Little Sister
10 weeks is such a sweet spot. Evangeline is really coming into her own lately, and each day I’m emerging more from that newborn fade.
I want to gush all over the place. She is a joy. She’s already so opinionated, sensitive, hilarious, remarkable, feisty.
Maybe it’s because she’s my fourth, but every day I am cognizant of the wonder of her.
She does this thing where she’ll cry for what feels like an eternity and exasperates me completely. I’ll bounce and burp, nurse again, walk outside, talk with her, swaddle her, change her diaper, lay her down, pick her back up until I don’t know what I can possibly do to to stop her from being so wound up.
And then I look into her eyes, beg her to stop crying, and then start to sing to her. And she calms immediately, staring right into my eyes, and then she smiles.
And I begin to cry because in all my life I’ve never felt like my heart was literally flooding… magnificence.
Every day with her feels like Christmas morning (see, I can’t even help myself).
She is a gift.
They all are.
Beautiful…all of them. And you!
Such sweet pictures. Sounds like you have another extrovert on your hands.
As someone who didn’t have hands on, hugging parents and a completely horrible sibling problem, I almost cry each time I read the loving family unit you and Justin are creating. Please keep it up and giving us a glimpse into your world. Thank you.
My heart is full and my eyes are tearing just reading about their little lives…. I cannot imagine what a blessing it is to actually watch them blossom and grow every day! Like a big bouquet of (very distinct) flowers and personalities. Thank you!
Your family is just so beautiful. I can’t image how much love is in your house every single day. Keep up the good work!
Evangeline is the spitting image of Beau !
Marion, I was just about to say the same thing. I was wondering if Beau had been cloned. 🙂
Look at how Zoe is cradling little Evvie’s head! Heart melt is happening right now.
Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your beautiful family with the world. They bring me so much happiness every day.
I’ve been struggling with infertility for four years. We did our first round of IVF this year, got pregnant with a tiny boy, and then lost him. He didn’t make it. I was destroyed. I asked my husband to put off talking about when we’d try again because I wasn’t ready. I couldn’t even THINK about trying again. Through it all, the pictures of your kids and Theo made me so happy. They made me smile and cry and dare to hope again.
We’d told our dog, Crosby, we were getting him a baby brother, and I was so looking forward to their relationship–whatever it might’ve looked like. (He adores children and just wants to be close to babies.) Hopefully this happens for us someday.
Lina,
Hugs to you! I’m in a similar situation and have also found hope and joy in these photos. Whenever I feel ready to give up, these sweet little Shyba faces show up in Instagram or the blog and it gives me the strength to keep trying. It will happen for you (and me!) and it might not be in a conventional way, but the desire to be a mom trumps the difficulties that our hearts endure every day. Prayers for your family and your little boy.
Thanks for the encouragement and prayers, Tina! I’ll be praying for you and yours as well. You are not alone. 🙂
I have a friend that tried IVF for many years, the entire church prayed for a miracle. It took 7 years for the miracle to arrive. In 2001 they had twins, a boy and a girl. They are such a blessing, gorgeous, kind, loving, caring, I could keep going. They are 13 now and the girl is such a beautiful young lady, and not just external beauty, she has a kind heart. The boy is so handsome, I tell him that his a heart with arms and legs because he came to this world to love.
My point is, don’t give up ladies, I pray that it won’t take 7 years for your little miracles to come but hold on tight because the wait its so worth it. And your kids will not only be a blessing to you but also to the community they grow up in.
Thanks for sharing that success story, Libby. It’s so encouraging to hear that it works. I mean, I know it does, but you sort of feel like it’ll work for everyone but you. (I try not to think that way, but it’s hard sometimes!) I know God’s timing is perfect so I remind myself daily to be present and open to whatever happens. But sometimes I weep at the slightest provocation. :p Thankfully pictures of the Shyba kids lift my spirits! They are so lovely!
She is such a cutie!!! I can’t believe how much she looks like Beau, and Zoe and Jack look exactly alike too, yet completely different from the little ones. They’re all really beautiful, you are truly blessed!
I love your blog. I started with Theo and Beau. Lovely lovely family. Congratulations!
What a beautiful family…I so enjoy reading your posts!
She is remarkable. Her eyes are extraordinary 🙂 And hahaha… It’s so great to see in the group pic, Jack, who is usually the reserved one, so animated! His new teeth are coming in! Such a wonderful catch of them all 🙂 <3
She is adorable and all your children are so beautiful!
Evvie is SO adorable! She looks just like Zoe!
Happy 10 weeks to Evangeline!
You’re writing is so wonderful and inspiring. How much you love and cherish your children brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.