Lauren's 5th Birthday

I can't believe that Lauren is 5 already! My how time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was scurrying everybody out of the house in preparation for her birth. She is the one that nearly arrived before the midwife came because I failed to effectively communicate just how far along in labor I was. Her birth is also the only one attended by either family or friends--Michelle Griffin and her mom, Shirley Cikalo, were here to help and were able to watch her birth. Lauren was my longest nurser at 14 months. She stopped nursing the day I miscarried--two losses at once. I still remember that she would curl her body in the shape of the nursing position to let me know she wanted to nurse. She was just a little sweetie--and still is!

Elisabeth dressed Lauren up like a princess for her party

"Close your eyes, Lauren. It's a surprise!"

I'm 5 now!

When I asked Lauren what she wanted to eat for her birthday dinner, she said, "Mashed Potatoes." So I asked her what she wanted with the mashed potatoes. Her reply? "Carrots." The truth is that she loves the vegetables that go along with a roast, but she never eats the roast. She doesn't prefer that meat. So, while she was napping, I decided on tacos, another one of her favorites.

Brian and Tyler at the party

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

Isn't this just the best?

I had asked Chad to move so I could take pictures, but he just couldn't bear to part with this little man snuggled up against his face. ;0}

My heart just melts when I look into the eyes of two of my men!

Derek really enjoyed the cupcakes.