Mac is 9!

Pat and I can't believe that our boy is 9! Seriously, where does the time go?
Mac is a great kid. He is is kind, loving, smart, patient and just well rounded. He does great in school and sports. He makes us laugh and is pretty mature for 9. He watches and observes everyone and everything around him. We are careful with what he watches on the news or TV because he is so observant and sensitive to some of the things he see's. The war really bothers him and any crimes that are reported on the news bother him. I think most 9 year old's probably don't give that stuff much attention. He is compassionate and always wants to help others. I am anxious to see what he accomplishes in his life. I think he will help as many people as he can over his lifetime. He is and has been a true blessing to me personally. I learn things from him all the time. I love being his "Mom"...

For his birthday we usually have a big party and he asks everyone to bring items to donate to the local Humane Society instead of b-day gifts. He has always loved taking all the stuff down to them and loving on a few animals. It's pretty sweet.

We decided to do something different this year. I told him that we had helped many local families this year for Christmas, so we could do something different if he'd like. We decided to "go out", just Dad, him and myself for an evening. We went and saw a movie together and then went out for dinner. He told us he was going to "live it up" and order an appetizer, full dinner and a dessert. He is too funny! He did just that...we also attempted to go to ToysR'us, but they were closed by the time we made it that way. It was a great "quality time" evening with him as the center of our attention. I enjoyed it as much as he did! Pat's mom kept Lilly and Griff for us. I had a hard time leaving Griff for just a few hours...I know...I am a sap!
Can't help it.
Mac will also have a little party tonight with all of his buddies to celebrate his birthday and the New Year.
Hope you all have a Great New Year's Eve and BE SAFE!

Griff at 1 month

It is hard to believe that Baby Griff is a month old. I know 4 weeks isn't that long, but I can barely remember what life was like before we had him...can't imagine life without him. It's amazing how much you love your children from the instant you meet them. It's so strong and deep, it's just mind blowing. We ALL love Griff. He fits into our growing family perfectly. I have had no problems adjusting to 3 kids. I am sometimes a few minutes late getting somewhere, but that's really more my fault at this point.

Griff is meeting all the "one month" milestones with ease. He recognizes all our voices, looks around at things, holds his head up well and he even rolled from his tummy to his back once! Tummy time is not his favorite, but I put him on his tummy for a few minutes each day to help him build up his neck muscles. He is pretty happy lil' guy and laid back. He sleeps through all the chaos and noise in the Potter home and tolerates his Big Sis smothering him all the time and constantly putting a pacifier in his mouth very well. He likes car rides, his swings and even just lying on the floor to stretch out. He is a great sleeper too. Only wakes twice a night to nurse and then usually goes right back to bed. Last night he only woke up once to nurse and that was at
6 am this morning! A full night's sleep was just awesome!

He nurses like a pro and would nurse all the time if I let him, but he also takes a bottle from anyone. I have been trying to pump a lot to have milk stored away for later. It's nice that he will take a bottle if I am busy with the Mac and Lilly or if we are out somewhere. The only time he gets upset about it is at night. He really only wants Momma at night time. He is a tank- I am sure that he is close to 11lbs at the moment. He has big shoulders and a big neck...the name "Griff" fits him perfectly! We have been enjoying getting to know him and look forward to getting to know him better. Everyday he changes a bit and more of his personality comes alive. We are very blessed to have a healthy and happy new baby in our family.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Christmas for The Potter's was busy...went by in a flash! We did Christmas Eve with The Potter side of the family, had our own tradition of Christmas morning, then loaded everyone up and made the trip to Veneta to have Christmas Day with my Mom's side of the family. It was good to see everyone and have them meet Griff, we were pretty exhausted at the end of it all. In fact, I think we are still recovering! HA-

This is Grandpa Jim holding Griff for the first time...
Grandma Fran

Grandma Pam

Both of the kids did well this Christmas...they usually do it seems. This is Lilly in one of her many outfits she got from Santa...all her toys are dress-up items, princesses, books...just all PINK and very girlie...

Mac made a haul with Lego's, books, art supplies, games and this Rocket thing he got...he loves it!

OH...and Lilly even got a PINK hot wheels car. She LOVES it and says that she will have a pink car when she is big enough to drive...
Thanks Destiny!!

Griff slept through it all- Lilly thought he needed to wear her hair bow...

This is Christmas Eve. Brewer is a bit bigger than Griff.

We tried and tried to get a picture of all the cousins, it proved to be a challenge!

I don't have many pics of me with Griff yet, but I hope in the next one I don't look so dang tired!!

Cousin Britty loving on Griff

We hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas. We missed those of you that we did not get to see or spend the holiday with, but you were with us in our hearts!
Happy Holidays-

What a week...

