Bringing Cali Home

Those first few weeks with Cali were a wonderful blur.  I was trying to heal so Brett, my mom and wonderful neighbors and friends stepped in to help.  The boys did not get to hold her too much because of how small she was, but they all adored her.

It's a GIRL!

Brett and I found out we were expecting baby number four in December of 2014. We were excited and a little nervous for our family to grow! It came time for our 20 week ultra-sound and we were convinced that baby number four was a boy.  I was getting excited at the prospect of having another little buddy running around.  My mom had called and told me she had a very vivid dream that the baby was a girl and I had to put that thought right of my mind.  I did not think that was going to happen... although in the VERY back of my mind I started to let myself thing about how exciting it would be if we got a girl.  The ultrasound tech began the ultrasound and then typed "GIRL" up on the screen.  Our jaws dropped!  I was brought to tear and instantly felt so complete.  It will be a great memory forever!  

As the pregnancy progressed, our little baby girl was having a hard time growing.  We had get ultrasounds every three weeks to monitor her progress.  At 36 weeks we were told that her growth was declining and she had dropped below the 10 percentile and I would be having a c-section as soon as I hit 37 weeks.  That was a huge surprise!  All of my other children were born about 41 weeks!  We prepared as quickly as we could and prayed that our baby would be OK until delivery.  We woke up early on July 28th and drove to the hospital.  She was born just after 7am and what a relief it was to hear her healthy cry.  She was tiny at 5lbs 12oz and had low blood sugar and a little jaundice, but overall a healthy baby.  We felt so much joy and relief!  Being half of the size of Jace when he was born, it took me a while to get used to handling such a little peanut.

 My mom stayed in the hospital with me as I recovered and was such a tremendous help and support.  One of the moments I never want to forget was when my mom was bending over helping me feed Cali and I just thought how someday, I will get the privilege of helping Cali with her babies.  It was a sweet feeling.  We came home after 5 days in the hospital.  Sweet Cali Ann is loved a million times over by all of us.  She is a treasure to our family and rounds out our rough and tumble boys.

Ryan 2015

Highlights: Ryan had a great first grade year.  It was a rough beginning because we had just moved from California.  It was a little scary to be in a big new school, with unfamiliar faces.  However, by the end of the year, Ryan was thriving and had many friends. He is kind to all. On one of the last days of school, I went to a puppet show put on by members of his class.  Three or four of the boys in the class named their puppet Ryan.  To me, that shows what a great example and friend he is to those around him. Over the summer, Ryan and Luke had their tonsils out.  That was not a fun experience and one we are glad to not have to repeat.  Two weeks after the surgery, school began.  He is loving second grade and is an all around happy and helpful kid!  

Favorite Food: J-Dawgs

Favorite Sport: Football, Basketball

Favorite Activity: All things football

Quote: " When I grow up, I want to be a dad just like Dad"

Last day of first grade.  Teacher: Miss Christensen, Fox Hollow Elementary

Ryan is such a great kid to be around!

First day of Second Grade

Ryan had a great fall soccer season

Current obsession: football!

Luke 2015

Highlights: Luke turned 5 this year!  He graduated from preschool and began Kindergarten.  He really loves to learn and is picking up on reading and math very quickly.  Luke is full of energy and emotion.  He is adds life to our family ( and maybe teaches us a little patience).  Luke likes to do things at his pace, whether that be fast or slow... it depends on the activity.  He has a great imagination and love to draw monsters and himself in his different "modes": happy, mad, sad, scared, etc. He has a giant soft spot for his baby sister Cali and can't get enough kisses and cuddles from her!

Favorite Food: Spaghetti and meatballs

Favorite Sport: Soccer. Luke played on the Red Hot team this year.  He was very enthusiastic and always cheered for his teammates when they scored goals.

Favorite Activity: Riding Bikes or Listening to music

Quotes: " Let me tell you something..."

During his graduation ceremony

Little Preschool graduate

First day of Kindergarten

Looking so grown up,but still too little for me to leave him at school everyday!

Best friends with big brother Ryan

His happy place is holding baby Cali

Jace 2015

Highlights: Jace turned three this year!  He started preschool and became a big brother.  He has blossomed from true mamas boy to a friendly, charming, independent little guys.  Although he still likes to "snuggle me" any chance he gets.
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Sport: Itty-Bitty Football
Favorite Activity: Play with big brothers and Ride on his scooter
Quotes: " I love you all the time"

Jace is very obedient,  He often helps keep big brother Luke in line.  He is helping put Luke to bed.

This sweet smile makes everyone's day better

Jace graduated to big boy undies at the beginning of the year.

He is very loving and cuddly

He is growing up so fast but will always be our baby boy

Utah Trip July 2013

We had a fun vacation in Utah this summer.  We went up for Brett's family reunion and got to spend a few extra days with Justin, Kristen and their kids in Park City.  It was such a fun week. 

Visiting the Olympic Village in Park City

Brett and Justin mountain biked in Park City

Kristen and I went zip-lining in Park City!  It was so fun!

We loved swimming in the hotel pool with cousins!

Brett and his brothers wearing the same shirts they wore to the last family reunion about 20 years ago!

Luke loved this huge dog that belongs to Brett's cousin

Luke's Birthday Party

My phone broke so these pictures I sent to Brett are all we have  of Luke's birthday party.  It was quite an event.  Luke had been very specific about what he wanted for many months.  He wanted a Superman, Scooby-Doo, Frosty the Snowman party.  And that is what he got.  We had frosty the snowman cupcakes  ( made by my awesome sister), Scooby-Doo snacks and Superman came to visit.  To top it all off the kids swam and swam.  It was a great three year old party!

Fourth of July Weekend

I just love the Fourth of July!  We had such a fun day and weekend!

First up, was the first annual Faith and Freedom 5K.  A great way to start the day.  Then we headed over to La Verne for the big parade.  Actually is is really pretty dinky, but the kids love it!  That was followed by swimming and fire works.  Quite a perfect day.  

 On Saturday, we headed down to San Clemete for our cute little neice's blessing.  We are so ecited to have Emma Jane in our family!  From there we went to San Diego with the rest of the White clan overnight.  The time goes too fast when we are all together.  I am so grateful to live in a free country, and to have been blessed with such a wonderful family.

c