Madeline Turns 3

So our darling Madeline turned 3 years old on April 8. We had a lovely little party at a nearby park with Grandma & Grandpa Hunter, Uncle Josh and a few of her friends. Everything had to be pink. Pink table cloths, pink napkins. And yes, so got lots of pink presents. It's always amazing to me how we don't really push girly pink things, yet she inherently wants pink. I think some little girls are just born with pink on the brain.

In this picture, you can see she loves the dress up jewelry she received. She had lots of fun dressing up and playing princess. In addition, we've spent the last month potty training, and she is now diaper-free. Mommy is overjoyed. Our Madeline is like a cat, whereas Jacob is like a dog. Madeline wants you on her terms, when she wishes to snuggle or wants you to color or play. Jacob wants lovin' any old time and prefers constant companionship. I guess that's somewhat stereotypical, but that's just the way it is.

As for Bradley, he's crawling at full-speed. He's 8 months old and can't wait to be a "big kid." His favorite place to crawl is into the big kids' room, up onto Madeline's mattress. He is so happy there and prefers their toys to his "baby" toys. Go figure.

Well, that's just a brief update! Love, All of Us

Bradley @ 6 Months Old Slideshow

We can hardly believe that Baby Bradley is now 6 months old! He's grown so fast and the time has been flying. He continues to be such a sweet heart. He rarely cries, smiles and coos at anyone and everyone, and loves his big sister and brother. Well, he tolerates Madeline and adores Jacob, to be completely honest. Guess that's about right. We are melding well as a family of five. It's quite chaotic at times, as you would imagine, but all turns out well in the end (that is, when everyone's in bed asleep). I survived a long basketball season with John gone most of the time. Fortunately, his team had a great season this year, so it was fun to haul the kiddos to games and witness the excitement.

I know my updates are few and far between--that's just life! God is faithful and keeps us going, moving, loving, and living for Him each and every day.

Who I am is Good Enough

I’m an American, and proud to be one. Instilled in me from an early age was the typical American work ethic, you know, “if you don’t at first succeed, try, try again.” Growing up, I was always encouraged to try harder, study more, make fewer mistakes. While a noble pursuit, I’m naturally hard on myself and always working to “out-do” what I previously accomplished. This often caused me to feel as though I would never be good enough, and was never satisfied with a job well done.

That’s when despair and discouragement often creeps in . . . when I’m focused on what “I’m” able to do in and of myself, and not relying on God to lead, guide, and strengthen me along the way. When I’m trying to do my best in my own strength and energy, I will always fall short, always run out of steam, and never be good enough. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

But when I realize my true identity in Christ and that I was made to glorify Him in all I do, the task at hand seems manageable and I’m able to accomplish something and be satisfied with who I am.

I must avoid putting trust in myself (solely), and remember to put my trust in God: “Do not put your trust in princes, no in a son of man, in whom there is no help . . . for happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 145:3-6

Who I am (in Christ) IS good enough.

Bradley@Two Weeks Old

Bradley is two weeks old in these wonderful images taken by our photographer friend, Sharon Cox (www.sharoncoxphotography.com). Click Here to go to our photo page at Winkflash.com. I'm trying this out instead of Shutterfly because they are a much more affordable service.

Now on the cusp of 6 weeks old, Bradley is growing very well and we are all adjusting with grace. Jacob and Madeline still adore their little brother and dote on him daily. He's lucky to make it a day without chocolate or chicken nugget grease on his head due to the plethora of kisses he receives from his siblings throughout the day.

Bradley is a seemingly peaceful baby with NO COLIC! After two babies with major colic, I'm rejoicing that this baby doesn't seem to exhibit any signs. Praise God! Of course, we'd love him all the same, but if you've ever had a child that screamed unconsolably each night for three hours, you'd be glad not to endure this repeatedly with each child.

Well, I hope you enjoy the images! We've loved hearing from friends and family far and wide and always enjoy an email, letter, or call!

With Love, Lauren, John, Jacob, Madeline, and Bradley Hunter

Bradley John Hunter Has Arrived!

BRADLEY JOHN HUNTER HAS ARRIVED!

We welcomed Bradley into the world on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 6:31am. He weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces, and was 20 inches long. He's extremely healthy and doing very well. He was born with wispy red hair, just like his big sis Madeline. With blue eyes and pink skin, he's a looker! Jacob and Madeline have taken to him dearly and already love caressing his head, singing to him, "playing" with him, and snuggling him as much as possible. Truly, Bradley is a joy.

For more pictures, I've uploaded about a dozen photos to Shutterfly here. We hope you enjoy them!

Lovingly,

John, Lauren, Jacob, Madeline, and Bradley Hunter