A new picture of the Team...

The sweetest thing...

Betty is so lucky to have such attentive and loving siblings. Ella and Henry are constantly checking on her, what she's doing, where she is, is she awake or asleep... the list goes on and on. The other day, I put Betty in the swing for a moment and she was a little fussy. Ella usually runs up and sings and 'shhhes' her right away... which Betty really responds to/calms down. So I was in the kitchen and I heard some soft singing from the other room. To my surprise, it was Big Bro Henry, gently singing to the littlest Smoker. Of course Ella comes in to take control but between the two of them and our newest little girl, it doesn't get much sweeter than this...

Introducing Betty Jane Smoker

Our family was incredibly blessed this week as we welcomed baby Betty Jane Smoker into our world. Betty was born on April 13, 2010 at 1:49 pm weighing 7.0 lbs (exactly the same as Ella) and she stands 20 inches tall (if only she had control of her legs!) She is absolutely perfect. Super relaxed and easy going, but when she's hungry, she knows what she wants! Otherwise, she just loves to look around and hear the busy sounds of home. She has what we like to call 'mad scientist hair,' big hands and big blue eyes (for now.) My parents, Cami & Chip have been here all week playing with Betty's big bro & big sis. It was great to have them in town this time. Doug & Sally have also been helping and are excited to have another girl in the family. Grandma D will be in town in about 1 week. Can't wait for everyone to meet our new angel. It's amazing how incredible a new baby is and how the love affair begins immediately. We love you Betty!

Ella writing a 'thank you for getting Betty out' note to the nurses at the hospital

Henry loves to pet and 'tickle' Betty (tickle, tickle, tickle!)

Ella & Henry were obsessed with the 'fish bowl' bassinette at the hospital.

The bow courtesy of the nurses at the hospital. It's a GIRL!

Ella is obsessed with all things baby including "babies don't like loud music, Mom!" She needs to know where Betty is and what she's doing all the time. She is crazy about her little sister. Henry though is a little less involved with an occasional 'Hi Betty' as he runs past. He's too busy rough housing and running around with GranDad. Betty is in LOVE with Phil. He just has to talk to her or hold her for a second and she's completely content and the feeling is mutual because he completely smitten with her as well!

We look forward to all of the adventures and experiences that our new family of five will bring! Can't wait to watch Betty grow and develop her own personality. We truly are blessed.

Hippity, Hoppity...

Easter pictures... coloring eggs, family picture (one of the last before we're a family of 5!!!) and hunting eggs outside (still in pj's!) What a crew! We are truly blessed!

Bunny Brunch

A little delayed, but some good pictures of Ella & Henry at the Easter Bunny brunch. Henry loved the toppings on the 'build your own pancake bar.' It was a little bit of chaos, a lot of sugar and a ton of fun! Ella found a 'special' silver egg to get a big prize (with the help of Mommy!) We've been playing with our friends the Lautaru's lately and they were there as well. There's a shot of the four kids (minus the littlest one, Ronan) - see how easy it is to get a good picture of 4 kids under the age of 8?!?! Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa for coming with us to help keep everything together!

Bouncing Around

We recently made a trip to Bremen Bounce which is basically a warehouse filled with these blow-up jump around houses/obstacle courses. Ella was a great big sister helping Henry get up the sometimes slippery slopes to reach the slide. The kids had a blast.