Whew- a week it has been. Very busy, not much sleep, but all in all it was a good one. We are now officially on Christmas Break! Mac and Lilly both had Christmas programs at school, a long with Christmas parties, Mac had his Limo ride that he earned from our latest fundraiser event and Griff had his two week check-up. I was running around a lot! The second video of Lilly's Christmas program is pretty funny. She pushed her class mate, Cole, to the floor because he would not hold her hand when he was suppose to. It's a good thing his parents have a sense of humor and laughed it off! It was kind of cute- they have a little "crush" on each other.

She did a great job and all the kids were very cute! This is her teacher, Mrs. Hartman.

Griff gave her a red rose for her performance!

Mac was totally "psyched" about his Limo ride. They got to cruise around and go to McDonald's for lunch. He was just thrilled! Thanks to all of you for placing orders and supporting his school!

(He is in the green sweatshirt)
I have no pictures/video of his Christmas program because he hid in the back where we could not see him...STINKER!

Griff is doing awesome! He had a great two-week appt. He weighed in at 9 lbs, 8 oz! The boy eats a lot! He also grew a lot in length- he was 19" at birth and now he is 20 3/4" long. He is a very laid back and relaxed guy. He just goes with the flow and sleeps through anything! The kids are still totally in love with him. He is changing/growing very fast. He is even easy to take care of at night. He seems to have no colic or much fussiness. If Pat would let me, I would have many more!

We are now getting ready for Christmas. I have a lot of wrapping to do, but most of the shopping is done. Have just a few small odds and ends to grab. We have some fun activities planned for the kids over our break. I am looking forward to it!
Love ya all-

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Santa!

Santa visited our Family Movie Night at Mac's school this evening! The kids were excited to see him...at least most of them were. Mac does not believe in Santa at the moment! I told him he does exist...

Griff slept for the entire visit-

Catchin' Up-

We call this look "the stink eye"... he gives it to Daddy pretty often! Ha-
Griff is doing great. He had a great report at his one week check-up. He was only down a few ounces in weight. He has his 2 week check on Tuesday and I think he will be over 9 lbs by then. He is a big boy.

Mac and Lilly are AWESOME helpers and have enjoyed Griff. These pictures are from last week. Pat took Lilly to her Nativity Breakfast at school. She thoroughly enjoyed having her Daddy take her and she was all dolled up for the event.
Mac is excited for Christmas break and of course his 9th b-day that is right around the corner...YIKES! I can't believe that he is going to be 9!

I have had no problems with adjusting to 3 kiddo's so far. I pack 'em all up when we have to go somewhere and have been on time to most things. (I am now grateful for my new big bus)
I am a bit sleep deprived, but not bad. Pat has been a huge support and helper- but he ALWAYS is. He is just an awesome hubby, friend and daddy...his Momma raised him right! I have not had to cook a meal since we came home! Our friends and family have brought us meals every night since we came home!! I have meals coming all through next week too. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR THE MEALS! It has been a huge help...you are all a blessing to us.

I know a lot of you have called and get my voice mail- I just can't seem to find a lot of time to answer the phone or chat lately, so bear with me. I will get back on track here soon!
We are going to see Santa this eve and hopefully finish all our Christmas shopping this weekend...this time of the year is sooo busy!
LOVE TO YOU ALL AND KEEP WATCHING FOR MORE PICTURES!

We're Home...

Patrick Griffis Potter is his name. Some of you are curious about where his name came from... Patrick is Pat's name (obviously) and Griffis is my maiden name. We decided to call him Griff. My dad is called Griff by most of his friends and family, so that's where the name came from. We love it and it fits this big baby boy perfectly!

We are home! The kids were sooo excited to see us and meet Griff. It was just awesome to see how excited they were and I had really missed them! Griff handled all the hugs, kisses and pats on the head like a pro. He is doing great and is a good baby so far.

This picture was taken just before we left for the hospital Monday night. I was anxious, but had NO IDEA what was ahead of me....22 hours of labor, whew. I am glad that is all behind me. I had awesome nurses and my OB Doc was incredible. They supported me in my decision to try everything possible to deliver Griff without a C-Section. I appreciated all the support. Pat and Kathy were awesome too!
I also want to thank Momma B (Cathy) for taking care of my angels when I could not. She did a SUPERB JOB. I didn't have to worry one second about them. She went above and beyond...as always. Thanks Momma B, love ya lots!
I will post more later. I am a bit tired...
Thanks again to all of you for your love, prayers and support. We are just thrilled to have Griff in our family!!

Here HE is!!

Patrick Griffis Potter arrived at 6:11 p.m. this evening! He will be called "Griff".

It was a lot of work, but absolutely worth it all.

He weighs 9lbs. and is 19" long...kind of a big boy! I am glad that I didn't wait another few days to be induced. We are all well and the kids are very anxious for us to get home!

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers! We will have more pictures posted soon-

21 Hours and Counting!!!

Hello all! (This is Pat) I am giving a quick update on Laura and the the baby...We started at 8:00 P.M. Monday night and after 21 hours we are still waiting for the baby to get here. It's taking it's time and they just told us we are getting closer. Laura has been playing Super Woman and handling everything they throw at her. She will update more later.