Baby Paxton arrives!

Ondalynn gave birth, all natural, to another beautiful baby on Monday, July 23rd in Vancouver, WA. It was their 5th, and their 3rd boy in a row. She is a very busy Mommy! I'm so grateful we live close so I could be there to help. I didn't have to fly across the country, but instead, a 30 minute drive from Oregon to Washington crossing the Columbia River.

The Vance's had just been in our home the night before, Sunday, for a family dinner. We received a call by 5 a.m. Monday morning asking me to come as they were soon leaving for the hospital. Dad drove me over so they would have access to the car. We arrived to find all the children up, excited about their Mom about to have the baby. Dad helped to get things settled and then headed home for work.

By early that afternoon that precious baby made his appearance in the world. There were many cheers of excitement! My sister Kathi called that morning to visit and when she realized I was there with all the children and much going on, she jumped in her car, along with her granddaughter, Chole, and came down to help me the rest of the day. She brought lots of yummy food and even many, many ladybugs for the children to enjoy. She was so generous to come as it was a 3-hour drive for her each way.

Sweet Sydney was in heaven holding her new brother.

Proud Grandma here!

What a beautiful, growing family!

Bryson was excited to have another brother.

Julia couldn't stop smiling!

The doctors and nurses were impressed how well Ondalynn handled everything.

It was nice to hear how the nurse shared how sweet it was to watch Ondalynn and Gary working together to have this baby. He was a great support and coach to her. It was refreshing for the nursing staff to see and feel the love and affection that Ondalynn & Gary had for each other. They see many single Mom's. They were missionaries while they were there at the hospital as the staff recognized that there was something special about them.

After our visit to the hospital, the children were delighted with 100's of ladybugs to feed and play with.

Aunt Kathi always make it a fun time for kids.

After several days without their Mom at home, the kids were waiting outside for her arrival, waving flags and cheering!

Ondalynn looked radiant when she arrived home. Isaac wasn't sure about this new, little baby in the home.

Lots of smiles when Paxton arrived home.

Gary and his three sons.

Precious Paxton slept through the welcome home celebration.

The children were good to help with the food preparations.

Emily made a darling car seat cover for Paxton.

Paxton brought a special spirit into the home.

Bryson & I made cookies one morning together.

Sept. 2nd we joined the Vance's for Paxton's blessing.

Beautiful baby Paxton the day of his blessing.

Grandpa has another little one to love and kiss.

The children performed the nativity skit for us that evening. They love to be together.

I stayed in the Vance's home for the first five days or so. Emily came from BYU after her Spring Semester and it was wonderful to have her help, too. Then the next week I stayed at home, but I drove over nearly every day to help. It was a joy to be there to help Ondalynn get some much needed rest. The children worked hard in the yard pulling many weeds to surprise their Dad. We went on walks, played games, but they had the most fun when Emily came and could be more active with them.