Master Eric

On August 15th, the day after we came home from the hospital, Eric officially graduated from the EMBA program from BYU. I was sad to miss his graduation, but Adam was able to go and represent our little family. Mamma, Bampa, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Alex and Pa all went to the graduation ceremony to celebrate with Eric and cheer him on! We are so proud of him for accomplishing such a big task, along with continuing to work and provide for our family, while also still being a wonderful husband and Daddy. He has had a lot on his plate the last few years. This was a huge accomplishment!

 On Saturday, we had the whole family over for dinner and cake to celebrate Eric's graduation. 

It was a fun party and we were glad everyone came and celebrated his big weekend with us!

While Mommy was Away....

These kids of mine are so very lucky to have wonderful grandparents who love them so much! While Mommy and Caleb were in the hospital, Adam, Tessa and Gwen got to spend a couple of days playing with Mamma and Ma. With Mamma they got to have a sleepover and spend a day at Mamma and Bampa's house and play with their cousins. 

Then Ma came down to our house and stayed a couple of days with us to watch the kids and help out once Mommy and Caleb came home. Ma took some pictures of the things they did with her. 

They made their welcome home sign.

Gwen napped...a rare thing!

They made Kool-aid popsicles. A favorite from when Mommy was little. 

They played games and dressed up. This is Adam being the Statue of Liberty. 

Gwen has been practicing being a mommy with her dolls. She is a good little mommy!

Enjoying their popsicles. 

Mamma brought over this princess dress for Gwen from Aunt Angel. As soon as Gwen saw it, she had to wear it! 

Ma brought her favorite book from when she was a little girl (B is for Betsy) to read to Tessa at nights. 

Tessa loved it!

We were so thankful for everyone who helped out with the kids while we were gone. It's so wonderful having such amazing families and we are so thankful to be close to them!

Caleb's Birth-Part 2

Ma and Pa surprised the kids with new big brother and big sister shirts when they came to meet Caleb.

 Meeting all the grandparents! Grand kids are coming like crazy these days!

 Caleb with Pa and Ma

 Caleb with Mamma and Bampa

 Gwen gave Caleb some love and then just wanted to sit next to me in bed and under the covers.

 The Nielson boys!

We had lots of visitors and sadly I didn't get pictures of everyone.

Caleb and Aunt Dee

 Caleb and Ares

 Caleb and Uncle Danny

 Caleb and Uncle Ryan

 Caleb with Aunt Gillian and Uncle Mattman

Caleb and Uncle David

 Caleb with Uncle Matt and Aunt Briette

 Aunt Lisa, Aunt Jodi and my good friend, Kristin also came to visit us while we were in the hospital.

On Thursday afternoon, we packed everything up and got ready to head home. It was also our 10th anniversary that day. Eric brought me some beautiful roses. I gave him a baby. 

I never thought 10 years ago we would celebrate our 10th anniversary with a brand new baby. But I wouldn't trade him for any kind of trip we would have taken instead. 

 All ready to go home!

 I always forget how tiny they are in the car seats.

 His siblings could not wait to have us come home. They all wanted to hold him immediately. 

 Uncle Andrew got to come check Caleb out. He was pretty smitten with this new baby. 

 Gwen is amazed at how little Caleb's hands and feet are.

 Tessa made this beautiful sign to welcome us home. She did the block letters and I think Adam helped her color everything. 

 Eric's co-workers all pitched in and bought me this gorgeous bouquet of flowers. It has made our house smell so amazing!!

Now we are adjusting to a normal life with a newborn...whatever that is. He is having trouble eating, but I will save that for another post.

We are so thankful for all the love and support we received while we were in the hospital and afterwards. Having this beautiful little boy join our family has made us all so very happy!!