Last Days

Thanks to Grandma's visit and helping out with our new little one I was able to take the older kiddos and let them enjoy all of their favorite activities here in Manhattan before we head out.

They also had a going away party for Steven at the hospital in which Kadyn, Azure, and I had the good fortune to attend since it was directly following one of her newborn check ups. Our experience here has been a time we will always treasure. We'll never forget the wonderful friends we've had the pleasure to meet and be forever grateful to have amazing memories we can take with us.

Update On Azure

We are now nearing two weeks old. Azure is a fantastic baby who enjoys eating, sleeping, sleeping, and sleeping. We often find ourselves having to wake Azure just to feed her and make certain her nutritional needs are met. We have all fallen head over heals in love with this little sweetheart and feel truly blessed she has come to our family and home.

Pinning On Major

Steven was promoted to Major in the Army this past Friday. They had a nice ceremony at the hospital and ended with a reception of cake and punch. It was the first time that I got to pin on his new rank, gold oak leaves. Those who work closest to Steven said a few words about him. It was enjoyable to be present as they spoke of his hard work ethic and surgical skills. With not having many opportunities to observe Steven within his work environment, it was nice to hear the observations and experiences of others. It was definitely an afternoon to remember. Way to go Major Ballard.

Picnics And Play = Perfect

The girls had their first, and last, Marlatt Elementary field day a few weeks back. It was a fun day for all of our kiddos. As the girls participated with their class in various events, Thatcher and Haley enjoyed playing on the playground and digging tunnels in the sand. In between their scheduled times we headed for a nearby park and had a picnic complete with games and a water balloon fight with Ryley's class. Like always they included Thatch and Haley in all of the games and fun. It makes me happy that each school we have experienced has welcomed all of our children for school activities. It was a perfect day.

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!