Marli Grace

Well, we're feeling overwhelmingly blessed as we've welcomed our third child into the world. Marli Grace was born on February 19th @ 6:06am weighing in @ 8lbs and 14 ounces...larger than both of her brothers, AND 9 days early due to an induction :). BIG healthy baby! Our doctor had been 'suggesting' that we possibly consider inducing because of her size, she was afraid Marli would be extremely large, so we decided to go ahead and schedule her delivery. The night we were to get called into the hospital came and went, because they were so busy. SO the following night Brent and I had taken the boys to the park and we were playing when all of the sudden, my phone rang and it was the nurse saying to come in!!! Emotions were high!! :) We were sooo excited we all ran home and got our things together and headed in right away. They started inducing me @ 8pm and she made her arrival @ 6 am the next morning. I survived the delivery without an epidural which was my goal...and it took me a few days to be able to say this, but I preferred not having one, as opposed to having one with both boys. I felt much better and Marli was much healthier as well! So the delivery went great. God has blessed us with the most content, sweet little girl. Marli hardly ever cries, unless there's something wrong, and even then her cry is so quiet. She will willingly coast off to sleep on her own several times a day...and even @ night sometimes. She is SO sweet.

Life as a family of 5 is going so great! Marli has two doting big brothers ;) whom literally give her kisses all day long and love her to pieces. They always are wanting to fill her in on what they're doing, or share their toys, or hold her. She is loved by so so many. Daddy has been super busy this month, just between work, teaching a class, flag football, and softball umpiring...so the time we have all together we do our best to maximize. He's the hardest working husband, father, and employee that I know, and I am so proud of him and all he's doing. On the flip side of that, we're ALL very excited that things are going to slow way down here soon!

Marli has brightened our world up even more, and we feel so lucky to have her in our lives. She's got the sweetest little smiles, and is starting to respond now to familiar voices, and sounds. It's so cute...her little smile melts our hearts. It's hard to believe she's already over one month old...I wish @ times we could freeze these moments because they go entirely too fast, but we're doing our best to cling to each minute of everyday by enjoying it to the fullest...precious times these are with our three little children.

Marli Grace,
You, our sweet little girl, light up our world!!! Your mommy and daddy, and two big brothers love you more than you can imagine. But even above our love, is your heavenly father's love for you, and that is beyond even our understanding because of how limitless and astounding it is. Your daddy and I are already praying everyday that one day, you'll come to know Jesus as your own and that He'll be your best friend and guide. We are also praying that we do all we can to get you to that place and raise you in a home that shows you his love daily. We are so far from perfect, but through His help we pray that you will see Him in us and through us in our home. How blessed we are to be your mommy and daddy and have the joy of watching you grow into the woman God has created you to be. You are beautiful, Marli Grace and we love you so so much. As your brothers would say "we love you to the moon and the sun, the moon and the sun, the moon and the sun, and back ;)"
Love,
Daddy, Mommy, Mason and Cash
Here are lots of pictures from Marli's arrival :)