Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Father's Day Weekend

When Bob asked me to marry him on August 9, 2004 (not on my birthday but the day after!) I said yes without hesitation. We loaded the kids in the car, got the ring sized and headed off to announce the big news in person to everyone. About halfway through the visits we heard a little voice from the back, "Now is he my Daddy? Now can he live with us?" Peter was inquiring innocently from the back and Bob I answered with a resounding YES from the front. And that was it - Bob was a Daddy. There was no transition, no period of awkwardness - just two perfect human beings who Bob was suddenly responsible for in every way. Three if you counted me! Bob knew this was what he was signing on for and he couldn't have been happier. The kids began calling him Daddy from that moment on - as if they had known he was meant to be their dad and they were just waiting for confirmation from us. 5 1/2 years and 3 babies later Bob still amazes me as a father - he is kind. loving, patient and fun! He loves each of the kids unconditionally and with his whole heart and he is teaching them by example how to be a great human being! One day is simply not enough for the man who is the force behind our family!
My Molly - Girl leaves us notes on our pillows during the day. When we go into bed we are usually met with a note and sometimes even a flower! I love it!Sister Love!Ellie loves the belly almost as much as she loves Auntie Meg's early morning visits!On Saturday we hit a new park in Cromwell and the kids had a blast!Doesn't get much more perfect for us - a playscape for the girls and a basketball court for the boy!Ellie swings her hands so wide when she walks - I love watching her.Annie being a silly girl!Lizzie trying to compete with her brother for the basketball.The cutest little rebounders around!Daddy and his kids - sweaty, tired and ready to go home for naps!Auntie Ann got us this cool pool for our backyard. We put the pool in the sun and the lawn chairs in the shade and hang out in the backyard - so much fun!Annie hamming it up for the camera.The five kids fit with no problem in the pool - it is perfect for the summer! We just have to make sure that no one pops it!My little ladybug loving the pool and the leaves!I think KK came close to having a heart attack watching Ellie in the pool with the other kids. She had a few close calls but she is a trooper - she has to be in this family! Peter holding Ellie like a baby!Molly jumping in!Peter jumping in!The twins!Peter - pretending to be a fountain - he spit water and everything.The big kids - love when they are not fighting.Happy Father's Day!Pete made Bob and very thoughtful gift with coupons and a picture. The coupons were for help with yardwork and a day of help around the house.Daddy and his boy!The big kids loved spoiling Daddy on Father's Day morning.Daddy's girl through and through.Annie got Bob some new books to read - some children's and some adult!Ellie looked so cute with her headband - and she matched Daddy!Only fitting that on Father's Day Bob got lots of attention from his goddaughter! Grammy tried to get a few minutes alone with her puzzle but the boys pulled up some chairs and decided to help.Auntie Kake, Auntie Meg, uncle Tim, Kk and uncle B all came to see Papa on Father's Day - it was a perfect day!Our chatty little baby!Lizzie wishing her godfather a Happy Father's Day!Abby looking very tan already - too cute, my goddaughter!Beanie Baby - looking adorable and confused!Daddy's Boy!Grammy doling out the candy!Ellie found a cozy spot next to KK and didn't want to get up!Our girls - how cute are these two?It was also my wonderful brother's birthday!
Happy 37th birthday, Patrick Hogan Harding - we are so happy that you were born! Annie was asleep before we got out of the driveway. It was a perfect weekend with lots of family, friends and good food! The one glaringngly obvious omission are pictures of my dad! I got the camera out late in the day and didn't get any pictures of my dad with Patrick, Ed and I or with the grandkids! Just picture him sitting on the front porch with a kid on each knee and several around him - all of the kids are beaming because no one makes them feel more special than their Papa! If you are looking for the BEST Fathers, godfathers and uncles in the world- look no farther - they are all in our family and we love them VERY much!
GNM - ILY!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Welcome Jillian Mary

Introducing our new niece - Jillian Mary Russell!
My cousin Todd's wife Michelle gave birth to this gorgeous creature today!
She weighed in at 6 pounds 9 ounces and is 19 inches.
Mom and Baby are doing well! I'm sure there will be more pictures to steal from Facebook tomorrow but for now - Congratulations to Todd, Michelle and Big Sister, Cassie!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

What is a perfect weekend in the Harding - Wheeler house? A trip to the beach to stay overnight with Grammy and Papa. The icing on the cake - Auntie Meg stayed, too! It was a rainy and cold weekend but we made the best of it with movies, board games and FOOD! The kids loved being at the beach and especially having their grandparents and auntie all to themselves! I love being spoiled by my mom, too - I must admit it! With the kids already out of school our summer started very early. Right now we are counting down to Newport and then to Auntie Meg's babies being born! It is going to be a cool summer!Annie loves to paint - and we do give her paper!The best seat in the house - on Papa's lap! They all fight for position there and luckily he has enough room for everyone!Ellie - loving on Brendan and Lila!My two big strong men - too cute! Auntie Meg and Molly giggling!You know how I know Tim loves me - he finally started smiling for me! My gorgeous girl!Grammy and her girl - Molly can not get enough of Grammy!Ellie looked so cute in her little dress!Ladybug in her big sweatshirt - it was cold at the beach!Papa and Peter snuggle with Annie.Silly girl!Mommy and her big kids! I love snuggles from the two big kids because these days they are few and far between. My pretty girl in her pink dress. Tubby time - Lizzie loves her beach tubbies!Papa asked and asked for a bite but Lizzie was not budging!Ellie Bean loving her donut! Yes - we did get Soundview donuts!Annie loved the donuts!My baby girl in her tutu bathing suit!Random shot after a marathon board game session!Who has the best Daddy?I just can't take my eyes off of Molly - what a sweet little beauty she is turning into!Sisters!And then there is Ann - my little clown with a face that melts my heart!Auntie Meg is continually trying to get a good picture with her goddaughter - Elizabeth is simply not cooperative!The whole family! Not the best picture but at least all seven of us are all accounted for!My wonderful parents - these two are so cute!Auntie Meg, Uncle Pete and Brendan and LilaAnnie "taking care of Ellie"Chocolate cupcakes for dessert!With Christmas sprinkles added!

My handsome boy loved the cupcakes! He also loved decorating them with the oodles of sprinkles that Auntie Ann makes sure we have - what could be more fun? Molly refused a picture - she had to go the bathroom and make sure her face was clean first! So our first weekend of summer vacation is on the books and we all fared pretty well. I think Tiffany (our babysitter) is ready to kill us after a long day with the five kids but we have lots of camps and other exciting things planned for the kids so we'll make sure she gets her breaks! BTW - I think we have another blog fan - twice I have been with Auntie Kake - yes - Auntie Kake who could not turn on the computer last time I checked - and she has commented on a picture on the blog! Props to Auntie Kake for joining the 21st century - now we just have to get her to read her e-mail and we are all set! GNM - ILY!