Story's First Photo Shoot

My sweet friend from school, Miss Lisa, came to the hospital just hours after Story's birth to take pictures of our brand new baby girl. Here are just a few of our favorites. Thank you, Miss Lisa, for being such a blessing to our family! We love you!

One more birthday post for Carter!

Carter turned FOUR on Thursday, May 27, 2010. You can go here to see the post from his party, which we celebrated the weekend before his special day. On the day of his birthday, we awakened the birthday boy with the birthday song! He was so excited to be four, "like Anna," one of his special friends from school. Throughout the day, he received many phone calls, cards, and gifts from some very special people in his life. That night after supper, we had cupcakes, and sang the birthday song one more time!

A picture of the big birthday boy on his fourth birthday. Happy birthday, Carter! We can't believe you are FOUR! We love you so so so much!

How can you be four already?

Carter, today is your 4th birthday! Daddy and I can hardly believe that four whole years have passed so quickly since you were born. These four years have been some of the best of our lives, as we first embarked on the journey of parenthood with you, our firstborn. We waited a long time for you, and we prayed fervently for you even before you were conceived. You have brought so much joy into our lives, and we love the way you are such a sweet big brother to your three little sisters. We are so very proud of you, and we pray that God will continue to mold and shape your little heart, so that you may become the man that He would have you to be. I selfishly pray the next four years don't pass by as quickly as the first four. I pray too, that I will never stand in the way of God's plans for your life. I pray that He will continue what He has begun in you. I pray that He will use your little life to bring Him much glory. Carter Stokes O'Dell, Mommy, Daddy, Summer, Tilly, and Story love you so very much. How is it that you can be four already?

I mean, didn't we just bring you home from the hospital?

And didn't you just get your first bath at home?

Or wake up smiling and melt our hearts?

Or get ready for your first Halloween?

Or pose with daddy on your baby dedication day?

And didn't we just celebrate your first birthday?

Or watch you wheel and deal like an agent?

Or laugh when you would rather play in the diaper box than with your toys?

And didn't we just bring home your first baby sister from the hospital?

Or take our family of four to the Heiskell School fall festival?

Or spend the summer splashing in the pool at Papa and Gigi's in Arkansas?

And it seems like yesterday we were hunting Easter eggs with our friends at church.

Weren't we just celebrating your third birthday at school?

And didn't you just help us bring home your second baby sister?

And was it not that long ago that we celebrated Easter as a family of five?

Or that we went to the beach in Florida with your grandparents?

And wasn't it just yesterday that we were getting you and Summer ready for your first day of school?

And wasn't it just the other day we took our new family of five to the Heiskell School fall festival?

And didn't we just take our family of five to yet another Heiskell School fall festival when Story was still a secret just for us?

Or that you were playing on the playground at school with your friends?

And didn't we just meet Mama, T, and the Hollands at the Mall of Ga to play?

And wasn't it just the other day that we took you to the ER on Easter Sunday with your first broken bone?

Wasn't it just the other day that you helped us welcome your third baby sister into our home?

Or finish your second year of preschool at Heiskell?

Or celebrate your special day with your friends? How can you be four already? You are growing up way too fast! We treasure each moment, each event, each milestone with you, Carter. We love you to the moon and back!

Two weeks ago today. . .

This little bundle of joy entered our lives, and we have not been the same since! We are no longer O'Dell, party of five, but six! We are no longer sleeping through the night. We are quite thankful to BabyWise that this is only temporary. We now have bottles everywhere. The baby gear has made a reappearance. Lots and lots and lots of dirty diapers, and lots and lots and lots of laundry to be done. But we would not trade her for the world! At two weeks old she is eating 3 1/2 ounces every 3 hours during the day and going between 4-5 hours at night. Her cord fell off on Tuesday, May 18. Her nails were clipped for the first time last night, and she has survived two bubble baths. She is still wearing newborn diapers and clothes. She is perfect in every way. All in our house are so smitten. We love you, Story Leigh!

Look at that sweet face!

And that dimpled chin!

And that kissable mouth!

And that sweet baby yawn!

What's not to love?

Carter's Birthday Celebration

Yesterday, we celebrated Carter's 4th birthday at Kangazoom along with 15 of his little friends and their families. It was such a fun time. Carter won't actually turn 4 until Thursday, but we wanted to go ahead and celebrate before Memorial Day weekend because a lot of families travel out of town. Our sweet friends, Erica and Amy (with Starbucks in hand) gave up their only day to sleep in and kept baby Story at our house. Meanwhile, our other sweet friend, Emily, braved the early morning to take pictures of Carter's big day. My sister and her girls, Haleigh and Zoie, braved the early morn as well to join in on the festivities, and we were so thankful they did! It was a special day for our little family, and our little fella had the time of his life!

Happy 4th Birthday, Carter! We love you!

Carter, Summer, and Tilly waiting to get the party started! I think Tilly is the only excited one in the group!

Carter got to help blow up one of his balloons! This might have been the best part of the day! Next time maybe we will just rent a helium tank and buy him a bag of balloons, ha!

Emily and Tilly cheesing for the camera!

Our friend is a rock star! Not only did she take pictures, but she entertained the children as well! We love you, Emily!

Noelle and Zoie going down the slide.

Haleigh and Zoie with Tilly in between. These girls were so sweet, and Tilly followed them everywhere they went!

The party train has begun!

The birthday boy only eating the chocolate portion of his cake and holding on tight to Mickey Mouse!

Just give my boy some balloons, and he is one happy little fella!

Just give Tilly some cake, and she is quite content!

Mommy and Daddy with the birthday boy! My two boys sure are handsome!

Summer wanted her turn to have her picture made with Mommy and Daddy too!