Highlights.....

...of life as a family of seven.

10. Some confusion between the names Justin and Judson. Thank goodness for nicknames (baby Jud)!

9. After a few trips to doctor appointments, we were ready to trade in our minivan and suburban for a 12 passenger van.

8. While holding his new brother in the hospital, Jesse pointed out two things about baby Jud...his skin smells different than ours, and he has never broken one of the ten commandments. :)

7. Sleepless nights

6. The older three boys really stepping up to help with chores and even arguing over who gets to hold baby Jud next.

5. Hearing J.R. say his little brother's name in his low, booming voice... "Baby Dud."

4. BJ and I crying out to God for strength, energy, and wisdom in raising our family.

3. Hearing the boys exclaim how "adorable" newborn size diapers are...and trying to get the clean diapers on fast enough!

2. Figuring out a new routine in the mornings when mommy isn't up and ready on time.

1. Cuddling this gift of life in my arms.

The past two weeks have been a little bit of an adjustment...and just a little busier than usual. :) We could not have done it without the help of friends who provided meals for us every evening and help with our boys. We are in awe at how God meets our needs and cares for us.

Our boys had written us welcome home signs from the hospital so BJ made this sign to welcome them back from Grandma and Papa's.

Family worship. Jesse is known for picking random pj tops and bottoms...and J.R. loves to wear my longaberger basket liner on his head!

Fun times....

Every day, rain or shine, J.R. asks me if he can ride the tractor with daddy. He must have been thrilled to go on this ride with Papa the week Judson was born.

More hospital pics....

During our hospital stay we were lucky to have Grandma Sally stay with our boys. I know caring for four young, energetic boys can be exhausting....and we were grateful for her help.

Papa, Aunt Mim, Kami, Brady, and Reaghan were able to be there the day of Jud's birth.

The Kuykendall Grands...until Joey and Alison's little one arrives. :)

We are pleased to announce the birth of our baby....

Judson Lee Kuykendall

October 27, 2009

8 pounds 6 ounces

21 inches

So close.....

Our countdown is getting closer! It is a little weird to know the exact day and time of our little ones' births (unless of course we get bumped again like we did with J.R.). In a way, knowing is helpful to prepare...but also overwhelming trying to get the whole to-do list done! We started this paper chain about 50 days ago and the boys have had fun taking turns ripping off each loop.

BJ and I feel so blessed. Friends and family have been so good to us during this crazy time in BJ's job, my mom's cancer, and the coming of our baby. Tonight our dear friends/family, The Wohlds and Freemans, watched our boys so we could go out one last time before Baby J joins the world. We had a great time...and as tradition, tried to decide on a name. :)

Just thought I would add this pic of my baby napping with his baby. He has become very attatched to Jared's "baby Isaac" lately. Hopefully, he won't try to carry the real baby the same way he carries around this one. :)


Please pray for us this Tuesday.

The Pumpkin Patch

Our day at the pumpkin patch.....

These adorable hats were made by Erica Engle for my boys. Tiny hat #5 is waiting.... :)

Homeschool Soccer

Jared and Jesse played homeschool soccer this year. BJ and I love how low-key it is...only meeting once a week for 8 weeks. We appreciate that it is parent run and begins with a devotional. It was also great having a chance to visit with the other parents.Devotion time!

The boys' biggest fans!