Unfit

Yesterday I decided to take Bryce to church for the first time. Our church starts at 9am, so I knew this would be a challenge. I got up and fed him on one side, then showered and proceeded to do my hair. He started to fuss because he hadn't completely finished eating, but I desperately wanted to be finished with myself before I sat down to feed him again. That way I could balance my remaining time between feeding him and helping the other kids, etc. And, he would get a snack right before we left and therefore maybe last during all of the first meeting.

He continued to fuss, so I placed him on a blanket outside the bathroom where I could see him and he could see me. I then continued with make-up and a few more hair modifications. After a few minutes Chelsea walked into my room. She looked at Bryce crying on the floor and she looked at me in the bathroom. Then she sighed loudly, reached down to pick him up, and said with all the disgust a 6-year-old can muster,

"What kind of mother are you?"

"Can't you see your baby is crying on the floor?"

I paused, unsure if I should defend myself, admit that she was right and apologize, or punish her for being insolent and huffy. I decided on the first.

"I'm just trying to finish up and then I'll feed him." I said. "He's not going to starve."

She looked at me questioningly and carried him out of the room, whispering, "Don't worry, Bryce. Chelsea's here."

I let her go without any further comment because I was afraid if she stayed around I'd get more lectures. And, frankly, she did pacify him for a few minutes. But I finished my hair wondering who exactly was the mother in this situation.

I've decided that my guilt indicates I am the mother --
an apparently unfit one.

Snuggle Buddies

Spencer calls Bryce his "snuggle buddy."

This afternoon the two of them enjoyed
a good ten minutes of "snuggle time"
before Bryce cried and Spencer got bored.

Dinner with Dad

I know it's just dinner, but I had to get a picture of
everyone together at the table.
(Except for me, of course --
I'm comfortably behind the camera.)

Club Nelson

Chelsea & Spence made a "clubhouse"
yesterday in the corner of the playroom.

Club roster included:
Chelsea - President
Spencer - Blanket Manager
Bryce - Hiccup Manager
Pooh Bear - Pillow Manager
Shrek Pez Dispenser - Snack Manager
Rubber Ducky - Squeak Assistant

Bryce had fun for about five minutes,
but he had a hard time following the club rules
such as: "no drooling"
and "each member shall hold their head up straight."

And for some reason, Spencer's "special glasses"
made him cry.

But he did great during "cuddle time."

From Chelsea...

Dad took me to Girls' Camp this week.
It was super fun. We slept in tents and went on a hike.

On our way to the hike, we ran into some sheep.
Actually, they ran into us.
And they weren't in any hurry...

Dad caught a snake. It was cool!

He helped me make my name out of wire.
It turned out really good!

All the girls were very nice to me.

They helped me braid my hair.
We had a spa and I got a facial and a manicure and pedicure.
It was the best camp ever!

The Carterpillar

Extra! Extra!

Read all about it on...Carter's Blog!

www.carterpillar.blogspot.com

It's on my link list.
It's very cool.

Ninja Spence

He's three. Do I need to say more?

Our rules are:
No hitting people, no hitting Bryce, no hitting furniture.

But feel free to look menacing.

Just for Fun

It was time for bed.
But we decided to take pictures instead.

It almost looks like Bryce is smiling!
But it's just gas.

Hey, I'm a week old today!
I think I'll do a little dance...

Head Shots

Here's an eyes-open shot of Bryce.
Although we worked hard to get a response,
this was the most emotion we could elicit.

He's cute. But he's cuter in real life.
You'll have to come visit to see for yourself!

Sunday Incentive

I made a deal with the kids this morning that as soon as they were dressed they could hold Bryce. It was one of our fastest Sunday mornings yet! Good job guys.

And then there were four...

Welcome Bryce!

We love you already!

Chelsea, Carter, and Spencer are thrilled
with their new little toy -- I mean brother.

Spencer is delighted there is now someone younger than him.

What do you mean, "If you love me, change my diapers?"

Bryce, just chillin at home. Finally.

Bryce Everett Nelson was born last night, June 1st, 2007 at 10:27 pm. He came into the world quickly, after only a 1 1/2 hour labor! (I'm determined shorter is not always better...just more intense.) He is healthy, the other kids are happy, and we are all doing well. I planned to stay at the hospital two days, but after spending last night there, I remembered why I hate hospitals so much. There is no real rest in a hospital, just perpetual discomfort and frequent interruptions to remind you of your perpetual discomfort.

The kids are thrilled to have Bryce at home. He is now our resident celebrity. (Overshadowing even Dad's celebrity status a bit.) There was much discussion as to who would get to hold him first, longest and most often.

Dad said, "Mom."
Mom said, "Dad."
And all the kids said, "No, Me!"

I think we'll all have plenty of chances...