One more thing

I thought I would add one more picture of our precious Emma on this joyous day, but I also wanted to share a sweet story of sibling love rather than rivalry. This weekend, my mama gave Brooke a heart shaped locket and a little pink and silver ring, both of which she absolutely loved! To our dismay and her despair, she lost her ring this afternoon in our backyard. We looked several times in the grass but with no results. Before I go further, let me also inform you that my daddy gave each of the children $5 to spend at the store or to save. To continue, Brooke was in tears when she realized her ring was gone forever, but she went to sleep; I hoped she would forget about her ring, but the first thing she said when she woke up from her nap was, "I lost my ring" (while looking sad and pitiful of course). This next part is what is so incredibly sweet and pulls at your heart strings, Braden informed us all that he was going to use his money to buy Brooke a new ring. He then went to his room, got his $5, put it in his pocket, and told us he was ready to go to the store. Braden was somewhat disappointed when he explained that we didn't shop on Sunday, but he was undeterred; after he finally stopped continually telling me he was going to the store today, I told him we could go tomorrow and he informed me that he was going to buy her a pink ring and a purple ring. It is so sweet to me that Braden would sacrifice his money and a possible treat for himself, so he could make his sister happy. They might fight sometimes, but they do love each other in the end.

Emma's Blessing

Today Rich blessed Emma at church, and it was wonderful. Emma has such a sweet spirit, and you could feel the love that Heavenly Father has for her. It was made even more special by all the people that came to help us celebrate: Daddy, Paul, Elizabeth, Mama, Otis, and Casey and Christina Eichorn drove down from South Carolina as well. Being with family and friends makes those special times even more memorable. After church we took pictures and then headed back to the house for subs; I decided with 3 children, simple would be best. I also decided that no one would look back and talk about what we ate, but they would look back and remember the conversations we had and the time we spent together. I know I will always remember today!

*Oh, as an after thought, when you look at me in all the pictures, remember I just had a baby 4 weeks ago. I think everyone should be proud that I even let someone snap a picture of me without ripping it out of their hands and destroying any evidence of how large my face along with the rest of me is right now; I thought that since it was Sunday though, I should be Christlike.

I want to be a princess

Children are constant entertainment. Yesterday Brooke brought me one of her dresses, which she calls her princess dress. She informed me that she wanted to put on her princess dress and dance. I helped her get ready and then she waltzed around the kitchen; we had just watched a movie where she saw a couple waltz. She first waltzed by herself, then with me, then with Braden, and finally with her daddy when he came home. Braden also wouldn't let me have any peace until we made a tent, so I put sheets over our dining room table and a quilt underneath. He and Brooke dragged toys, books, and snacks into their tent; they had a grand time!

I am the Champion

I, the somewhat frazzled mother of 3, took my 3 children, including a 3 week old, to the library for storytime and to the park. I feel like I have climbed a mountain, run a marathon, conquered my fears; I went out in public with my 3 children, by myself, and I lived to talk about it. Now everyone imagine me singing, "I am the champion, gone is the crazy woman. I am the champion of the mommy world!"

What is good for Emma must be good for all Maseda hoodlums

Braden and Brooke have decided that if Emma gets to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's room, they should too. They often end up sneaking into our room and into our bed early in the morning, when Rich and I both are too groggy to have the energy to take them back to their room; this picture is evidence of one of those mornings. The sad part is that as you can tell from the picture, they are the only ones left in bed; the little stinkers even ended up getting better and more sleep than we did, but they sure look cute doing it! :)

Our Little Fashion Statement

It takes creativity to put an ensemble like this together!

Who is this crazy girl holding me?!?!

Emma's eyes say it all! :)

Pictures of our new addition

Emma Elizabeth Maseda joined our family on March 23rd, weighing in at 7lbs. 6oz. and measuring a grand 21 inches long; we are sooooooooo excited that Heavenly Father blessed us with her special spirit!!!!!