Our Precious Little Girl

It's hard to believe that a year ago today I became the mother of FIVE! Mackenzie Kate was born and our lives were forever changed.

Around noon on July 16th there was a knock on the door of my hospital room and in scurried four little children all anxious to meet their new sibling. They all varied in their reactions...

Brett fell in love at first sight. The way he looked at her was priceless. After everyone had a turn holding Mackenzie she somehow found her way back into her biggest brother's arms and was so peaceful there. Noah was so excited we couldn't have wiped that giant grin off his face if we tried. He was so proud to be a big brother again! Dylan was so-so about holding her. He wasn't scared or nervous, just awkward;) Then there was the proud big sister. Madison was SO incredibly shy to even be in the room she curled up next to Grandma and only peeked out when someone spoke to her. I think the whole experience of seeing me in the bed frightened her a bit but to this day she is Mackenzie's biggest fan. The way Madison looks at her lil' sister is nothing short of amazing. There is already a very special bond and so much love.

I'm still in awe sitting here this morning knowing that my baby is ONE YEAR OLD! This time around everything felt "new" again. It felt like I hadn't had a newborn around in ages and was trying hard to remember all the "rules."

Mackenzie is simply the sweetest baby girl. From morning to night she'll snuggle for as long as you'd like. She loves to play with the older kids and follow them around. She was an early crawler and walker and I'm really thankful for that. It really makes this Mama's job easier when she can get to where she wants to go. She rarely cries or has any sort of bad temperament. What a blessing that is when you have four other children to care for also but what great helpers they have all become.

I feel so blessed to be called Mama. I know the heartache some have had trying to bring a new life into this world. It's hard to put into words or comfort those who are longing for a child. Every time I hear one of their stories my heart breaks a little for them. In a friendly conversation with someone I consider to be a good friend she came right out and said "why do you get all these kids and I can't even have one?" I cried for her, I cried with her and I cried praying with this dear friend in my arms. I know the Lord, my mighty Savior, my heavenly Father knows why our lives are planned the way He sees fit. I try not to complain to others about the rough day I've had, how hard a pregnancy was or even about any other aspect of my life. I am blessed by God beyond measure and want to show other's just how thankful I am.

What a blessing and privilege it is to be the mother today of a little one we call Mackenzie Kate. The day she was born our lives changed forever; for the better and I thank God for another miracle. I promise to raise her in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to always tell her of His unfailing love and sacrifice for us. Happy Birthday, baby girl! You are SO loved.

The 4th

I still remember my 4th of Julys as a little girl. We lived in Brookfield right by the Zoo. I grew up on Grand Boulevard and every year the 4th of July parade would come right down our street. We would have all of our extended family over and make a whole day of it.

When I got old enough my parents helped me organize a "lemonade stand" if you will. I sold pop, lemonade and freeze pops. I remember making about $20 once and I thought I'd won the lottery! What amazing memories I have of family and the fourth. Each year I dream and wish for it to be July and now when it actually rolls around I can't believe it arrived so soon!

For the past eight years we have changed venues and began attending the Hinsdale parade with the Laslos'. And, every year we dress all the kids up in their festive gear and make a day of it too. This year Mackenzie landed herself on the front page of the Hinsdalean newspaper. She was a stitch to watch run all around the streets without a care in the world. She watched in awe of all the busyness and somehow fell asleep during sirens and cannon shots. What a doll.

The older kids always have a blast catching candy and waving & interacting with all the parade goers and participators. The last couple of years my parents have attended as well and I think it's even a little more fun to watch the kids watching the parade. What joy & excitement they have for such simple things. It can make any heart happy to see such enjoyment.

We ended our wonderful 4 of July weekend with some of our friends and a BBQ. There's just something so wonderful about summer and I sometimes wish we could just press pause button it.

What We've Been Up To

I've been quite neglectful of this blog for some time now. I start a post only to fall asleep or close my laptop because the thought of finishing anything these days seems too good to be true. This summer has been moving at the speed of light! Here's a small update on our "little" Laslos.

Brett completed the 5th grade this year with flying colors. I thank the Lord everyday for this amazing child. He learned the Oboe this year which is not at all an easy instrument to play. He also competed in the the Spelling Bee an finished an honorable 9th. Along with extraordinary marks on his last report card his tests scores from the state tests prove he is in the 99th percentile in his academics (which mean he scored higher than 99 percent of the students in the whole state of Illinois.) Bragging? Of course! He works so hard at all he does I couldn't be more proud of him.

Brett started the summer attending basketball camp, followed by a sculpture/ceramics art camp and then last week was a part of Willowbrook Warriors soccer camp. He loves engaging himself in all these activities and testing his strength, endurance and creativity. After the 4th of July he took a break and went to Michigan for a week w/ his Dad's side of the family. He's there now and having a blast.

Madison & Noah are getting to experience their first camp this week. They are in an adventure/exploration camp in the woods of Downers Grove. They absolutely LOVED it and couldn't stop telling us of all different senses they used. They learned about wildlife, plants and insects. It's really fun to see them so animated when talking about it.

Dylan has been a little down since he's not old enough for M & N's camp, but yesterday he got to have Grandma Laslo all to himself and attend story time at the library and spend time walking around town with her. Today he's actually spoiled all over again with Grandma H taking him to pet store to buy a new fish for Papa and just a little play time all by himself. He's really lonely without the other two members of the little Laslo tag team, but it's something he need to get used to as they will be gone for 7.5 hours everyday in the fall. It's going to be a learning experience for both of us.

Mackenzie Kate is walking all over the place. She seems to get bigger and smarter every day trying and exploring the world around her. She turns '1' this Friday. Another post for another day about my feelings on that;) She's been a trooper traveling around town to various activities for the little ones.

June was a busy month of zipping here and there and everywhere.