It's A......?

We'd like to announce the new arrival of our little baby girl!

Azure Ballard was born Thursday, May 26th at 11:57pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 14oz. and is 20 inches long.

On Thursday morning I went for a check up and my wonderful doctor found my body very favorable for having a baby. Since I was a beta strep carrier they were hoping to get some antibiotics running through me with time to spare prior to baby making his or her appearance. They decided to have me walk around the hospital for a time and see what my body might do. I walked fast with a determined mind to make something happen. Four hours later, having made dozens of new friends who were genuinely concerned to see a very pregnant girl walking so quickly, I was ready to roll. With a small hiccup of the epidural needing to be redone, which extended the overall time out a few hours more, everything went quick and smoothly. It was a fantastic experience all around and I couldn't have asked for better nurses and doctors who were amazing and took great care of Azure and I during our stay. We returned Sunday morning to four very eager children who wanted their Mom and new baby sister home. Ryley, Kadyn, and Thatcher have fallen in love with her and I find myself with more help than I could have ever imagined. Haley loves her new "real life" baby doll and follows Azure around repeating the words, "Oh, she so cute".

Being a wife and mother is the best blessing ever. Holding Azure and looking into the sweet faces of all five of our little ones offers me a gentle reminder of how truly incredible our time on earth is and how awesome it is to understand the gift families are both here and in the eternities. I am so grateful for a kind and gentle Father in Heaven who loves and watches over each of us.

Yellow To Senior

Thatcher advanced to his senior yellow belt last week. He was very excited for testing and did an excellent job. In his past testing experiences they have always had an instructor standing nearby to help the child along in case they forgot. This time they gave Thatcher and other yellow belts the challenge of doing all combos on their own. It was fun to watch Thatcher prepare and take on this new way of testing. It was even better to see the look on his face when he accomplished the task perfectly all by himself. Way to go Thatch!

Favorite Celebrations

Steven and I laugh each year as the end of April approaches. Within a two week time period lies my birthday, our anniversary, and Mother's Day. It's tough on Steven as his creativity is tested for new ways to surprise me, however, it's definitely two of the best weeks in the year for they truly celebrate the greatest gifts I have been given.

Of course, being born was nice. :) Then, eleven years ago I married my best friend for time and all eternity. He is the greatest person I know and I'm one lucky girl to have him. If that wasn't enough, together we have been given the 4 (nearly 5) best children that a couple could ask for. It's truly two weeks that leave me in awe of my many blessings.

To celebrate this year we headed to Topeka where Steven had read excellent reviews for this little restaurant called the RowHouse. Even the stellar reviews did not do this place justice. The experience reminded our taste buds what a treat really, really good cooking is in life!

The restaurant is small and intimate so it was packed, but we happen to be put in this cute little room all to ourselves. The chef changes his five course menu each week to incorporate items from his garden on the roof, along with fruits and veggies from the local farmers market. In fact, it is only open 4 days a week, with the other three days being used to plan and prepare for the weeks menu and service. We got lucky that our anniversary fell on a Wednesday this year, because Wednesday evening is "preview night" at the restaurant. This gives patrons the chance to sample every dish on the menu. Isn't that an awesome idea?

Not one item was worth missing! I regret not leaving with a menu, but I do know that between the fantastic appetizer, amazing salad, soup, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts, we were in food heaven. It sounds like a ton of food too but the portions were perfect in size, and more importantly, everything tasted amazingly delicious. We are sad to leave the area after discovering this hidden treasure so close to our move. I guess it gives us a great excuse to come visit.

Mother's Day was another great day. It started with a long hot shower and a smoothie. After returning home from church the kids sent me straight to my room for a long nap while they prepared to set up all of their Mother's day treats. A day that begins with a hot shower and ends with a nap - I'd say the perfect day for my needs at this point. It's funny, when I was younger I used to think that a homemade card just wasn't enough to show my parents how much I loved them. Now that I'm a Mom I realize I was completely wrong. Those homemade cards are the very things I treasure the most.

Baby In A Box

My Mom's amazing. A few days ago our doorbell rang and upon further investigation through the window I discovered two large boxes sitting on the doorstep. With the kiddos help I pulled them in and ten minutes later found myself completely prepared and ready to have a baby. She even made two different quilts so that either gender would be fully covered! Amazing.

In addition to the first wonderful package, the second box completed a job that we have made a tradition with our children. When Steven and I head for the hospital Grandma passes out "care package" bags. They contain everything necessary to help entertain the kids during our time away. We had already purchased some items to place in their bags, but, thanks to her we now have those completed and squared away as well. I'm quite certain they will have more than enough to keep them busily entertained.

Fairs And Fathers

With summer fast approaching and the school year soon to end (yea!!) there are many activities keeping the Ballard family busy. Marlatt Elementary held their annual fair and the kids had a blast. Every room in the school had a different game or activity, with the outside being filled with rides and additional games. The cafeteria was filled with food and baskets that various classes were auctioning off and every ten minutes they gave away gift certificates and prizes. By the end of the evening the Ballard clan walked away with a dozen cupcakes, flowers, and coupons for free pizza hut breadsticks and a meal at Chilie's. Not bad for a few hours of fun and games.

Our church also held their annual father and son's campout which Steven and Thatcher enjoyed together. With great excitment they packed the car and headed for a lake about twenty minutes outside of town. I'm pretty sure Thatcher was in heaven during the entire adventure. When they arrived home I asked Thatch what his favorite part of the campout was. He said "skipping rocks on the lake and making smores". I also asked him what his least favorite part of the campout was. It took him a long time to even come up with an answer but he finally replied, "going to sleep". Talk of the next father and sons campout has already begun and I'm quite certain that both Ballard boys are ready to go. I can't fail to mention that the Ballard girls had a lovely evening as well that started with friends and food and ended with a "campout" snuggled warm and cozy in Mom and Dad's soft king sized bed. When Mom is this pregnant, it's the only way to camp!