Bree's Bedroom

When we first moved into our home in Colorado, Richard and I decided that the bedroom next to ours would be painted, decorated and furnished as a guest room. I chose a bed set for the queen guest bed first, then the paint and accessories. Richard then went to work on it. For more than two years, it was simply the lavender guest bedroom, seldom used. (Connected to the bedroom is a full private bathroom that Richard also completed--wainscoting, crown molding, pedestal sink, and all.)

I have always loved lavender. When Richard finished the rooms, I loved them, too. It was such a pretty change in my house.

Last year when we received the promptings that our baby was ready to come to our family, we didn't know where we would put him or her. Not wanting to give up the guest room, but needing a baby nursery, we compromised. Here is the result:


















As you can see, we kept the guest bed and made a nursery, too. It works out well. Little Bree can grow up in this room. Hope she grows up to love lavender like I do. We tell her it's her signature color. So pretty--just like her.

Love, Cara

Life's Not Fair

Ok. So I just had a baby 2 weeks ago. I'm still healing, trying to regain my strength and mobility. It's been my goal to improve a little more each day since Bree was born. That's just what I've been doing. Until last Friday when I woke up not feeling well. Thankfully I already had an appointment with my OB that morning for a 2 week post-op so while I was there I had Dr Austin take a look at me and do a throat culture. Friday afternoon I got a call from his office that the rapid strep test came back negative. Thank goodness. However, as the day went on, whatever I had was making me miserable.

Friday night was a nightmare. Saturday morning I woke up feeling even worse. I spent the day in bed, and then the night in bed. Today, thankfully, I feel a bit better, though still not up to par. Did I mention that this weekend I've missed some truly great weather? Ahh! Life's not fair. Did I mention that I've basically had to stay away from my new baby other than nursing, so as not to get her sick? Life's not fair. Did I mention that my poor husband has had to do everything on his own while I convalesce? Life's not fair to him, either.

I didn't attend church the last two Sundays before Bree was born, and I haven't been able to attend since. I miss it. I would like to get back in the saddle again with my calling and other responsibilities. I hate being sick! I hate to not be productive! I hate not being able to help out my own family, let alone others.

This past week as Richard has gone back to work, our family has received dinners from ladies around the neighborhood. It's been such a blessing. We also have dinners coming this week, too! We have great friends who have extended their hands in service towards us, and we are so grateful.

Here's hoping I can get back on my feet soon and return the favors.

Love, Cara

Buzzkill

Since I just had a baby, and have been recovering from major surgery, Richard has been home all week taking care of us. He has been cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, checking homework, doing his own homework, running errands, and playing with the kids so they don't get bored. The best part about Richard being home and in charge this week? He has barbequed our dinner every single night (except for Friday when the winds were so strong that his flame wouldn't stay lit so alas, the chicken was oven-baked).

Richard was so busy this week, he was hardly afforded a moment to sit down, let alone relax. Yes, filling in for me is a tall order--my standards are very high. Along with the list of daily chores were a few extra jobs for him to do. One of those extra jobs was to take Dallin and Elijah to our local SuperCuts for long-overdue haircuts. (While there he was supposed to get one, too). At any other time, I am the one who cuts all my boys' hair. But as I am currently unable to stand and work on my feet for the necessary 90 minutes it usually takes me, I felt it time to break tradition and have Rich pay (cringe!) for haircuts.

Well, said haircuts never happened this week. Last night I told Rich that the boys could not go to church looking so homeless and unkempt, and ha, ha, he should just buzz their heads. I was kidding! After all, Dallin has the most beautiful red hair. I remember buzzing his head the summer he was 3. I cried the rest of the day. Yes, it obviously grew back, but I was nonetheless devastated.

Back to last night. The middle two girls were in bed, and I sat in the family room nursing Bree to sleep. I took her upstairs to bed, and as I headed back downstairs, I realized Rich and the boys were nowhere in sight...

Bzzzz.... What's that sound? Bees, pray tell?


I followed the noise and was led to the garage where Rich had already buzzed Elijah's head, and was in the process of buzzing Dallin's. Of course I had to get the camera. Then I laughed. Then I cried. I know it will grow back, but I'm still very sad. Rich said it was fun to do, and both Dallin and Elijah love their new do's. And it is almost summertime.





I'll get over it. When it grows back.





Love, Cara

p.s. The boys' favorite part of the new hair do's? Their hair is already done.

Biker Chick

Little does Richard realize how very tightly he has been wrapped around Felicity's little finger. It only took two visits to the bike department at Walmart for Felicity to wear him down and convince him that she couldn't live without a new pink and purple bike--helmet and pads, too. Now she can ride with her older siblings and the other kids in the neighborhood. She's a big girl, now! Of course she's still learning and is thus prone to crashing and falling, but overall she's getting the hang of it. Dallin was 7 when he learned to ride a bike without training wheels. Elijah learned on his 5th birthday. Mimi was only 4 1/2, leaving high expectations on Felicity to learn before age 4 1/2. Just kidding!

Seeing Felicity on her bike sure makes me want to get back on mine. Five more weeks till I can join her. I can't wait!

Love, Cara

P.S. Isn't she cute? She's ready to go burn rubber--someday she actually will!

Beautiful Baby Bree

First of all, allow me to apologize for being out of touch since the birth of my beautiful baby Bree. I have not wanted for anything this past week except to nurse, change, bathe, burp and hold her. In fact, I have been quite content to do nothing else, including eating, sleeping, reading and socializing, all of which normally sustain me. This first week with Bree has been so precious and I haven't wanted to miss a thing. Already I feel sad that her first days have passed.

Aubrielle is a joy to have in our family and we wonder how we ever lived without her. She is such a beautiful baby (nope, I'm not biased). Turns out she was the missing piece of our family puzzle and with her we are a more complete unit.



Each of Bree's four older siblings have had multiple opportunities to hold and love on her. Each one of them has been of assistance at times that I've needed a burp rag, diaper, binky or blanket. I only hope their willingness to help will not soon die out, especially since there are only two weeks left of school. Once all the kids are out on summer break, I'll need all the help I can get, being on my own with my brood.







Yesterday Aubrielle had her one-week check-up with her pediatrician, Dr Dickerson (love her!). It was at this check-up that Dr Dickerson was able to determine just how well Bree is progressing, given her weight, height and head circumference. At birth, Bree was 7 lbs 9.5 oz, 19.5 inches long, with a head circumference of 14.25 inches. Not bad, considering she came out of my small body. At yesterday's appointment, Bree was 7 lbs 12.5 oz, 19.75 inches long (head circumference was the same). We all know that babies lose weight in the hospital after birth. Dr Dickerson was thrilled that Bree had already surpassed her birth weight in one week! Well, she is a champion nurser.

Having had children before with whom I've had weight-gain concerns (Elijah and Felicity) I am so grateful that my baby is doing so well. It does my heart good to know that she is growing healthy and strong. Thanks to all those who have offered prayers on her behalf.




Love, Cara (proud mom of 5!)

P.S. We are now truly living our own 7th Heaven!

Announcing The Arrival of Aubrielle Elise Chubbs