Her birthday haircut
I can't believe my girl turned 7 this year!!! She is sweet, smart, responsible, funny and a total gift to her Daddy and I - and her two brothers. Happy Birthday sweet girl!!
The water works
Simmea, though not entirely sure about it, sat very still and was a very good patient:o). 
Our little Belle
After supper with Grandpa Larry and his new wife, (of a year) Ruth, Uncle Bryce took the kiddos trick-or-treating while the mom's & Joshua stayed behind to pass out candy. The cousins had a lot of fun and I think the favorite part was sorting through all the candy and treasures at home... and of course eating some! :o)
Hmmm... Life in the Paulson household this October... getting adjusted to a newborn's schedule, teacher/parent conferences, lots of time with cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, homework, apples, pumpkins, roasts and soups... a birthday and life as usual!
Here are some random shots of life lately.
1/2 avocado
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp lemon or lime juice
Scoop avocado out of skin, add rest of ingredients & mash with fork or puree in a baby food maker. Adjust garlic, salt and juice according to personal taste.
Enjoy!
Never in a million years would I have thought that one day I would be standing in the middle of a pumpkin patch nursing!! But with no bottle, no quick or easy escape & my infant's hunger quickly turning to panic... here I am. 
Here's a shout out to my ancient female relatives! (This NEVER would have taken place with my first baby...)
Since having a baby somethings have been forgotten, and some forgotten things have been remembered...
1. What a full nights' sleep feels like
2. How sweet a newborn smells
3. Precious coos and squeaks!
4. The pot of water boiling on the stove... lunch... oh well, try again at dinner.
5. What it feels like to leak, profusely
6. A doughnut... to sit on!
7. How insanely good a shower feels
8. The older sibling in the bath tub, who has to ask if he can get out because he's all wrinkly... oops!
9. Carrying a baby in one hand all nestled up under your chin
10. The first belly giggles from a sleeping newborn
11. Diapers that don't contain as much as their advertisement wants you to believe they do
12. Mount Laundry
13. Irrational fears involving the baby being lost under the pillow (usually at 2am)
14. How big baby equipment is
15. The race to get out the door with clean clothes on, diaper bag, baby fed and baby + other children safely in tow... and hair brushed? Is that really a requirement?? Did I get that done?
16. How good it feels to get a baby burp
17. Counting poopy diapers vs. wet ones
18. The pain of needing to feed a baby who isn't hungry, but really should be!
19. How sweet they are asleep
20. The deep, deep awe at this little life in your arms - such a perfect miracle!
Everyone had a job... hold his passy, keep his legs covered, wash his neck, tell him everything is okay... it was a complete success! :o)
We went to the Saturday Market, shared a huge tamale for lunch, enjoyed shaved ice and let the kids play in the fountain. Joshua did fantastic too:o) - slept the whole time. It felt so good to be out of the house and in the sun.
Joshua Iason Noah Paulson ~ September 17th, 2009 ~ 6:44pm ~ 6lbs 8 ozWe decided to take one last trip to the beach ( I know, risky!:o) as a family of four this weekend. It was the perfect way to celebrate what our little family has been for the last 41/2 years. We walked through the town of Cannon Beach. The kids brought their money and shopped for toys (really wanting to find something for their brother - so precious!), and Bryce and I enjoyed just watching them and being together. We visited one of our favorite coffee shops (where we took most of the pictures as it was rather rainy) and just enjoyed each other.
September 9th 2009 marked Elie's first day in First Grade! She was so excited, and nervous at the same time. She got the chance to meet her teacher and a few classmates the night before, which was wonderful and I think really helped her in feeling ready. Her teacher is very sweet, and seems to be on top of things. The work she's doing is pretty much a repeat of last year in Michigan - but for now, as Elie adjusts to new school rules and friends that seems to be just fine.
Settling in just fine.
Right before we left she gave us hugs and told us she would miss us. She also looked like she was ready to cry - which of course didn't help her mama any! But when we picked her up she was all smiles and excitement. 
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