Farm Excitement!

It has been quite a morning here on our little farm. We spent most of the morning inside playing games and reading books. I went outside at about 11:30 to check on water for the alpaca. All was normal and quiet. I went back inside to feed the kids. At 12:15 they wanted to go outside to play on the swing set. Almost seconds after going out Yvette comes running back in crying, "Mom! Mom! There is a big bad raccoon by the swing set."
We've never really had raccoons around here so I went out to see what she saw. Sure enough there was a raccoon up on his haunches staring at me. I shooed the kids into the house, grabbed my .22 and clip and headed back out. He was still where I saw him last. I found a good spot and fired. Dead.

I then checked the chicken coop to make sure they were all there. I know he was watching the coop. Check: all 6 there. Thank goodness.

While I as out I walked over to the alpaca pen to check water again and look what I found.....

Calibash had her baby! Baby was up and stumbling around....still wet and absolutely adorable! I ran in to tell the kids and we all went out to greet our newest arrival....

It's a GIRL! and she's beautiful. We thought it was a girl at first, but then got a better look. It's a BOY.

We have to decide on a name. Yvette wants to name her Philoniza. ??? Where she got that one, I have NO idea. Pretty sure it won't make the list.

One down. One to go.

Rita - 3 months old

My babe is 3 months old today. She is such a happy baby and brings us all so much joy. Her brothers and sister absolutely LOVE having her around. Wyatt is her biggest fan. Yvette is anxious to dress her us. And Hayden - though in the beginning really didn't know what to think of her - has come to love her very dearly. They all  swarm around her to make sure she's happy and smiling.
We are truly blessed with such a good 4th baby. She eats well (as you can see). She sleeps 6 hours at a time at night (since 1 week old). And absolutely LOVES being outside - thank goodness for that because that's where we spend 90% of our day.
We love her beyond words and can't remember life without her.

We call her "Cheeks Backowski"......don't they just make you melt. And her dimple!!!!!! Oh MY. Her dimple......*sigh*

I'm Back

....a typical day at our place. Complete with meltdowns and pass-outs.

Thief In The Night

A couple nights ago John and I were awakened by Wyatt (3) standing in our doorway. It was about 3am.

"Wyatt, what do you need?"
silence.
"Wyatt, are you okay?"
silence as he stares at his folded hands
"Wyatt, go climb back into bed and Daddy will tuck you back in."
Quick glance of guilt followed by him scampering to the table in our room and plunking a handful of change into the (empty) bowl. He ran out without so much as another glance.

We looked at each other a little stunned. Was he sleep walking? Did he really just do that?

A few seconds later he returns, quickly running in and dropping MORE change into the bowl. He quickly turns to leave, stops at the end of the bed and looks at us with a remorseful look and says, "I...I...just had to put the moneys back." pause. "I wuv you." And he ran back to his bed. John and I looked at each other and quietly laughed. We went to check on him a few minutes later and he was fast asleep.

I love that kid. Really. He is the most genuine, playful, loveable soul!

"I Didn't Do It..."

A man came home from work and found his 3 children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around garden, The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and no sign of the dog, walking in the door, he found ...an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, the throw rug was against one wall, In the front room the TV was on loudly with the cartoon channel, the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel... She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?...

''Yes," was his incredulous reply..

She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

....Just That Kind of Day.....

Dear Husband,

Please stop at the store and bring me something premade and yummy. I don't care if it's frozen pizza, a Big Mac, DQ, a bag of chips or a candy bar. Just something I can take out of the wrapper, eat, and discard the evidence. OH, and don't forget to swing by the liquor store for a 6pack of Mike's.

When you walk in the door, be prepared for a disheveled wife, possibly crabby kids (if they aren't already in bed), and a clean kitchen with the laundry done. Yes, I did actually get something done today. But it's just been "that kind of day".

I love you beyond words. We can get to that later. ;-)

Your Wife

p.s. if you get home and I'm passed out on the couch, your supper is on the stove......cold Mac N Cheese....

....did I tell you I love you?......well, I DO......

Rita Joan

A little late in posting. I apologize. We've been a bit busy here getting used to being a family of 6. Yikes!.....SIX!

Rita Joan Backowski was born on March 27, 2012 at 5:32am at home. She was 9lb 14oz and 22 1/4 inches long. Her labor and delivery went well (I will write about that another time). She is absolutely perfect. I'm not so sure there is a more beautiful baby girl. We are completely in love.

These picture were taken the day of her birth.....

 I get all weepy every time I see this picture. I have one for each of the kids with John just moments after their birth. This man.......I have no words for how much I love him, how much of a gift he is to me. I am so completely blessed.

 Miss Rita with the bunny her big sister picked out for her.

Oh how she has changed already. I will search and search for the charger for my camera. YES....it is MIA again. I think it hates me. Anyway, I will find it. And I will post more.