Dear sweet Ev

I don't want too much time to pass by before I share something about you. You, my sweet and first daughter, are such a gift. I have so enjoyed getting to know you these past two months. You are incredibly sweet. I am not sure there is another word. You have been smiling from the beginning... long before they say you are able to and long before the boys ever did. You have the most precious rasp in your voice when you coo or cry. You sleep great! You are my first baby to sleep through the night this early on... it's not every night, but it is starting to become more nights than not. I have been in shock over having straight sleep. You have helped my survival... and during the day, you sleep so much too. Your awake time is always laid back, hanging out, loving your legs out of your clothes kicking around, and me just protecting you from your brothers, well, from Adam.

I can't wait till you can move around, crawl, talk some... interact more with your brothers.

I love that your daddy has a daughter now. I am loving watching him with you.

You are such a beautiful baby. You are such a chunk. In the 90% for height and 75% for weight at two months, weighing in at a whopping 12 lbs 13oz and your appointment last week. Loving those legs with so many rolls... and that chin, it hangs down.

I hope your eyes stay blue like your brothers' and I pray you keep sleeping well.

I am thrilled to finally have a daughter. It has been like dressing my own little baby doll. You are probably getting annoyed with all the bows, but I have to take advantage before you can remove them yourself.

I love you, Evelyn Rose, my little Ev, my precious Rosey cakes. You, are a beauty. You were beautifully made. Can't wait to tell you all about how much we love you and how much Jesus loves you.

Needing to catch up...

Writing tonight from Patrick's computer. Been having lots of trouble actually getting to a computer these days. Four kids in our home has left time for, well, nothing else. Tonight is the first night Evelyn has gone to sleep before 10.. and usually its more like midnight. It has been a tough transition for sure...

I am going to get caught up now. Stay tuned for blogs about the birth of Evelyn Rose, an update on the boys,  Evelyn's baptism, Easter, my retreat, life in Rhode Island, and my farewell to Nashville...

For now, I will tell you that life here is quite different. It has been very hard, but very good. The good Lord stripped us of all we know and are familiar with and brought us to our knees. We are alone here, managing well, but managing alone. It has been very good. We have more order, less running around, more peace, less distractions from friends, events, parties, and all other things that are good, but distracting.

I have managed to find a few friends, which is refreshing. I am realizing what a gift friendship is. I am realizing how precious it is for a Christian woman to have friends around her for support. Us moms need cheerleaders in our court as we stay at home and struggle to raise these beautiful children and give ourselves in love to our husbands. It is good to have friends who do the same. They are a gift.

All is well with Patrick's job. He is doing well, learning a lot, and working normal hours. It's refreshing. I love seeing him dressed up every morning. I love that we always have dinner together and no one is running out the door. It is all very very good.

Stay tuned... I have so much to write and say... and many pictures.