooming?" "yeah blooming" ...aka brooming...aka sweeping
~turn-ado= tornado

~ and for any of you familiar with mine craft

 I a vill-ger mommy!

now take a picture of me as a guy

Yes those are two different shoes. That's just the way he likes it!

Colin Blake turns two

Ever since Bennett was born, I have been feeling like Colin has been growing up so fast. I really think he hit a huge growth-spurt. but even though it looks like he is catching up to Kyle quickly, it is still hard to believe that he is a two-year-old.  My little snuggle bug is two! Happy birthday Colin! We love you so much and we are so happy you are part of this family.  You don't talk much but you have always been amazing at communicating exactly what it is you want. Your favorite food is probably pancakes and you can out-eat almost all of us. You have a huge sweet tooth and if ever you feel there is chocolate or candy or other sweets being distributed without your participation, you make your displeasure shown. You are such a sweet big brother to Bennett and you are a huge tease to your older brothers. You tackle them often as if to let them know that you will not be left behind or forgotten.  You are pretty irresistible and we love your hugs and kisses. We love you and all hope you had a great birthday!

 We let colin pick out the cake and frosting -chocolate fudge and rainbow chip frosting

Jared and Donna, and California

Our second family outing all together was to California to see Uncle Jared and Aunt Donna get married! Dad had fun at the bachelor party and the wedding was great. though it was cold and rainy, the bride and grooms love made us all warm.

 Colin's lion is really just a portable bed for him, he got a good rest at the reception.

and then he played in the balloons we blew up to put in the couples get-away car.

Congratulations Uncle Jared and Aunt Donna!

first days

 First real bath with Grandma Gleason

 We are trying to figure out this sleep thing, he thinks he is nocturnal so we sleep whenever we can.

he doesn't mind hanging out in the wrap, so mom can get some house work done.

Bennett Gene

 Early Tuesday morning I finally started having real labor contractions and they were progressing! I wanted to wait until the contractions were less then 5 minutes apart but Dad talked me into going to the hospital at around 8:00. Although my water hadn't broken, my doctor and the nurses decided that it was ok to let me stay and get things going. I was at a 2 on Monday and a 3+ when I was admitted. I was so excited that he was going to come sometime that day and I was mentally prepared to wait  hours for the time to come. But Bennett had other plans. In the space of about 20 minutes I had my epidural, pitocin administered, and my water broken.  About an hour later (could have been shorter or longer than that, but it felt like no time at all) I got a catheter in, and then as my bladder emptied, I went into transition. I went from a 7 to a 10 in less than 2 seconds. The nurse called for the doctor who came in about 15 seconds, he told me to push during my next contraction and then He was here! Bennett Gene Cook born at 11:21 Tuesday January 5th 2016. Six pounds three ounces. 19 inches long.  It all happened so quickly that I was in disbelief that he was actually here. I think I kept asking "he's here? he is really here?" 

He had a little trouble feeding at first but I think he is starting to get the hang of it.

His brothers love him, 

even if they are not too sure of what to think about the hospital or the hand sanitizer.  

 They hung around to watch him get his first bath.

We only stayed in the Hospital one night and now we are so happy to be home. Welcome to the world Bennett and welcome to our family. We love you and we are thankful you are here and healthy.

play time

In the last few days before baby brother gets here, we have been having some fun with our Christmas presents.

These three little Jedi are so adorable, they have  my heart. Grandma Cook did a great job with their outfits.

Kyle got minecraft and mom's old computer... Colin found a cool place to play from the newly vacated space.

 Dad has been having a lot of fun with his new 3D printer